Introducing 3 new cats to a household of 3 dogs and a 14 year old cat.

Question
QUESTION: Hello There.
I recently rescue 3 kitten which are 8 months, 6 months, and 4 months.  The problem I have is that the kittens are very outgoing, playful, and not shy at all.  The one who is shy is my 14 year old cat.  I am afraid my shy cat might hurt the kittens.  I already confine them in my bedroom for 7 days with food, water, and their litter box to let them settle down in their new home.  And honestly, the kittens are doing super great.  ( I even recently started to leave the door a little bit open for them to see each other with a gate as protection that way my shy cat and the kittens don't hurt each other.)  However, the kittens are very full of energy and they are already trying to get out of my room to explore more the rest of the house and I do not know if I should let them go out one by one or all at the same time and if it is a good idea to introduce them now or if I should wait a little bit longer.  Also, I have 3 dogs, too. The pooches are 3 years 8 months, 3 years, 1 yr 4 months. The dogs and my old cat worked things out by ignoring each other, of course, with the rule of "I don't bother you if you don't bother me." (That rule mostly applies from the cat to the dogs.) However, with the new kittens, they tend to chase each other and I am afraid the kittens will try to pounce the dogs playfully and the dogs will feel attack or fearful of the kittens.  At the same time, the kittens are very curious of the dogs and the dogs are curious as well but they approach with caution.  Also, the 8 month kitten tend to hiss to the dogs and something he smackes them in the face and the dogs are a little afraid and even intimidated of that particular kitten.  But, that same kitten is very sweet and sometimes he tries to get close to the dogs at the kitten's own terms. So please give an advise that I can use in my situation.  I really would appreciate your help.

Once again thank you

Silvia

ANSWER: Hi Silvia!

The interaction between the cat and the kittens should work itself out. Keep the feeding bowls and sleeping areas separate from the older cat's. Give extra attention to the older cat as often as possible. And keep the claws trimmed on all of them. The kittens will soon realize that the older cat is not friendly. After a  bunch of hisses, spits, growls, and slapping the kittens should learn to avoid the cat. Unless there are chunks of fur flying or serious bloodshed then I wouldn't worry. They will set ther own boundries.

As for the dogs, more caution is needed. Dogs can seriously injure a kitten, intentionally and unintentionally. It also depends on the the breeds of dogs. I am including links to good articles about cat and dog introductions that may be helpful to you. Copy and paste, or type the whole link in your address bar:

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattodogintro

and

http://www.petplace.com/cats/cats-living-with-dogs/page1.aspx

Hope these help and that you have harmony in your home soon.

Carol



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: HELP!!!
This is Silvia again with another question.  I want to thank you for trying so hard to help me out and for answering my endless questions about my new 3 members of my family.
The question I have is that my cats are very active at nighttime (Between midnight and 3 am in the morning)  and they run back and forth in the hallway.  The problem I have is that I live in a flat and there is an in-law (apartment) down under mine.  And I am afraid the people might complain and make me give my babies away.  Please, do you have an answer for my problem?  I am truly worry.

Thanks for your time and for replying so fast.

Silvia

Answer
Hi Silvia!

Glad to hear from you again. Ask away anytime.

As far as the nocturnal playing:

Keep your cats up during the day and increase daytime activity. Try playing games, giving your cat a cat tower near a window, or providing cat videos for your cat's viewing pleasure (mine love them! I have 2 from this company: http://petsittervideos.com/index.html).
Rotate toys every few days to reduce boredom and add interest.
Play with your cat in the evening before bedtime. Get a pet laser light. Use it before going to bed. They can wear themselves out trying to catch it.

Feed your cats a can of catfood at night before you go to bed so they are full and (hopefully) will go to sleep.

Get a remenant carpet runner and put it over your hallway carpet to muffle the noise.

They will slow down as they get older. The playing means you have happy, healthy cats!

Carol