Introducing Your Kitten

Every time I deliver a kitten to a new family, I have this speech about introducing the kitten to their house and family. While many follow my recommendations to the letter and then some, others (and there have been more than just a few), unzip the carrier and invite them into their home. Cold turkey. Some kittens make take this very direct approach as an opportunity, but others may find this lack of transition more challenging, creating stress within the kitten or cat.

Here are some of my tips and tricks for a smooth and successful introduction:

• Create a safe space away from the hustle and bustle of the family. Have the kittens food, water fountain, litter box, and toys ready in their space.
• Slowly introduce the kitten over a course of days or weeks, if needed.
• Allow for the exchange of scents by changing out the house cat or dog, and the new kittens safe room, which allows them to smell each other, without seeing each other. You can expect both cats and dogs to sniff around the door, before they meet face-to-face.

You can also utilize “exchange of scents” rubbing them against each other, or taking a small microfiber cloth rubbing it on each pet, then taking that cloth, and rubbing it on the other. There are also essential oils created by vets, just for easing the anxiety or fear of introducing a new pet.

• Consider the individual temperaments and history, before the other cats or dogs are actually introduced. While some may adjust in a day or two, others may need to take the process much more slowly.
• The great news is, I have never had a situation where cats, dogs, and kittens, failed to integrate in the family. With enough time, and patience, they will eventually work it out.