Advice on first days introducing a new kitten please?

[florayg]

I am collecting a ten week old kitten this weekend. I have 3 other cats, one of which is a very boisterous and playful Maine Coon and I'm a bit worried about him accidentally injuring her or scaring her witless as he is so big.
should I let her have the run of the house right away? would she feel safer like that or shut in alone somewhere when I am not there to supervise? I know about letting cats just get on with it when they are introduced but this is a slightly special situation. Useful suggestions and advice please not silly comments, thank you

 

[Debz Guthrie]

I would contain her to one room where you can supervise the introductions and make sure no harm comes to the little one you could introduce them one by one but i'm a firm believer of let them get on with it supervised of course, when you can't be there i would shut her in a room with food and water and a litter tray or maybe in a cage where the other cats can see her and she can see them.
Good luck with the introductions sounds like you'll have your hands full, give them all a scratch behind the ear from me

 

[nancy]

I would not close her up but do introduce her when you will be home for a couple of days. Hold the kitten and let the other cats see and smell her. There may be some hissing so be prepared.
I have had cats all my life and always just let them see each other, held them for about half an hour, and let them smell each other, then let them work it out.
This summer I got a new cat and did the stupid gradual intro everyone talks about and it's been a complete disaster ever since. Don't go that route.

 

[Lindsay F]

I think she should be left in one room for about a week then slowly introduce her to the others cats and then eventually let her go around the whole place.

 

[Diane]

i would actually let her get used to the room and carry her around with no cats, then i'd let her roam around with no cats, then i'd let out one cat at a time and show her to them but watch carefully and sit close. if you just have one cat then i guess it's easier but just be close and check for like risen hair...

 

[Debbie]

Hi.
I wouldn't let the kitten have the run of the house straight away.
Make sure she knows where her litter box is and is using it properly.
Shut her away when you go out. To be on the safe side.

Make sure you are there for all the introductions. As there might be a lot of hissing and spitting going on. Which is normal.

Kittens are quite robust, so don't over worry about your Maine coon. As long as you are there.

Make sure the kitten has loads of toys.

Food is always a good way of 'bringing cats together'.
Feed them all at the same time and slowly move the kittens bowls towards the other cats.

 

[jerry]

get some treats and bring in the kitty as you intruduce them give em treats thats what i did with mine. it worked for me