0

Will My Cat Run Away If I Get A New Kitten?

If you have a new kitten or planning to get one, you may be wondering what impact it may have on your resident cat…

Will My Cat Run Away If I Get A Kitten?

While it’s not common for cats to run away when a new kitten comes home, it’s a potential risk. There’s no harm in putting safeguards in place to avoid having your cat escape because they don’t want to be around your kitten. Furthermore, taking your time bringing the two cats together can help avoid having either cat feel threatened or unsafe in the home.

While every cat will have their preferences, it’s well-known that cats are not fans of having their routines changed. Adding a new cat to the home is a major change, and many cats will not adjust very well to this change at first.

Do Cats Usually Accept A New Kitten?

It’s not unheard of for cats to immediately take to a new kitten and create an instant bond, but no guarantee will happen. You should always start with proper socialization to slowly get the cats to know each other regardless of each of their personalities.

You should never just bring a kitten home and leave each cat to its own devices. Cats will not just instinctively learn how to like each other and become best friends. You have to be willing to put in the work to socialize with each other, and respect that it could take a lot of time and effort.

Can Cats Get Jealous Of Kittens?

Cats can get jealous of kittens if the kitten is getting more attention than they are, or the kitten seems to be getting better treatment. Your cat will often show a host of physical signs that they are not quite happy with the current situation, so it’s important to listen and find a compromise that keeps both cats happy.

Your cat might cling to you more when the kitten is not around and may exhibit problematic behavior such as territory marking or property destruction. They might also hiss and growl at the kitten when they are nearby. Be sure you can adequately care for each cat before making the choice to add a new one to the family.

How Can I Introduce My Cat To My New Kitten?

Cats need to be introduced to each other very slowly, and you need to pay attention to the cues each cat gives for when they are ready, and when they have had enough. Both cats need their own space for a bit, with small, supervised introductions.

You can increase the amount of time they spend together slowly, trying to encourage mutual play or mutual meals. Each needs their own time with you as well so they don’t feel neglected.

Should I Keep My Cat And Kitten Separated On Day One?

Your cat and your new kitten should stay separated on the first day you bring the kitten home. You should have already prepared a separate space with a door for your kitten with all their essential needs inside. Trying to bring your two cats together right away could be very upsetting for everyone involved.

Will A New Cat Run Away?

A new cat in the home may try to escape or run away due to the stress of being in a new space. When cats are exposed to sudden change or don’t feel comfortable in their environment, they might seek out a more secluded space to feel safer.

If your other cat isn’t making your new cat feel welcome, they might also try to scurry off to avoid more confrontation.

When Can I Leave My New Kitten Alone With My Cat?

A new kitten shouldn’t be left alone for the first few months of its life for more than a couple of hours at a time. Kittens shouldn’t be alone, especially with another cat easily having access to them, for the first six months; afterward, they should be okay for a typical work day.

Your two cats shouldn’t be left alone together until you know they get along, or at least tolerate each other to the point that they are causing each other stress. Before this point, both cats should be in a separate space when you have to leave with all their necessities.

What If My Cat Hates My New Kitten?

Socializing two cats isn’t always a linear process; sometimes, you’ll have to start at the beginning again and keep cats separated, slowly getting them used to each other’s scent. They should only get to see each other for short periods with supervision, and you need to separate them as soon as one is in distress.

Is It Better To Have Two Cats Of The Same Gender?

Having two cats of the same gender is no guarantee that your cats will or won’t get along. Cats getting along is more about personality, temperament, and previous experiences than gender. Of course, you want to ensure that both cats are fixed when they can be if you have two cats of different genders.

It’s often believed that male cats are more territorial than female cats, while it’s believed that females are less friendly. Neither of these beliefs is definitive facts. Natural temperament and upbringing as well as proper socialization are the only ways to know if two cats can get along regardless of gender.

What Happens If You Introduce Cats Too Quickly?

Introducing cats too quickly can put each in a state of panic, distress, or fear. Neither may feel as though they are safe in their environment, and may find it difficult to relax, get proper rest, or eat. If this goes on for too long, neither cat will be happy or healthy, so you’ll have to start your introductions from scratch again.

You will have to isolate each cat, giving them each a safe and separate space with all their needs met. Try to get them used to each others’ scents for some time before letting them see each other. Remember that patience is crucial, and you can’t rush either cat to get used to the other.