How long does it take to introduce a new cat to the home?

1. 78

   calynbanaposted 12 years ago

   How long does it take to introduce a new cat to the home?
   
   I have a 5 month old female kitten who has been at my home for about two months now. Yesterday I brought home a new cat, a 15 month old (huge!) male. He has been hissing and growling since he got home whenever he is looked at. How long does introduction usually take, and do you have any tips to make the transition smoother for both felines?

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2. 78

   davidlivermoreposted 12 years ago

   I remember going through this.  It was rough for awhile.  But it took just about a couple weeks for the new cat and old cat to get used to one another, and eventually like each other.
   
   You did it smartly though.  You have two cats, each with a different gender and age.  Those type of pairings adjust a lot easier and become closer to one another.  I introduced a female cat to another female cat, and they were both the same age.  So it was a rougher introduction.
   
   Now, they can't get enough of one another.
   
   Give it another week and they should be fine.  Just let them sniff and get used to seeing one another.

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   1. 78

      calynbanaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks They came nose to nose this morning! I was so nervous for my kitten because she accidentally jumped on his head. But he didn't do anything but squeak at her!

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3. 67

   LCDWriterposted 12 years ago

   I have introduced new cats to homes as adults, as senior cats and as kittens.  If you have the capability, allow him to be in a separate room for a few days so he doesn't feel threatened, can adjust to the sounds and smells of the house and feels like he can go to sleep without being bothered.  Make it his space (I usually use a bathroom).  Then, when you are around, open the door and let him come out when he wants to and explore.  It's okay if he wants to hide or the kitten wants to hide.  This is normal.
   
   They will hiss at each other and they may even get into a fight.  This is part of cats getting to know each other, deciding who ranks where in the house, etc.  It can take up to several weeks for that age but it will happen.  They will figure out a way to get along.  But it does sometimes take longer than people expect.

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4. 0

   lisasuniquevoiceposted 12 years ago

   When I brought home a new cat I kept him in a separate room for about ten days. I put his box at one end of the room and his food at the other. I let him out into the rest of the house for short periods of time and then I put him back in his room. The first cat would come into his room and visit too. It worked. They play together all of the time now.
   Good luck,
   Lisa

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   1. 78

      calynbanaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, unfortunately I cannot keep them in separate rooms. My kitten can open doors! They have been following each other around though and things are seeming a lot better than this morning! No more hissing or growling.

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