How long to introduce a new kitten to an older cat when flying?

Hello. This is a tricky question to answer because you never know how things will go until you try. Some cats absolutely hate other cats, others love company, & others are OK with a newcomer as long as the food dish stays full. I would try introducing them shortly after you move. Give Kofta a few days to a week to get used to the new house first. Then, after she seems comfortable, introduce the new boy under supervision. Often, a kitten is readily accepted after a few swats & hisses. Make sure there are double the resources for the cats at first. 2 litter boxes in separate areas, 2 food & water dishes, & plenty of places to escape & hide ( save those cardboard boxes ). I am always rescuing cats & kittens, & eventually, everyone settles down. Good luck & take care.

I am not sure what you are concerned about as far as safety. I do recommend keeping new kittens quarantined away from other cats for 2-3 weeks so you can monitor them for any illness that could be incubating. It can take time for cats to adjust. Getting a new cat is like getting a new roommate. Sometimes it is a perfect match and sometimes you can't wait to move out! Giving them time and space to adjust is the best thing you can do right now. You will need to have separate spaces, each space with its own food, water, and litter box. Sometimes using a feline pheromone diffuser can help with stress, like Feliway or Comfort Zone. Here is an article you may find helpful: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-steps-to-introducing-your-cat-to-a-new-feline/

Bonding time does depend upon the individual temperament but in general, 5 weeks is long enough to establish trust and a solid bond. The cats may be a bit unsettled at first in the cat-sitter's house but they should quickly adjust once they are back home in their normal home. I think it should be fine to go ahead and adopt them. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hello. No, I do not think a drive that long will be particularly stressful for your new kitten. Offer food & water up to about an hour before leaving. Keep the kitten crated on the floor of your vehicle ( not the seat ), with a light sheet covering it. This will help to decrease motion stress. While at your parent's house, you will continue to bond with the kitten. You do all the feeding & litter box cleaning, but everyone else can, of course, play with her. She is so young, that once you return home, she will figure things out pretty quickly. Take care.

When you have that many cats, you are bound to have conflict at some point. They may single him out due to his age or size. Separate him for a week or two, then gradually reintroduce him. First, allow the others to hear and smell him but not see him. Progress to sight but without physical contact. Before a physical introduction, place him in a closed carrier in the room with the other cats. Once they have accepted him, you can try a supervised physical introduction. Provide an adequate number of litter boxes (typically one per cat plus an extra). An adequate number of bowls, beds and toys should also be provided to prevent resource protection. A pheromone product, such as Feliway spray or plug in diffusers, may decrease any anxiety in the home.

You can do this, but bring things that smell like Jax's home with you each week so he has a familiar scent. Since it's temporary for now, keep him in his own room with his own food, water, and litter box. This will make it less stressful for him. Once you move in together full time, start introducing him slowly to the other cats and the rest of the home. Best of luck.

Separate them for a few days, then gradually reintroduce them. First, allow them to sniff and hear each other through a closed door. Do this for ever increasing periods of time. Next, allow them to see but not reach one another. Progress to having one in a closed carrier in the same room. Correct any negative behavior immediately. Praise and reward them as they progress. Finally, a physical introduction can be attempted. A pheromone product, such as Feliway Spray or plug in diffusers, may help decrease any anxiety. You can also switch their bedding so they get used to the other's odor. Be patient and be consistent.