Introducing a New Cat into the Household

Domestic cats are naturally solitary creatures, and most are perfectly happy living on their own. They can be territorial and may not like sharing their space. Some cats do enjoy company and can become friends – this is demonstrated by sleeping together, mutual grooming, and sharing space in the house. Many cats simply tolerate sharing their space and have what would be described as a 'roommate' relationship – they share communal space but generally live quite separate lives.

Before bringing a new cat home make sure you are doing it for the right reasons; company for an existing cat is not a good reason to add a new cat into the household. For cats to successfully co-habit, you will need enough space for them not to feel like they are in competition. This is particularly relevant for cats that do not have outdoor access. You will need multiples of all key resources, such as food, water and litter trays. Make sure both cats are fully vaccinated, protected against parasites such as fleas, and showing no signs of ill health.

If two cats decide they don’t like each other they may fight – a cat’s teeth and claws can do serious damage, and this risk should not be underestimated. To try and reduce this risk, it is essential to carry out a slow, controlled introduction.

Bringing the new cat home

Set up a separate space for your new cat to reside. This needs to offer enough space but be inaccessible to your existing cat/s - a spare bedroom is ideal. Your new cat will need food and water, a litter tray, somewhere to sleep, and space to play and run around. A plug-in pheromone diffuser may help them feel less stressed in their new environment.

Initially, keep the new cat confined to this area while they settle in. It may take a few days or even weeks for them to feel comfortable and relaxed. When they are eating and toileting normally, keen to interact when you go in, and will lie down/sleep with their belly exposed, they are feeling at home, and you can start the next stage of introductions.

Swapping scents

Before the cats meet, you should introduce them to each other’s smell. This is a good gauge of whether they react well, and are curious, or whether they seem scared or upset. Give each cat a blanket or t-shirt to sleep on for a few days, then put the item in the other cat’s living space. Allow them space to explore the scent in their own time. If they react negatively, you may need to keep doing this step and allow them plenty of time.

If it is possible, you can then allow one cat to explore the other’s living space. Make sure they do not meet. You may need to close your cat/cats into one room while the new cat explores the house, then keep the new cat somewhere safe (such as in a cat carrier) while your resident cat explores where the new cat has been staying.

Meeting each other

If the cats have investigated each other’s smell without any negative responses, you are ready for them to see each other. It is important that this happens through a barrier to prevent either cat getting hurt if they try to fight. A mesh barrier or baby gate is ideal, so they can see and smell each other but not have direct access.

We want this to be a positive experience for both cats, so provide treats, toys and attention depending on what each cat likes. We are not looking for the cats to try to interact with each other – the most positive outcome is that they are in sight and sound of each other, but both relaxed and doing their own thing. Repeat this step as many times as needed until both cats seem relaxed and comfortable. If they do show negative behaviour, such as hissing, growling and fluffing their fur up, try to distract them and don’t ever punish them.

Supervised interaction

Once both cats are relaxed in the same space, you can try opening/removing the barrier. Ideally, the cats will continue what they were doing and not bother with each other. They may wish to interact, in which case this is fine if both are showing positive body language and seem happy. Allow them to spend as much time together as is convenient and repeat this regularly.

Unsupervised interaction

Once the cats have spent plenty of time together, with no negative reactions, you can start leaving them with access to each other without you supervising them. Gradually increase the length of time they are left with each other for. Always make sure there are multiple resources available in different places (such as food bowls) and that both cats have somewhere they can escape to for privacy if they wish.

Successfully introducing cats is a slow process, but by taking your time you are more likely to create a secure and long-lasting friendship. Some cats are very stressed by others, and no amount of patience will lead to a successful introduction. If this is the case, it may be your existing cat simply prefers living alone. If the cats ever start to physically fight, do not try to intervene as you risk getting bitten.

Hopefully, you now have two happy cats peacefully cohabiting!

Disclaimer

Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.