Introducing Little Vesuvius

by Athena Milanka
(Hobart TAS Australia)

Hi, I am about to introduce a new kitten to my house. I have a dog (Toona, terrier x 11 years, x cruelty case) and a cat (Sophia-White or Sophia, tortie female, 7 years).

Two years ago Sophia lost an entire litter of kittens late in the pregnancy. The kittens died inside her and her womb was going all septic, and she was dying. Consequently, they had to take everything out and she was unable to replace the lost kittens.

I feel in my guts that Sophia needs feline company, and the kittens she lost need to be replaced. She was never right after loosing those kittens. I have decided to introduce cat #2 into my family. I should have done it two years ago. I also would like to have another cat around as I am at my happiest when surrounded by animals.

Toona will love it. She pretty much mothers cats and kittens, and practically raised Sophia as a kitten. The kitten is going to be female and her name is already Vesuvius. I have picked her out, she is still with her mother and she is four weeks old today. I've told them I'm not taking Vesuvius until she is 8 weeks old at least.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone had any pointers as to how to introduce Vesuvius into the family, and to introduce the rest of the family to her to help make the transition as smooth as possible both for Vesuvius and my current kids... if you know what I mean. Do you have any tips on helping Vesuvius to settle in? I've never introduced another cat into the family before as Sophia was my first cat, and I KNOW I made mistakes with her in raising her. I also didn't get her until she was 12 weeks.

Anyway thanks. I'm finding this website very interesting.

Take care

Athena

RESPONSE

Athena:

Congratulations on the upcoming addition to your family! It is doubtful you will have any real issues with the introduction of little Vesuvius. She will be recognized as a kitten and viewed as non-threatening. There may be a bit of hissing or slapping on the part of Sophia but that will just be the cat way of making sure Vesuvius learns how things work. And since Toona is already familiar with cats, the only issue may be that she gets a bit over-excited.

The best way to introduce them all is to bring Vesuvius into the house in a carrier and leave her secured in the carrier while Toona and Sophia give her the smell check. Talk to them all in a happy and positive way letting them know that this is a good thing that's happening.
After a while, open the carrier and let Vesuvius wander out under her own steam. GIve Sophie and Toona a few treats and try not to lavish attention on Vesuvius at this point. Too much attention on the new kitten can cause jealousy and overwhelm the new little one.
Be sure you stay in the room at all times. In fact, for at least the first few days, the three "kids" should only be together when you are there to supervise just in case.
The more important concern is regarding Vesuvius herself. She will suddenly find herself in a new environment, with strangers, away from her mother and siblings for the first time and will likely be scared and lonely at first.
Initially, Vesuvius should be confined to only 1 room of the house, especially at night. Bring the others in to visit under your supervision. Don't let Vesuvius roam about the house unsupervised at first. In the room, make sure there is a litter box, water and a place where she can hide if she get scared. A hard-sided carrier with the door removed will work, or use a box placed upside-down with an opening cut into it, a cat condo, basically, anything resembling a cave or den that she can run into to feel cozy and safe. Let her out of the room to explore the rest of the house only while you are there to keep an eye on her.
After a while, as Vesuvius gets more comfortable with the rest of the house, you can start moving the litter box to wherever you will be keeping it. Remember, she is little and you don't want her to be unable to get to the box when she really has to go! And once she is comfortable everywhere in the house, you shouldn't need to confine her while you are gone.
During this initial confinement period, if Sophia and Toona are OK with confinement, let one or both of them stay in the room with her. The main thing is to not let her go exploring on her own at first without you being there to help if she gets herself into trouble. Kittens are very curious and can easily find themselves in trouble no matter how well you think you have kitten proofed the house!
Be sure you "kitten proof" the entire house prior to bring Vesuvius home. Read our section on cat safety and indoor safety for solutions to some of the more common safety issues.
If sophia is OK with it, feed her and Vesuvius together. It will help them to associate good things with each other. Play with them together as well. Be sure to lavish lots of attention on Sophia and Toona to minimize any feelings of jealousy.
As to making mistakes, don't overly concern yourself about "doing everything right". It sounds like Sophia and Toona are loved and well cared for and those are the most important things to our pets! Just use some common sense, stay calm and relaxed, and chances are good that everything will go fine and before you know it, everyone with be acting as though Vesuvius has always been a member of the family!
Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Donna
House Full Cats Mom