Hi All,

New to the forum so Hi to everyone.

We have a good range of animals at home, fish, hamster, rabbit, dog and cat.

We would very much like a kitten but are concerned about how our other cat, now 14 will react to this.

She is an old but active cat. Not a great person animal but loves the dog who joined us 2 years ago as a puppy. He is now huge and the relationship between dog and cat is one we never thought would be possible. They eat together and even sleep together sometimes.

Now for the fly in the ointment. If we introduce a kitten is this likely to go the same way or are we going to end up with problems?

We have read some articles suggesting starting the kitten in a pen while smells get around the house an this all sounds like very good advice. Does anyone have any experience of introducing a kitten to an older cat such as ours?

I have no concerns with the dog, he might be big but beyond licking the poor little thing to death there is little else that might happen.

Thanks in advance

Welcome to the forum

We have introduced kittens to older cats in the past.
In our experience there have been a few days of the older cat being stand offish and then it's been fine, cuddling up to sleep, playing etc. A new lease of life for the more mature cat.

Having a pen is a good idea. That way they can meet and greet without any fear.

Good luck!

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http://bimbleweb.co.uk

"People who hate cats, will come back as mice in their next life."

I have never introduced a older cat to a kitten, my cat boris was one when i introduced tootsie to him, he was hard work but we soon got there, i would hope perhaps a little kitten would give the older cat a little spring in her step perhaps, and with yours already getting on with your dog i should think you would be ok.

Good luck let us know what you decide xxx

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Brilliant, thanks for the replies.

Sounds like there should be no real problem here then, at least based on the experiences of others.

I will let you know how it goes.

Just as a follow up to this. Our older cat is very used to going out through her cat flap. Obviously we need to restrict the kittens access at least until after the vaccination or even neutering if its a girl.

I was thinking of installing a magnetic cat flap and only giving the key to the older cat for now. Has anyone used these before or had any problems or advice?

Thanks