Introducing a new kitten to my two existing cats. Advice?

[Beausoir]

Found a kitten huddled under my garbage cans. A pretty 3 month old Calico on the verge of starvation. I turned her over to the local animal shelter a few days ago. I couldn't stop thinking about her so I called to see how she was and they told me they weren't even going to try and find a home for her. She will be euthanized. They took in 30 strays just today alone and this is in a SMALL town in Minnesota. They just don't have the room.

I couldn't stand the thought of her being put down, so I'm taking her to our vet tomorrow afternoon for all the tests and shots and a nice bath and nail trim.

Then...home to her new place...with two 12 year old cats who barely tolerate each other.

How can I make this transition as easy as possible for them all?

[crim son]

1. I don't know, but I'd make the introduction very slow.

I recently brought home a new kitten. Our older cat has never had to deal with any other pets and I was concerned about how he'd react, particularly as he is a sensitive and stand-offish cat to begin with. To my surprise, Max has been pretty good with Benny. They regularly engage in tussles, with Max spitting and meowing (Benny is a silent cat), paws wrapped around one another's bodies, going for the throat etc., but it's all play. Max has never injured Ben Ben in any way, even when he's been tormented for hours by the relentless little guy. The loudest complaints Max makes are when Benny comes to join him when he's eating, but all I do is separate them so they're eating from different edges of the dish, and peace reigns.

[slestak]

6. Make sure each one has a litter box

and a food bowl.

This will make your world a better place. :)

[crim son]

9. Only the little guy uses litter.

We tried the two food bowls but Benny wouldn't use his, nor would Max use Benny's. Se we have one big one. Cat's that eat together... oh I don't know. I caught them cuddling in a guest bedroom last week. :)

[matcom]

2. lock kitten in room for 3 days

let them sniff each other (DO NOT TAKE KITTEN OUT EARLY)

then for another 3 days, only SUPERVISED 'visits'

IMMEDIATELY after putting kitten BACK into locked room, give your other 2 TONS OF LOVE

then, let them loose and God will sort them out

[Sanity Claws]

10. Matcom gave sensible advice?

Is Mrs. Matcom posting under his name?
Hey Matcom, when should they introduce the kitty to the birds outside?

[Alleycat]

11. Yep this is what we did

everything worked out fine in our three kitty household.

By the way you are a kind soul!
Thanks

[havocmom]

3. Keep kitten in separate room, behind closed door if at all possible.

Let everyone sniff and get to know each other SLOWLY.

Put food dishes on either side of door and give older cats special treats. Helps them get along if they equate the scent of the new comer to getting special goodies (how do they feel about baby food meats? Cats usually go bonkers for a little spoon of Gerber's strained turkey, and it has a mildly sedating effect ;) )

Lavish attention on your older cats. Make sure they don't get their noses outta joint and feel threatened by the new kid. Do make sure everybody remembers YOU are in charge and expect good manners.

Give it a couple days with a separating barrier (closed door) and then introduce them for real. Make sure you are there keeping the peace for the next few days. Separate them when you have to be gone.

Give them time. Expect some snarling. Only panic if fur really flies. Make sure there is a hide out the kitten can get into but the big cats can't once you let them all be together. The little guy might need a hidey-hole for safety for a few days. Sometimes under the couch or a chair works if the older cats can't get in there.

Bless you for your kindness. It is a special thing, opening your life to a critter in need. The rewards will be great... eventually ;)

[begin_within]

4. The older cats will resent her at first for invading their territory, so there may

be a lot of growling and hissing for a week or two. But after that, they will get used to her and will either accept her as part of the "gang" or else just ignore her. It's much easier to introduce a kitten into a household with established cats than it is to introduce an adult cat into the same situation. Possibly, one or the other will accept the kitten and even act a little like their "big brother/sister."

[Kashka-Kat]

5. Mingle their scents- rub towel on first one cat then the other. Our local radio pet psychologist

recommends re-introducing cats that don't get along the same way as you do new cats, ie by keeping separate until they get used to ea others scents--- maybe you can take this opportunity to separate the 12 yr olds too and start them all off on equal footing. Of course if you have a small house that might not be practical.

[hedgehog]

7. Be sure none of them can get out of the house.

I always use the towel method and have never had any problems.

[cwydro]

8. give the newbie a room of her own if poss.

just at first and then let them all get to know each other and let them deal with it (while keeping an eye out). I have introduced I don't even KNOW how many new critters throughout the years...

[ironflange]

12. We just plunged right in

We have always just introduced them right away; but then our cats have always been pretty mellow. This time, we brought home tiny Amber, first introduced her to Nicki, the stripey one. The reaction we got was "OK, whatever." Cleo, the black one, came along, cautiously sniffing. As their noses were nearly touching, Amber sucker-punched her right across the ear. So much for that, Cleo has been cool at best toward the kitten ever since. Two years. Naturally, Amber loves to turn Cleo's crank, she stalks her, ambushes her, and just generally bugs her.

Obviously, I don't recommend this technique in your situation.