As a proud cat mom, I couldn’t resist the idea of adding another furry member to our little family. It took some convincing and many trips to the animal shelter, but finally, I brought home a cute little kitten. However, as soon as we got home, my new cat went into hiding mode. At first, I was worried that she was not accepting the new kitten, but after observing her behavior, I realized that there were signs that she was slowly warming up to the new addition. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you the signs your cat is accepting the new kitten and how to make the integration process smoother.
The Disappearing Act
As soon as I brought the kitten home, my new cat disappeared. She wouldn’t come out from under the bed or the couch, no matter how much I called her. I started to get worried that she wasn’t happy about the newest family member. But then I remembered that cats are naturally solitary creatures and sometimes need their own space. So, I gave her some time to adjust to the new smell in the house.
After a few hours, my cat cautiously made her way out from under the bed and started to explore the living room. This was a good sign! She was curious about the new kitten and wanted to get to know her without feeling overwhelmed. If your cat also goes into hiding when a new pet is introduced, don’t worry. It’s a normal reaction and shows that your cat is slowly accepting the new addition.
The Watchful Eye
I noticed that whenever the kitten came near my cat, she would immediately jump away and give her a warning hiss. This behavior might seem like your cat doesn’t want anything to do with the new kitten, but it’s actually a good sign. Your cat is trying to establish boundaries and let the new kitten know that she needs her own space.
It’s important not to scold your cat for hissing or swatting at the new kitten. This is their way of communicating and setting boundaries. As long as the interactions are not aggressive, it’s best to let them figure things out on their own. In time, they will learn to coexist peacefully.
Slowly But Surely
As days went by, I noticed that my cat was becoming more tolerant of the new kitten. She would allow the kitten to play near her and even groom her occasionally. This was a huge relief for me as it showed that my cat was slowly accepting the new addition to our family.
Introducing a new pet can be stressful for both you and your furry friend. It takes time for cats to warm up to each other, and each cat has their own pace. It’s important to give them enough time and space to get used to each other.
The Power of Treats
If you want to speed up the integration process, try using treats. Cats are food-motivated animals, and treats can help in creating positive associations between the two cats. Whenever the new kitten is around, give your cat some treats. This will not only make her associate the kitten with something positive, but it will also help her feel less threatened.
You can also try giving both cats treats at the same time, but make sure they have enough distance between them to avoid any conflicts. With time, they might even start sharing a treat together, which is a big step towards friendship.
A Harmonious Household
After a few weeks, I’m happy to say that my new cat is no longer hiding. She now plays and cuddles with the kitten, and they have become inseparable. It was a slow and steady process, but it was all worth it in the end.
If you’re in a similar situation with your cats, don’t lose hope. With patience, love, and understanding, your cats will learn to accept each other and might even become best friends. And who knows, they might even end up taking over your bed together!
So, if your new cat is hiding, remember to look out for the signs of acceptance. Give them time and space, and don’t forget the power of treats. Before you know it, your furry family will be living in harmony, and you’ll be glad you added another member to the clan.
