We are getting a new kitten! In a few months after we get back from Japan. We are going to get another Siberian so we have gone to see the breeder who has two pregnant cats due any day now! Very exciting.
It took me a while to come around to the idea because I only want to do what's best for Leska but I have decided that it would be best for him to have a friend, especially for when we are not home as he is a very social cat. The breeder assures me Siberians are very welcoming of new cats, in fact any new pet or tiny human :-)
I have been doing some research on introducing a new furry family member and have discovered some good pointers!
Here is a website I found very helpful -
Introducing a Second Cat
I will definitely make a post about how the introductions go!
It took me a while to come around to the idea because I only want to do what's best for Leska but I have decided that it would be best for him to have a friend, especially for when we are not home as he is a very social cat. The breeder assures me Siberians are very welcoming of new cats, in fact any new pet or tiny human :-)
I have been doing some research on introducing a new furry family member and have discovered some good pointers!
- Before you bring the new kitten home, take a piece of clothing that has your smell and your adult cat's smell on it to the breeder for the kitten to become familiar with before he goes to his new home (smell is very important to cats, sometimes even more so than sight).
- Have a room set up for the kitten with everything he will need (bedding, scratcher, toys, food and water and litter tray). Bring him home in a carrier and place him in his room. Let him explore by himself without forcing him - he will most likely be scared and shy.
- Keep your adult cat out in the rest of the house and make sure you give him lots of attention.
- Let your adult cat and the new kitten smell each other and paw at each other underneath the closed door between them.
- You can get a cloth and wipe your adult cat's face (they have secretions on their face that they rub over furniture and their humans to "mark" them) and the kittens face and pass the cloth between them so they can get used to each other's smell.
- Once they are both happy and relaxed you can let them see each other through the door.
- It is normal for a bit of hissing to begin with; don't scold either cat as they will associate the whole situation with negative emotions. Award good behaviour with treats and pats.
- Don't leave them alone together until you are sure they are getting along.
Here is a website I found very helpful -
Introducing a Second Cat
I will definitely make a post about how the introductions go!