Cat Lovers Digest

When you decide to add a new cat to your home, it’s normally more exciting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already own. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most will also come to accept or eventually tolerate any additions. Cats can be very territorial, which is why you should always be careful when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.

If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire introduction process can be short, lasting as little as 10 – 15 days. Introducing cats to each other depends on their temperament and their personality. When you introduce a new cat to your current cat, you should always make sure that you give your current cat plenty of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that he isn’t in competition with your new cat for affection.

When you bring your new cat home, you should let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. Your safe room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or spare bedroom. In the room, you should leave your new cat a scratching post, bed, water dish, litter box, and food dish.

At first, your current cat may howl and hiss when he stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that he doesn’t belong. When this happens you should ignore it, as punishing your cat for his behavior will only lead to more problems. After a while, the first cat will start to act calm when he is near the new cat’s door. As he starts to act calm, you should pet him and give him praise.

When your first cat starts to go by your new cat’s door and doesn’t howl or hiss; you can start introducing them to each other. Begin by feeding them on opposite sides of the door, but not too close to the door that they become irritated. Gradually move the dishes closer together until the cats are eating directly on either side of the door. Then, use two doorstops to prop open the door just enough to allow the cats to see each other, and repeat the whole process.

Swap scents between the two cats. Give each cat a blanket to sit on, and then switch the blankets between the cats. This way the cats can smell each other without actually having to see each other.

Allow the new cat time to explore the house without the resident cat being present. The best way to do this is to put the resident cat into the safe room and let the new cat out. In this way the new cat can become acquainted with the house without being frightened by the other cat. Additionally, your resident cat will be able to smell more of the new cat in the safe room.

When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they may be used to each other’s scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory. You should play with them both at first, so they can smell one another and greet in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart.

Avoid any interactions between your cats that result in either aggressive or fearful behaviors. These responses can be difficult to change if they become a habit. It’s better to introduce your pets gradually so that neither animal becomes upset. If you rush the process and have to start over, you can prolong the amount of time you’ll need to properly introduce them.

Keep the new cat in the safe room while you are away even if the introductions are going well. Don’t let the cats out together until you are sure that they won’t fight.

It may take some time to get them fully used to one another, although once they do – they may become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it may be a bit rough at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten around. If you get both of them used to each other early on – it will be a lot easier to add future cats to your home. Even with proper introductions, though, there is no guarantee that the cats will become best friends. If you have a peaceful coexistence, that is a good outcome.