How do we get our older cat to accept a new kitten in the house?

My vet told me to keep the kitten in a room with a closed door for a week to let the other cat be curious, but not threatened. (They said the older cat might kill the kitten.) We kept the new one in my daughter’s room with a litter box, and fed her there. After a couple of days of hissing they started playing footsies under the door and after a week it was accepted the kitten was staying. This allowed the older cat to establish who will be the dominant, or Boss cat, in the household.

Joli is absolutely right. That is the best way to do it.

Hmm. Would this work as well for new roommates? Somehow I like the idea of playing footsies under the door before actually meeting face to face. Perhaps colleges could apply this to dorms, it might save a lot of trouble.

Ditto on Joli. Great answer.

Also give it time…it took time for our lab dog, Otto, to get used to a 5 lb. 1 year old cat, Emily. Smile. He was terrified of her hissing sometimes and scratched his nose one time. I think it took about 6 months for us, each month gets better in the first six months. Now Emily rolls her back like Otto. And when Otto lies down in a certain position, Emily copies. They are good friends now.

Hossman that’s hilarious because it’s not far from the truth. You would get to find out if they’re clumsy and loud, or quiet and organized just from the sounds coming through the door. I don’t know about playing footsies with a stranger. I think by the time the kitties begin this exchange they’ve accepted one another as partners in crime.

Hossman, you are TOO funny! Look forward to laughing a lot on Christmas Day. In my experience, leaving the animals to become aquainted on their own terms works. Takes some time.

It took about a week and a half, but the cats are getting along swimmingly now. The kitten’s high level of energy and constant interest in playing annoys the older cat a bit. However, we are far past the constant hissing, growling and swatting stage.