Can an Older Cat Get Along with a New Kitten?

CatChannel and CAT FANCY cat behaviorist Marilyn Krieger, CCBC, shares tips on how to appropriately introduce young kittens and older cats, and how to help both cats get along.

Q: I am thinking about getting a new kitten. I already have one male cat who is approximately 6 years old. Would he react badly if I got a female 2- to 3-month-old kitten?

A: Consider a few factors before adopting a cat or kitten to keep your adult cat company: the age, the personalities and the histories of both your resident cat and the newcomer.

I usually do not recommend pairing a kitten with an adult cat, although there are always exceptions. The age discrepancy between your adult cat and a kitten can be a challenge. Your 6-year-old resident cat is not as active as a kitten. Kittens, by definition, play incessantly, whereas adult cats prefer napping in between moderate to small amount of playtime.

Your resident cat might enjoy and bond with a new cat. If your resident cat has a history of successfully living with other cats, then he will probably do fine with a new friend, as long as you introduce your cats gradually to each other. Every cat is different. Some would rather remain the King and Queen of their households and are not willing to share their people and their territory with other cats.

Give us your opinion on
Can an Older Cat Get Along with a New Kitten?

Earn 1,000 points! What's this?

Reader Comments

CatChannel Editor Irvine, CA

10/1/2012 9:31:44 AM

Amber -- Adding a second cat is a great way to entertain your cat at home, and a wonderful way to save a cat's life from a shelter.

Cats might be more territorial around outsiders, such as the cats that stroll by your window, but can better tolerate new additions to your household. The best way to facilitate the addition of a new cat is to provide vertical territory so that they can express a hierarchy in the house, and introduce the two slowly, isolating the new cat in a room for a day or two and allowing your resident cat to learn the other's new scent.

Here is an article to help LINK

Amber Sheffield Lake, OH

9/29/2012 2:12:02 PM

I have an adopted stray cat, she walked into our appartment (with some bribing) and been there since. My mom and I don't know how old she is, but we think she's about 3 or 4 yrs old. I would love to give her a play mate since I'm at school and my mom's at work most of the time. But, when another cat comes to the window, Tork tries to attack them through the glass. I don't know if she would accept another cat into her 'domain', regardless of age and gender. My mom thinks that it may be a bad idea, but I don't want my cat to be too lonely. What should I do?

Linda Santa Rosa, CA

5/26/2012 8:28:57 PM

I wanted a 2nd. cat, preferred a older one as most people want kittens. My resident cat was 6 years old at the time. I tried 2 times, adopting a 2 yr. and again another older cat. Both times I had to return them to the shelter as my cat would not accept either. The shelter recomemded I try a young kitten so he (new kitten) would grow up thinking my resident cat was the boss. Worked perfectly. When introduced the first time my resident cat ran for him, he rolled on his back, belly up. My cat decided he wasn't a threat and from that point on they got along great. My resident cat was also a rescue and probably had kittens before i adopted her. I think her maternal side took over. Although he has grown twice her size, he thinks she's still the boss, going on 3 years now. Suggest introduce slowly as recommended prior to first meeting. good luck.

Michalle Portland, OR

5/25/2012 2:01:36 PM

It is easier for an adult cat if you get a pair of kittens instead of one kitten. The kittens will entertain each other instead of bugging the other cat all the time. the older cat will tolerate the pair a lot easier.