10 Signs Your Cat Is Accepting the New Kitten
Are there signs your cat is accepting the new kitten?
Bringing home a new kitten is dead exciting!
But if you already have a cat, you might be wondering, "Will they get on?"
Don't worry—there are clear signs your older cat is starting to like the new kitten.
You might spot them snoozing near each other, licking each other (that's called grooming!), playing without fighting, or even scoffing their food side by side.
That means your cat is feeling safe and starting to see the kitten as a new little mate.
But how can you really tell if things are going brilliantly?
And what if your cat still seems a bit unsure?
Keep reading to find out the top 10 signs your cats are becoming best Fluffy Friends—and what you can do to help them along the way!
Table of Contents
Why It's Important to Recognise These Signs
Knowing when your cats are getting on isn't just about having a peaceful home (though that's proper nice).
It's important for several big reasons!
First, cats that accept each other have much lower stress levels.
Just like people, cats don't feel good when they're stressed out all the time.
A stressed cat might stop eating, hide more, or even get poorly more often.
Don't forget—your resident cat's happiness matters too!
They were there first, and suddenly having to share their territory, toys, and your attention can be really tough.
When you see signs of acceptance, it means your older cat is adjusting well to this big change in their life.
Also, cats that get on create a more fun and lively home.
They'll play together, keep each other company when you're away, and even snuggle up for adorable photo moments that'll make your heart melt!
Top 10 Signs Your Cat Is Accepting the New Kitten
1. Sleeping Near Each Other
When cats sleep close together, it's a super good sign!
Cats are most vulnerable when sleeping.
This means that your resident cat won't have a kip near the new kitty unless they feel safe.
At first, your older cat might sleep across the room.
Then maybe on the same bit of furniture.
Eventually, they might even cuddle up together in a cosy cat bed!
2. Mutual Grooming
If you catch your cats licking each other's heads or ears, do a happy dance!
Allogrooming (the fancy word for cats grooming each other) is a big sign of trust and acceptance.
It's a special kind of social interaction.
Cats only do this with other cats they trust and care about.
It means your cats are starting to feel like family!
3. Playing Together Without Fighting
Play is different from fighting!
Good play involves taking turns chasing each other, no hissing or growling, and nobody getting hurt.
Their bodies will look relaxed, not stiff.
Having a few cat trees and scratching posts gives them places to play together and climb to different levels.
4. Sharing Without Squabbles
Watch how your cats act around important stuff—like food bowls, water bowls, and litter trays.
If there's no growling, swatting, or hogging, that's a big win!
Your cats are learning how to live together without fussing over their stuff.
Pro Tip: Give each cat their own bowls and litter tray—and always have one extra, just in case!
5. Eating Side by Side
Mealtime can be a little tricky for cats.
If your cats eat next to each other without getting upset, give yourself a pat on the back!
That means they trust each other and feel safe.
They're starting to become real mates—even during snack time!
6. Reduced Hissing and Growling
In the beginning, your older cat might hiss or growl at the new kitten.
This is totally normal!
They're just saying, "I'm not sure about you yet."
When these warning signs decrease or stop completely, it means your resident cat is accepting the new addition to the family.
7. Your Resident Cat Stays Calm Around the Kitten
If your adult cat can relax, nap, or clean themselves while the kitten bounces around nearby, that's a great sign.
It means they're not worried about the new arrival anymore.
8. Both Cats Use All Areas of Your Home
Cats might divide territory when they don't get on.
If your cats use the living room, bedrooms, and other spaces without fighting, they're okay sharing their home.
This is a huge step in their positive relationship!
9. The Slow Blink Exchange
The "cat kiss" or slow blink is when a cat looks at you or another cat and slowly closes and opens their eyes.
If your cats do this to each other, they're basically saying, "I trust you and feel safe with you."
It's one of the sweetest signs of cat friendship!
Photo Tip: Try to catch a picture of this—cat kisses make for heart-melting moments!
10. Your Older Cat Teaches the Kitten
Sometimes the resident cat will start showing the new kitty the ropes—teaching them how to play gently, how to clean properly, or other cat behaviours.
This mentoring relationship is a sign your older cat has accepted their role as the kitten's teacher in all things cat!
Related: Cat Behaviour Problems: How To Solve Them
What If You're Not Seeing These Signs?
Don't worry—some cats just need more time.
Every cat has a different personality, and some take longer to warm up to new friends.
Senior cats, especially, might need extra time to accept a bouncy new kitten.
Some cats might take weeks or even months to fully accept each other.
You can't rush the introduction process!
Watch for warning signs:
- Constant hissing or growling
- One cat is always hiding
- Swatting with claws out (not playful batting)
- Food guarding or not eating
- Weeing outside the litter tray
- Excessive grooming leading to bald spots
If these keep happening after a few weeks, slow things down.
Go back a step or two in the intro process.
Still not improving?
That's okay—sometimes a certified cat behaviourist can help.
They'll give you advice that matches your cats' unique personalities and help get things back on track.
Related: Tips on How to Calm a Hyper Cat
Tips to Encourage a Smooth Transition
- Start with a separate space
The best way to introduce cats is slowly!
Keep your new kitten in a single room with their own anxiety relieving pet bed, food, water, and litter tray at first.
This gives both cats time to get used to each other's scent without face-to-face meetings.
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Try scent swapping
Rub a soft cloth on each cat's cheeks and then put the cloth in the other cat's area.
This helps them get familiar with each other's scent and can create positive associations.
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Use a baby gate or a glass door
After a few days of scent swapping, let them see each other through a physical barrier.
This visual introduction lets them observe each other without getting too close.
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Create positive associations
Feed both cats on opposite sides of a closed door.
This way, they'll associate each other's scent with good things like yummy food.
After some time, move the dishes closer to the door over several days.
- Supervised face-to-face meeting
Once both cats seem relaxed seeing each other through the barrier, allow short supervised meetings in a neutral area of your home.
It's a good idea to keep these initial meetings short and sweet.
Pro Tip: Ask a family member to help you during this process.
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Provide vertical space
Cats love to climb!
Having a few cat trees and perches gives both cats places to hide when they need their own space.
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Use pheromone diffusers
Some diffusers can help reduce stress levels during the introduction process.
These mimic the natural calming pheromones that cats produce.
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Reward good behaviour
Use positive reinforcement when your cats interact nicely.
Treats, praise, and playtime make them connect good things with being together.
Related: What Are the Best Blankets for Cats?
Final Thoughts
Remember that introducing a new cat to your current cat takes careful planning and patience.
Some cats become best mates within days, while others might take longer to even be in the same room together.
The key is watching your cat's body language and respecting each cat's individual pace.
By giving them resources, separate spaces, and attention, you have the best chance at becoming a happy cat family.
Have you noticed any of these positive signs between your cats?
Or do you have any special tricks that helped your cats become friends?
We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below!
FAQs
How long does it take for a cat to accept a new kitten?
It depends on the cat. Some may adjust in a week, others need several months. Patience is key.
Should I leave them alone together?
Not at first. Keep an eye on them until you're confident they're safe around each other.
What if they never get on?
Try reintroducing them slowly. In rare cases, a vet or behaviourist might be needed for help.
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