When you have cats at home, it can sometimes be a big question mark if they will accept a new kitten or two. Introducing any new cat is always tense, although maybe more for us than for them! We don’t want to see any fighting at the milestone moment of welcoming new family members.
Recently, Denise, from Michigan, introduced a new (and absolutely adorable) kitten to her adult cats, and this is how it went! It’s a good example of what you can generally expect, although each situation is unique.
A Home Known for Ginger Cat Chaos
Denise adopted two cats, Kona and Kai, from the same litter at a local shelter several years ago. They had been found on the street, and it was a BOGO offer (buy one, get one free). But it’s always a good idea to adopt in bonded duos regardless.
Mischievous Kona, the handsome orange and white ginger boy, is extra, with lots of energy and cattitude, going viral for keeping her up all night.
As we know, one can always expect ginger cat chaos! But we wouldn’t have it any other way. And Denise clearly wouldn’t either, since she has adopted another orange and white cutie named Kaleo!
Introducing a New Kitten to Adult Cats
We can feel the pure ginger and white tabby energy coming at us full strength in the first picture of baby Kaleo from Instagram. He’s the cutest baby! How could anybody not love him immediately, right?
“Introducing Kona & Kai’s new baby brother Kaleo! (Ka-lay-oh) 🧡🤍🧡” shared Kona, Kai and Kaleo.
Images via Instagram/Kona, Kai and Kaleo
Kaleo is Met with Not-So-Welcoming Hisses
Introducing any new cat is a delicate process that requires careful planning. It’s a time filled with tension, nerves, and a mix of excitement, hope, and worry. Will they get along? Denise’s experience with Kona, Kai, and the new kitten, Kaleo, is a testament to this.
The journey of introducing Kona and Kai to the new kitten, Kaleo, was a rollercoaster of emotions. Alas, it all started with territorial aggression and hissing fits, as you can see in the video below. But this is to be expected and not necessarily something to worry about. It takes time, sometimes several months or more.
Video by Kona, Kai & Kaleo:
The Meowment of Truth!
Unfortunately, it looked as though Kona and Kai had put their paws down about having a baby sibling. But with time, careful planning, and isolation, the tensions slowly dissipated. Of course, Kaleo’s non-threatening, infectious, playful nature sure helps!
After giving the trio time to become familiar with new scents and sounds, a barely cracked door encounter allows just enough safe distance between them. It looks like Kona could not believe his eyes at what was happening on the other side of the doorway.
“Three shots of Kona while he was watching his new brother 💜💜💜”
Slowly, Denise carefully graduated to a meeting between a sturdy screen. Once again, Kona is still quite hissy, but at least he’s not swatting. That’s a good sign! If cats are acting more aggressively, you will need a heavier barricade. Remember, there’s no rush and slower may be better.
Little by little, it led to that epic milestone: face-to-face nose contact. It’s always so nerve-wracking! Will it work out, or will it be a fit of disastrous proportions? (see video below)!
“Kona & Kaleo 🧡🤍🧡”
Video by Kona, Kai & Kaleo:
Crouton and Loaf Together Furever
As you can see, it’s safe to say Kaleo was always meant to be part of this happy fur family.
The tiny ‘Crouton’ has a big brother ‘Loaf’, and a kind big sister to teach him how to cat properly. He’s most definitely got it made!
And already, it looks like Kaleo is taking after Big Brother Kona. He’s a live wire and loves to chat with Mama – very loudly! Denise calls these chats “scream sessions,” so we can guess there might be some more sleepless nights ahead! But it’s all worth it for the sweetest meowments like the one below.
“Kwotes with Kona & Kaleo “You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense.” ~Jane Pauley~” via Facebook.
See more of Kona, Kai & Kaleo on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Video by Kona, Kai & Kaleo:
Here’s more with the time we introduced Marmalade to Mazikeen (Maz) and Calypso last year!
