Introducing The New Cat

Introducing a new cat to your household can be successful when done gradually and associated with pleasurable events - such as food - play - and attention. It’s important to have patience and understand that you must be willing to move only as fast as the cats will allow.

During the course of introduction - always speak softly and evenly to the cats and refrain from making sudden moves. When the cats tolerate each other - use words - food - and toys to show praise and positive reinforcement.

Shouting or speaking with a strict tone will cause the cats to associate being around each other with distasteful feelings. Reduce jealousy by giving special consideration to your resident cat - reassuring him of your faithfulness and care. Until the cats are friendly toward each other - show love to your new cat only when the resident cat is not around.

At first - you should isolate the new cat in a room by himself. Using a bedroom with an attached bath where the litter box can be placed is a good idea - or you can use a smaller room or walk-in closet. There should be enough room for the litter box - water and dry food - as well as a scratching post - cat toys and bed. Once the cat is inside - shut the door and keep it closed. Leave the cat carrier nearby on the floor - the new cat will find it to be a haven if he feels threatened.

After a couple of days - swap the new cat’s bedding with the resident cat’s bedding - this will help them become familiar with each other’s smells. It is important to do this before the cats ever see each other.

Over the next two to three days - rotate the cats and their living quarters each day. Put the resident cat in the temporary quarters and let the new cat investigate the rest of the house. This gives further opportunity for the cats to familiarize each other with the new smells - and they can also wipe their scents on items in the rooms. This will help curb future territorial behavior.

Provide wet food and play time for each of the cats twice a day. Sticking to a feeding schedule and a play routine will help the cats feel more secure in the new surroundings by diminishing apprehension. Playtime will also allow you to build a special bond with your new cat. Certain cat toys - such as a feline flyer - allow cats to get to know you and each other {once they’re introduced} while maintaining a safe distance until they feel more comfortable.

After about a week of separation - if the cats appear relaxed with the new smells and sounds - it is time to begin letting them see each other. If the cats remain composed and relaxed during brief - repeated meetings - then you can try releasing the new cat into the house for a few minutes. As long as the cats remain calm - you can continue to increase the length of the exposure each day. Depending on the character of your cats - this phase of the introduction can last a few days to several months.

If you observe hostile behavior at any point - you may need to start the introduction process all over again. Otherwise - eventually - you will be able to let the cats live together freely in your home.