1. Why Go Slow: Benefits of a Gentle Introduction 🐾

Cats rely on scent and routine—abrupt introductions can cause anxiety, aggression, or avoidance. A slow, phased approach helps build trust, sets the foundation for friendship, and supports mental wellness 😊. When introductions go right, both pets eat, drink, and use litter boxes calmly :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

2. Step 1: Set Up the Kitten’s Safe Space 🏡

Create a dedicated room for the kitten for 1–2 weeks with:

• Food, water, & litter box
• Cat tree, perches, and toys
• Window access and comfy bedding
• Calming aids—Feliway pheromone diffusers & probiotic powders :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

This lets the kitten decompress and prevents the older cat from feeling invaded.

3. Step 2: Scent Swapping 🧴

After the kitten settles, start scent exchange:

1. Swap blankets, toys, or bedding daily
2. Let each cat sniff under the door
3. Watch for relaxed signals: soft ears, upright tail ✨; avoid stressed cues—hissing, puffed fur :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

This builds familiarity with minimal stress.

4. Step 3: Room Swap 🔄

Let each cat explore the other’s space (with the other temporarily removed):

• Start with 15-minute swaps, gradually extending to hours
• Encourage calm by adding toys and treats
• Monitor for signs of stress; revert if needed :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Swapping rooms strengthens scent exposure and territorial confidence safely.

5. Step 4: Barrier Meetings 👀

When both cats remain relaxed, offer visual meetings:

• Use baby gates or mesh screens
• Engage with parallel play—feather wands, treats—while they watch each other :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Gradually increase session length to ~15–30 minutes

6. Step 5: Supervised Nose-to-Nose Meetings 🐱🤝🐱

Once barrier meetings go well:

1. Allow brief, direct contact (just sniffing at first)
2. Keep sessions short (a few minutes)
3. Return to barrier stage if tension arises :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Stay calm and reward peaceful behavior.

7. Step 6: Introducing Unsupervised Time 🎉

After several calm sessions:

• Allow short periods unsupervised, like during errands
• Ensure resources: food bowls, toys, beds, trees, litter for each cat :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Use a pet camera for monitoring

Continue observing for stress cues; progression may take weeks.

8. Helpful Tips & Troubleshooting ⚙️

• Move at their pace: If signs of stress appear, return to previous stage.
• Use calming tools: Feliway classic or multi-cat diffusers, probiotic powders, vet-prescribed meds :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Don’t punish: Redirect inappropriate behavior (like rough play) toward toys :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Play together: Joint wand games build positive associations.
• Manage resources: At least one extra of everything—boxes, bowls, beds, trees.

9. Special Considerations

• Shy or senior cats: They may need longer at each step and gentler pace :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• High-energy kittens: Redirect playfulness with toys and supervised intervention :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Multiple pets: Apply same phased approach to other animals (dogs etc.) :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

10. FAQs 🤔

Q: How long does it take?

Typically weeks, but sometimes months—each cat progresses at its own pace.

Q: My cat hisses—should I separate them?

Yes, calm down, go back a step in introduction, and proceed slower.

Q: Do I need two litter boxes?

Yes—+1 per cat to avoid competition and reduce stress :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

11. Final Thoughts from Ask A Vet 🐾

This step-by-step, vet-backed introduction method reduces stress and fosters long-term harmony between your cat and kitten 🏡.

For personalized advice, behavior support, or troubleshooting, reach out via the Ask A Vet app 📱🐱. Your pets deserve a calm and confident integration! 💬

Download now at AskAVet.com—your veterinary team is just a chat away, anytime. 🩺🐾