This post may contain affiliate links. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners.
You know what they say; two heads are better than one. And many cat lovers will agree; especially when those two heads are fuzzy-eared and sprout whiskers. Going from a one-cat home to a two-cat home can be exciting and fun, giving a whole new meaning to the phrase “the more the merrier.” But the biggest problem that cat owners often have when adding a new cat to the home is worrying about how their resident adult cat will react; especially when that new cat is just a kitten.
Kittens and Adult Cats
Bringing a kitten into your home can be tricky when you already have an adult cat who has been living there for a while. Kittens are curious, playful, and a bundle of energy. They need (and demand) attention in one way or another and trouble is their middle name. It might take your adult cat awhile to get used to this new behavior, but it can end up as a lovely pairing if you take the time to do it right. All cats are different and what works for some might not work for others, but as long as you keep a watchful eye, things will be okay.
Kittens and Senior Cats
If you have a senior cat, you might want to reconsider getting a kitten. Kittens want to play all of the time and your senior cat probably just wants to lounge. The kitten will be a nuisance to the senior cat and the senior cat will seem like an old curmudgeon to the kitten, which will leave you with two frustrated pets. A senior cat might do better with an adult cat as the energy levels are often lower and while they might not be the best of friends, they will most likely find a way to get along and at least share some companionship.
Can’t We All Just Get Along?
Some cats are very laid back and are known to get along better with other pets, some not-so-much. By following some basic steps, you’ll make the welcoming party a little easier on everyone. Though they might not get along at first, and you might even hear some hissing, you might be surprised at how quickly they adapt.
1) Isolate. For the first few days after you bring home your new kitten, keep her isolated and in a separate room away from the adult cat. You will need to schedule a vet visit to make sure that she is healthy and doesn’t have anything that can be transmitted to your adult cat.
2) Swap Scents. During the next part of the isolation phase, swap scents with your cats. This can be done by rubbing a towel or an old t-shirt on each one and then placing the item near the other. This will get them used to each other’s scent before introductions.
3) Swap Rooms. Put the kitten into a carrier and take her out of the room where she has been isolated. Let the adult cat into the room to explore the scent and shut the door. Then let the kitten roam the house while the adult is contained.
4) Let Them See. Let the cats see each other without making contact. Use a cat carrier or a cracked open door so they can still feel secure.
5) Supervised Visitation. Bring the cats together for very short periods while you supervise directly. Use food or treats to bring them together. Be sure to separate them at the first sign of aggression or fear.
6) Longer Sessions. Let them visit together for longer periods while you are still vigilant about supervision. You want them to get used to each other, but not give them too much time to become aggressive.
7) Limited Free Association. As long as both kitten and adult cat are doing well without any hostility, you can let them mingle freely for longer periods with more moderate supervision. Watch both of them for any aggression or extreme fear.
8) Let Them Go. Finally, you can let them mingle and pal around freely without too much supervision. Of course, you should still keep an open eye and ear for trouble if it crops up. Remember that kittens under 16 weeks old should have more supervision than kittens who are older.
Best Cat Food For Kittens
To keep your kitten healthy and growing strong, you’ll want to feed her a kitten formula specific for her growing needs. This will be different from what you feed your adult cat, so separate feeding areas and do not allow free-feeding until they are both at the same stage and can eat the same food. Be sure that you limit fillers like corn and wheat, which can cause tummy troubles and allergies, and load up on real meats, which are needed by all cats to get proper nutrition. Some very good brands to try include:
- Innova Kitten Food
- Felix Kitten As Good As It Looks
- By Nature Kitten Formula
- Orijen Cat And Kitten Formula
Best Cat Food For Adult Cats
By now you have probably been feeding your adult cat food that meets his needs, from real meat and protein to plenty of taurine for good eye health. There are many brands that contain artificial colors and preservatives, so check the labels to be sure that your cat food brand is not one of them. And just like a kitten, your adult cat does not need a high amount of grains and fillers, like corn products, that can cause allergies and digestive troubles. If you are thinking about switching to something with better quality, consider:
- Blue Wilderness Adult Duck
- Evo Herring and Salmon Cat Food
- Natural Balance Alpha Chicken Turkey Meal and Duck
- Wellness Complete Health Beef Chicken Recipe
It might seem like a lot of time and energy to get them together in this way, but it will be worth it in the end. Eventually your adult cat and new kitten will find their own place in your home and be able to share experiences, fun, and you!
