How should we introduce our garage/outside kitten to our house/outside cat?

Question

We have a two year old cat who goes out during the day and is in during the night, and she is very timid and fearful of new things. Recently, we adopted a stray kitten (about three or four months old) who we plan to keep in our at-home auto repair garage. We plan to let the kitten outside during the day once he's older, and we want to introduce the two before they meet up outside and either get into a fight or have one run away. 

We have had the kitten (Rocko) in the house twice now, and both times our cat (Bean) has become very agitated, hissing and growling and eying him from hiding spots. Rocko is very laid-back and doesn't seem to mind Bean's hissing, but we haven't let the two get within several feet of each other. I don't want Bean to hurt Rocko out of fear if he approaches her, as she does have all of her claws and is a known biter.

How can we introduce the two without having at least one traumatised cat?

Kate Corkish · Accepted Answer

I have two cats and we put them in a room together under plenty of supervision and held both of them very close together and let them sniff each other for a while then separated them again. If you are on your own I suggest getting a friend to help you especialy if one of your cats gets agitated easily. Keep doing this every day for a week or so (longer if you need to) then put them in a room together and just stand to the side so you can intervene if any fighting goes on. You can also get pheromone diffusers which are plugged into the wall this can calm frightened or worried cats, these can be purchased from pet shops. 




I hope this helps. Good Luck!!

PR · Answer

Keep Rocko in a bathroom so the other cat can smell him from under the door. Keep litter, water and bedding in there for Rocko. Leave him in there (except for playtimes when you are playing with hiim), for about 2 or 3 weeks. Eventually, let them be together for very short playtimes with you right there. Take it slow. Let them eat together, but about 6 feet apart. Guard both cats during feedings, and watch for signs of aggression. Reassure them and take any necessary measures to keep both safe and happy, should they seem aggitated: pet, reassure, talk to them.

Lady Machette · Answer

introduce them through a closed door.  Or if u dont want to do that you can let the older cat smell something of the new cats and vice-versa.....they should get used to eachothers smells. and once they get a bit calmer introduce them through a baby gate or something sturdy but see-through

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How should we introduce our garage/outside kitten to our house/outside cat?

3 Answers