Introducing Your New Cat to Resident cat

Wouldn't it be easy if all it took to introduce a new cat to your resident cat were a brief handshake and a couple of "Hello, My Name is....”? I wish it is as easy as that, but alas, dealing with cats is not as simple as that because throwing two cats into one environment without proper consideration of their positions is just asking for trouble. You can’t force your pets to like each other, but we do have a few techniques that will increase the chance for your cats to get along together.

Step 1: Controlling First Impressions

Just like human, first impression is important. If two cats display aggression during their first meeting, it is the best to separate your resident cat from your new cat. The two cats should be able to smell and hear—but not see or touch each other. Feed the cats near the door that separates them so they learn that coming together even though they wouldn’t be able to see each other. This will result in a pleasant experience.

You can also try to get your pets to interact with a toy. Tie a toy to each end of a string and place it so there's a toy on either side of the door. Hopefully, they’ll start batting the toys around and maybe even batting paws.

After two to three days, switch the cats’ locations so they can investigate each other’s smell. You can change their food and water bowl, scratching post and towels so they can get used to each other’s’ scents.

Step 2: Letting the Cats See Each Other

After a week or so you can introduce the cats together if there are no signs of aggression at the door such as hissing and growling. One of the methods is to replace the door with a temporary screen door or two baby gates so that the cats can see each other. The key to a successful new cat introduction is to give the cats a reason to like each other. The best way to do this is with food and treats. Food is a powerful motivator!

Ask a friend or family member to help you with the introduction. Have one cat and one person on each side of the door, and start the introduction by setting each cat down a few feet away from the screen or gates. When the cats notice each other, say their names and toss treats to them, aiming the treats behind them. However, don’t offer too much food during each training session as it might affect the cat’s health.

Step 3: Letting the Cats Spend Time Together

The next stage is to let your new cat and resident cat to spend time together without a barrier between them. Supervise these initial face-to-face interactions carefully and make sure to keep a squirt bottle handy in case the cats begin to fight.

Remember: Do not rush

Cat introductions shouldn’t be rushed because you cannot force them to like each other. Some cats take only a few weeks to get used to each other while some take months. Remember to be patient and to treat both your cats with equal amount of love.