How to introduce a new kitten to an aggressive resident cat
Preparation and the “Safe Room”
The biggest mistake owners make is the “sink or swim” method—simply placing the kitten on the floor and hoping the cats “work it out.” This often leads to psychological trauma for the kitten and a permanent state of hyper-vigilance for the resident cat.
The process begins with total physical separation. You must prepare a “Safe Room” for the kitten (usually a guest bedroom or bathroom) equipped with its own litter box, food, and water. This room acts as a buffer zone.
The first week is about the Scent Swap. In the feline world, identity is olfactory. Before they ever see each other, they must become “scent-friends.”
- The Sock Technique: Rub a clean sock on the kitten’s cheeks (where their pheromone glands are) and place it near the resident cat’s food bowl.
- The Bedding Trade: Swap their blankets. If the resident cat eats comfortably