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How to introduce a scared new kitten to a swatting male cat safely?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Munchkin | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 7 days old | 2.5 lbs

I’ve had my seal point munchkin cat for about a month. He’s a male and around 3ish months. Today we got a female tabby munchkin so my male won’t be lonely. However my girl is so scared of everything and just wants to be around my male for company. And my male isn’t used to cats and tries to swat at her. They’re both just meowing. What do I do to calm them both down? My boyfriend and I both work the same shifts so they’re gonna have to learn to be together while we are gone. Help!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2020

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Daisy. Oh my goodness, they are absolutely adorable!!! I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the kitten, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cat in the kitten's room while the kitten is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the kitten out of her room, and see how she interacts with the other cat. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the kitten in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other. I hope this helps!
Vote Icon2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 27th, 2019

    Great question! I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the new cat, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let Thomas in the new cat's room while the kitten is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the kitten out of her room, and see how she interacts with Thomas. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the kitten in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other. I hope this helps!

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 6th, 2019

    I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the kitten, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cat in the kitten's room while the kitten is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the second cat from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the kitten out of her room, and see how she interacts with the other cat. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the kitten in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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