Introducing a New Kitten to The Household
Getting a new cat or kitten and adding it to your household should be a fun and exciting experience. However, cats are very territorial and may not take kindly to this new addition to "their" domain. The key is to gradually introduce the new cat or kitten to the cat that is already the resident in your household. The following suggestion should assist you with the transition and ensure its success.
Get Prepared in Advance:
It is always a good idea to prepare for your new arrival several days in advance by getting food and water bowls, litter box, toys, scratching post.
- Talk to your breeder on recommendations on what food the kitten is eating to avoid stomach upset.
- Talk to your breeder to find out what litter the kitten is used to.
View our Supply List for recommendations on specific products, toys, grooming products, and food and water dishes.
Cat Proof Your Home:
Prior to bringing your new Persian cat or Persia kitten home, you should always cat proof your home.
- Close open windows
- Remove toxic plants
- Keep electrical cords to a minimum
When planning on what day to bring your Persian home, schedule it for a time when you can be home, and it will be quiet, such as the beginning of a weekend.
A Place of its Own:
Provide your new kitten with a safe spot so they can adjust to their new home without the chaos of a busy household which can be stressful. Ideally, this area should be a spare bedroom, bathroom or even the laundry room in a pinch; as long as it has a door to that you can close off from the rest of the household. For those homes without an extra room or bathroom, you can use a large dog crate into a kitty condo. The room that the new kitten is placed into should have all the basic necessities including food, water litter box, a resting place and some type of scratching post or pad. It is also a good idea to provide the kitten with toys so it does not get bored. During this time you should spend "bonding" time with the kitten – do not isolate the kitten from you or other members of the household. Other animals should not be permitted into the room or area that the new kitten is being sequestered in. Ideally, the new kitten and the existing cat, kitten or dog will start to play together under the door (or through the grate if using a dog crate) and get used to each other's scent. This "introduction" period should be for about 10 – 12 days. This also ensures that the new kitten does not get the existing cat or kitten with any viruses or anything else it might carry in or get from being stressed at getting used to a new home.
Cats and Children:
- If you regularly trim your cats' nails on a weekly basis it will help to protect against inadvertent injury to a child.
- Young children should always be monitored around pets and taught appropriate pet handling skills. Rough handling, poking, hitting, pulling the kitten's fur should never be allowed.
- Defensive aggression can be a potential consequence when a cat is scared or is in pain.
- Kittens are especially vulnerable to injury, due to their small size, so close supervision is advised around children. Never leave a child alone with a kitten.
- Providing an "escape" for the kitten or cat is a good idea – elevated perch.
- A good rule of thumb is to always let the cat or kitten initiate the contact with children instead of having the child approach the cat as sometimes the child's quick moves will scare off a cat. Never let a child chase a cat.
Cats and Dogs:
- Follow the introduction process outlined above under supervised conditions so that you can intervene if necessary.
- Trimming the kitten or cat's nails weekly will minimize injury if they do get into a fight.
- Make sure each new kitten or cat gets daily play and cuddle time.
Environmental Pheromones:
- Feliway® is a synthetic feline pheromone that may help to calm and relax your kitten or cat. This is product is available as a plug-in diffuser or a spray bottle. Ideally, it should be put in place about a week prior to the new kitten coming into your home.
Above all enjoy the new addition, relax and have patience with the process.
