Abyssinian kitten with 2 year tabby resident

Question
Hi Norm. About two years ago we got two male shorthair tabbys (brothers) from the local Humane Society. After a few months, one died of an anemic condition. We're about to get an Abyssinian male kitten. I've read some advice about integration techniques, but I would like to learn more, and from you, the expert in such matters. I thank you very much, and remain, sincerely, John David

Answer
John David,

Here is a technique we have used and had our pet buyers use for introducing an Abyssinian (or any cat, for that matter) into a household with already established pets.  The odds are your established cats would be more accepting of a kitten or young adults, but I do know of a number of situations where an older cat did integrate well into the household.

 

Start out your new kitten in one room with a litter pan and water dish. Ideally, the one room should be a bedroom with yourself or another human resident. This accomplishes a couple of things. Your new kitten will not be overwhelmed by its new surroundings and get "lost", and thusly will have no problem finding the litter pan (often kittens have been confined and are somewhat daunted by wide open spaces!). You will feed the new kitten in this room and keep the established cats out. It allows the new kitten to bond with you or another human being and also build up some self assurance in its new surroundings since it will not have to compete for food or attention right away. Finally, it allows the new kitten and the established cats to sniff each other under the door and get familiar with each others' scents.

After 3-5 days of being in its one room, it is time to let them meet each other. Be prepared for some posturing, some spitting and hissing, and the like. IGNORE IT! After a while, they should begin chasing each other about and still have the occasional hiss or spit as they get accustomed to each other. Cats tend to make a whole lot of noise and even loosen up some fur. Rarely will two cats hurt each other.

Once they are introduced, there are a couple of things you must remember. Do not separate them again, they will get along! Do not interfere in their "discussions" as they need to sort it out amongst themselves!

It does not hurt to give the established cats treats and extra attention after the new kitten is introduced (yes, cats do get jealous!).

A couple of things you may have to do are to feed them on separate dishes. Provide more than one litter pan in different areas of the household (as cats can be very territorial about litter pans).

All, in all, this method seems to have had great success in the past and makes for a fairly smooth introduction. Please remember that they may make up immediately, or it may take a few weeks.

Best regards... Norm.