Kitten Intro's

[Methodica]

I'm going to pick up a new kitten tommorow for a play mate for my 4.5 month old kitten Dante. Any suggestions on how I should deal with the new kittie for the first few days?

[Nell]

Here are some good links that should help you out:

Introducing a New Cat to Your Other Pets (http://www.ddfl.org/behavior/catintro.htm)

Cat to Cat Introductions (http://www.cuhumane.org/topics/catcat.html)

The Importance of a Good Introduction (http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/getting_a_cat/good_introduction.html)

Good luck with the new kitten. Keep us updated and post some pics if you can!

[Methodica]

I read the article about the intro's. Do you think I will have to keep to kittens sperated for so long. I figured kittens would get along right away.

[Nell]

I don't think there's really a specific set amount of time that you have to keep them seperated. Every cat is different when it comes to introductions. Some take a really long time to get used to each other and others hit it off right away. Because they're both kittens, chances are it won't take them very long before they're getting along. Just take it slow. You'll be able to judge by their reactions when its time to take the next step. :)

Keep us updated on how it goes!

[head]

i personally would make sure that your new kitten is dewormed before introductions at the VERY least. personally i quarentine every animal that is introduced into the house weather they are a rat or a cat for 2 weeks to ensure there is an easy adjustment, i can monitor behavior and food intake and ensure that all is clear health wise.

[opokki]

i personally would make sure that your new kitten is dewormed before introductions at the VERY least. personally i quarentine every animal that is introduced into the house weather they are a rat or a cat for 2 weeks to ensure there is an easy adjustment, i can monitor behavior and food intake and ensure that all is clear health wise.

Same here. I've taken in a few strays and wanted to be sure they were heatlhy and disease free before introducing them to my resident pets. It really does seem to make intros less stressful on all parties as well.

[head]

some other things to suggest testing for is Feline leukemia and FIV. it is done with a small blood test sample and a snap test. fairly quick results and its a safe precaution. more and more veterinarians are making this a requirement of new kitten exams.

[Methodica]

Well I picked up my new kitten a jet black female siamese. Shes a little stressed out right now since she had a rough trip to my home.

I have her in a seperate room right now (bathroom) and shes calming down a bit. I held her for about 15 mins and she was purring away.

Unfortatenly she had a 10 second meeting with Dante while I moved her to my living for a bit and it did not go to well. She was curious about Dante but unfortately Dante hissed at her. So it looks like im going to have to take it real slow. Surpised me because the last cat Dante was around he wanted to play with her instantly. But she was bigger then Dante...

I have a vet appointment with her tommorow and will get her fully checked out.

[lastunicorn86]

i fostered many kittens in my home and once they were health checked i set them loose in the house, after showing them the food/water dishes and litter box, and i have never had any problems with fighting or intros. that just may be my luck though. ;-)

[Methodica]

Still have trouble with intro's. But Im being very patient. I'm keeping them completely seperated. She is my bathroom right now which is fairly small and i think thats helping her with her stress.

What im doing so far is leaving her in there and going in every couple of hours and playing with her. Shes really starting to warm up to me and is starting to play.

Also 2 times yesterday I took her out of the bath room and took her to my living room and played with her. At the same time I put Dante in the bathroom she was in to get use to her smell.

The last time I switch them I let the new kitten go up to Dante and sniff him and they were calm for a couple of seconds then Dante his at her and I moved them both... But he did let her approuch him that time.. so I guess it will be baby steps for them both.

When I'm at the vet today with her im going to talk to the vet about getting Dante Nutered soon. They said last time I was there that I need to wait till hes 6months but I might be able to do it sooner since Dante is so big (almost 10 pounds now and 4.5 months). Hopefully that will help a bit too.

ps. Someone at work mentioned to me that Siamese cats don't get along with other non Siamese cats... is there any truth to this because Danta is an American Short hair.