We brought a kitten home, but the cat hisses, what should we do? - briefly
When introducing a new kitten to your household, it's normal for your adult cat to exhibit some initial aggression, such as hissing. To mitigate this, keep the kitten in a separate room initially and allow gradual interaction under supervision. This process can take several days or even weeks, so patience is key.
We brought a kitten home, but the cat hisses, what should we do? - in detail
When you bring a new kitten into your home and your resident cat begins to hiss, it can be concerning. Hissing is a common feline behavior that indicates stress, fear, or aggression. To help your cats acclimate to each other and reduce hissing, follow these detailed steps:
-
Prepare the Environment: Before introducing the kitten, create a safe space for both cats. Set up a separate room with all necessary amenities—litter box, food, water, bedding, and toys—for the new kitten. Allow your resident cat to explore this area before the kitten arrives to become familiar with the new scents.
-
Gradual Introduction: Initially, keep the kitten isolated in its designated room for a few days. This allows both cats time to adjust to each other's presence through scent. Swap bedding or towels between their spaces so they can get used to each other’s smell without direct contact.
-
Supervised Meetings: After a few days, start with brief, supervised meetings. Place the kitten in a carrier and let your resident cat explore it from a distance. Gradually increase the duration of these encounters, but always monitor their interactions closely.
-
Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior with treats or praise. This helps both cats associate each other’s presence with positive experiences. Use high-value rewards that your cats find particularly appealing to reinforce good conduct.
-
Create Positive Associations: Feed the cats on either side of a closed door, so they start associating the presence of the other cat with mealtime, which is typically a pleasant experience for them.
-
Ignore Hissing: Avoid punishing or scolding your resident cat for hissing. It’s their natural response to stress and can escalate into more aggressive behavior if they feel threatened. Instead, calmly separate the cats if hissing becomes excessive.
-
Patience and Time: Integrating a new kitten into a household with an existing cat takes time. Be patient and allow them to set their own pace for bonding. It can take weeks or even months for some cats to fully accept each other.
-
Consult a Professional: If hissing persists and you notice signs of escalating aggression, consult a veterinarian or animal behaviorist. They can provide personalized advice and strategies tailored to your specific situation.
By following these steps, you can help your cats coexist peacefully and minimize hissing incidents.