How To Introduce Your Cats To Each Other
Ranked #2,574 in Pets & Animals, #65,975 overall | Donates to ASPCA
How Do I Introduce My New Cat to My Resident Cat?
My family has owned cats since before I was born, and I recently moved out of home, into a house with an existing cat. Then we adopted a stray kitten and then I brought my old cat over. I was careful to follow most of the basics I will cover here - and I observed their interactions to see the effects of what I did were.
Part 1: How To Introduce Your Cats To Each Other ♦ Part 2: Helpful Cat Lenses
Introducing Your Cats: Table of Contents
- The Important Steps For Bringing A New Cat Into Your Home
- Share Your Story: Have You Successfully Introduced Cats?
- Which cat are you introducing?
- Don't Spread Fleas!
- Cat Meets Kitten
- Do you have somewhere safe to put the new cat?
- Keep the Indoor Cat Entertained
- Once You Let the Other Cat into the 'Safe Place'
- Introducing Your cat... To Itself
- How Long Has Your Current Cat Lived There?
- Unfriendly Noises
- Kitten Photos
- Smell Matters
- How Well Can Your Cat Look After Itself?
- Feed Them Separately
- The FURminator
- Cat Photos
- Sharp Claws Cause Blood and Pain
- Scent Marking
- Who has recently introduced a new cat to a resident cat?
- Do you have any more tips? Or did I cover EVERYTHING?
- Get Your Kitties High
- A Summer Sunshine Charity Lens
- Blogging About Cats
- Leave some pawprints in the pixels...
- About Me
The Important Steps For Bringing A New Cat Into Your Home
Basic steps to follow for introducing your cats
1) Give it a room of its own, feed it in there and provide a litter tray
2) Wait until it is used to both you, and being in a new place (allow it to make that room its territory)
3) Do NOT let the other cat in until this has happened
4) Supervise both cats - it's better if they can just see and smell each other the first time, but don't let them get too close or they may fight
5) Gradually allow them to interact, supervising all the while
6) Reassure both cats continually (if they want it). One will be scared, the other will be jealous.
7) If they don't try and kill each other after that, let them fight it out - the best you can hope for is some hissing and growling, and some claw swiping, the worst is a full-on catfight. Don't let them fight too much in case one gets hurt, but brief spats are fine, and will continue until they establish dominance
8) Don't turf the new cat out of its room, let it keep that area as a 'safe' place. It will gradually move out on its own
The rest of this page elaborates on these steps, and explains some of the reasons behind them, as well as other possible issues.
Share Your Story: Have You Successfully Introduced Cats?
What's worked for you? Did they become friends? Or did you have to give up?
Have you managed to bring a new cat into the home?
Yes! And now they're best friends!
livingfrontiers says:
This is a great way to slowly let them find their new companion...a smell under the door for a week or more is all they need to meet at first.
simpsonia says:
Before we even let our resident cat see the newcomer who was pining for the cat we'd just lost, the vet advised us to swap their blankets so that they could get used to each other's scent. At first the resident cat recoiled visibly at the other one's scent, but it made a major difference when I finally introduced them to each other. It really does help! Now they're like brothers and totally love each other.
root_beer_girl says:
Yes we introduced our 7th cat to a 7 wk old. He hissed for 3 days then they were fine and now it has been 3 months and they are buddies, bathing each other and playing. We recently got the kitten neutered thinking it would decrease his dominance over the older cat but so far it has not.
Sylvestermouse says:
When my daughter moved back home after graduate school, she brought my first grandkitty with her. Then we rescued my second grandkitty literally from the street. We kept the new baby in the bathroom with her food and liter box for about 2 weeks. The two cats pawed at each other under the door. The face to face introduction actually went well. The picture on my grandkitties lens was actually taken at their first meeting. I do believe not forcing them together immediately and giving the new kitty a retreat haven was indeed the reason for success. They live quite harmoniously together now, in the same room :)
aj2008 says:
I have had cats and had to introduce 2 new cats, at different times, into the existing territory of a neutered male. I think it helped that both the new cats were female kittens and that my male was sociable eventhough it was clear that he was the "boss". He seemed to treat them as his pride and although he was great with them, if any other cat dared to come over the fence then war would break out.
He was even lovely when one of his "girls" had kittens. We kept 2, a male and a female, and he was always protective of them.
No - they hated each other (or: I wouldn't dare try bringing in a new cat!).
LissaKlar says:
When my cats were alive, I wouldn't dare even think of bringing another cat in. How rude! They were brother & sister - the sister lived til age 14 and the other til age 17.
beccacena says:
Well, I brought a new cat into my home. He promptly claimed dominance and beat up on my other cat (another male) regularly. I took the steps listed above which I had also seen online. He had his own room for months and I would let them interact with supervision. It is almost 2 years later and we have reached a point of tolerance. The one interesting thing is that we all sleep in the same bed and have no problems. I think some cats will just not be friends even when you follow all the rules to the letter.
kt_glasses says:
My cat seems to be unable to accept any other cats or dogs into the house. He got really angry when my friends came to visit with their cats, and refused to play with them. I guess he is just too insecure inside.
BigGirlBlue says:
We introduced a new kitten to our 14 year old senior kitty in December. It's been a long process. Unfortunately we've come to the conclusion they will never be friends. But we'll settle for tolerate.
Which cat are you introducing?
Which cat is new and whose territory is being invaded?
Big cat versus small cat?
The relative ages and personalities of each cat will affect how well they adjust to each other. The most common situation is probably bringing a new kitten into the home of an adult cat - either way, there is going to be a newcomer, and the cat who already lives there. The cat who lives there is going to consider its home as its territory and consider the new cat as an invader. Whatever the relatives ages, sizes and aggressions of each cat involved, the general steps for introducing them are the same. What varies is how likely a fight is, how fast they will get used to each other and how carefully you need to watch them. This may have to be a judgement call on your part, but err on the side of caution rather than hurrying.If the new cat is a small, unthreatening kitten it will lose to the larger cat every time. The larger cat will either attack the kitten as an invader, or choose to ignore it. but unless you have an especially easy going cat, the kitten will not be welcomed. You may have to protect the kitten. If your existing cat is also a kitten, they'll be less likely to hurt each other, and will probably end up on friendly terms sooner.
If the new cat is an adult then you have a recipe for more trouble. Depending on their personalities, they may fight, or it may try to run away. Either way, you may need to protect both cats.
If you have multiple cats they will probably gang up on the intruder. Even if they don't, it will mean the new cat has to befriend or defeat two new cats, so it will be a longer, slightly more complicated process. It might be best to manage the introductions, so that they meet one at a time.
Cats that have grown up with other cats around are much more likely to be accepting and get on much better with new cats.
Don't Spread Fleas!
Treat your cat before it spreads fleas
Of course, if you know both cats' medical histories, then you may not need to worry, and it's a good idea to check if the new cat is currently being treated for fleas (as then you may need to treat them at a certain date and not before ).
Advantage - Orange Box for Cats 9 lbs and under - 4 pack
Amazon Price: $41.39 (as of 06/01/2012)
Used Price:
This is the stuff I use for my cats - my flatmate works in a pet shop so I get it cheaper! It also works on ticks. PLEASE be aware that I don't know what brands are available outside the US and there may be a better or cheaper brand available - but I know this one works and is safe for the cats.
Advantage effectively kills 98% to 100% of the fleas on cats and dogs within 12 hours after application. One treatment prevents further flea infestations for up to 4 weeks. Reinfesting fleas are killed within 2 hours. Flea larvae are killed following contact with an Advantage treated pet. Advantage is a once-a-month topical application for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older and dogs and puppies 7 weeks and older. Always read package labeling and directions prior to using Advantage.
Cat Meets Kitten
Funny Videos of Cat Versus Kitten
Do you have somewhere safe to put the new cat?
Can you put it somewhere away from the other cat while it gets used to the new place?
Give the new cat a chance to feel safe
Remember that not only are you forcing one cat to invade another's territory, but you are bringing it into a new place away from its home. If possible, keep it shut in a room (any room, although preferably one without too much in the way of scary noises, bright lights, people, or windows for other cats to stare in at it) for a few days.You'll have to feed it in there and provide a litter tray. Depending on the cat, it may take a couple of days to a week for it to feel settled - you'll have to judge from his or her behaviour how calm he or she feels.
This means that your new cat doesn't run away and has a chance to consider the new place as home. It also gives the cat a place to retreat to, and an area that is established as its territory.This territory is very important when introducing the other cat(s).
If you can't shut it in a room, then a cage of some kind is preferable, and make sure there is a box or somewhere for it to retreat to, out of sight and out of reach of other cats and people. Don't move this around, and make sure this area is safe and secure. It's not as good as giving the cat a separate room, which the old cat doesn't have access to, but it's better than nothing.
If you can't keep them apart at all, you may want to introduce them elsewhere in neutral territory, and you'll have to watch over the new cat a lot more.
Keep the Indoor Cat Entertained
And stop it scratching your furniture!
"The catnip helps get the attention for the scratching part, and once they see how much fun it is to scratch, they rarely go back to carpet or furniture. I've had more than one cat that never ONCE went for furniture because I made sure he/she had her own turbo-scratcher from the moment they arrived in my house."
Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy, Colors May Vary
Amazon Price: $11.56 (as of 06/02/2012)
Used Price: $12.28
Give your kitty's paws somewhere else to scratch besides your furniture. The Bergan Turbo Scratcher is a safe toy that will provide hours of exercise and entertainment for your pet. It comes with catnip, a ball, and a replaceable scratch pad. Place the ball in the circular track, and watch your cat bat it around and around. Measures 16 inches in diameter.
Videos of cats playing with the Turbo scratch pad
Now she uses it to scratch on, sparing the furniture, and actually enjoys chasing the ball around the track of her own accord. The earlier you introduce the cat to the scratchpad, the better!
And, bonus sneaky trick - drop treats in the ball track and leave the cat occupied trying to fish them all out! (They're also the default 'toy' at my flatmate's petshop whenever they have cats or kittens to look after)
The first vdeo is my cat, the others are just 'better' videos!
Once You Let the Other Cat into the 'Safe Place'
...it becomes less safe. I saw this when the kitten snuck into my room and discovered Moss. After that Moss wasn't comfortable and retreated to the cupboard, even after I threw the kitten out again.
Introducing Your cat... To Itself
Cats and Reflections!
(A fun trick I like to play is to put them by the mirror and dangle something behind them. Unfortunately they tend to be distracted by me and turn around before they notice the moving thing in the mirror!)
How Long Has Your Current Cat Lived There?
Is it established in its territory?
Does he or she consider your home its territory? How attached is it?
The second possibility is to try and introduce them on neutral territory, if you can find any and arrange for both cats to be there. This has some negatives - apart from transport, and associated stress, it can be hard to find neutral territory. Over the fence in a 'public' area might work, if you can stop them running away. Most likely, the cats will simply ignore each other. Which is fine, but you can't keep taking them back to the 'neutral' territory until they are friends.
If you can't manage the introductions safely in 'new' cat territory, you can also keep the new cat in a cat carrier - it won't be happy, but it will be able to cower in there, and be more protected. The old cat can see and smell the new cat, and hopefully you can gauge if the old cat will try and eat the new one or not! You can also take the cat carrier away and bring it back.
Unfriendly Noises
Hissing and growling is a sign that the cat isn't happy - but it's normal. Most cats will probably keep up a low and constant stream of complaint, warning the other cat off, but unless they progress to aggressive body language and behaviour (e.g. stalking, attacking) then don't worry.
Kitten Photos
Smell Matters
Your house will smell of the old cat. This will mean that the new cat is constantly aware that there's another cat around. Give the scent time to fade and the new cat a chance to mark its territory. Allowing the cats to get each other's scent is also a good first step in introducing them
How Well Can Your Cat Look After Itself?
What is their personality like? Do they win fights with other cats?
How much danger is the new cat in? How upset will the old cat be?
My cat Moss, the lovely tortoise-shell cat in the picture on the right, is adorable and one of the friendliest, sweetest-natured cats I have ever known. And I'm not biased - the staff in the SPCA in Thames that I picked her out from for my eleventh birthday said she was the friendliest kitten there. I remember this kitten headbutting me so hard she kept nearly falling over, and purring loudly. The last time she went to a vet (for painful lumps in her stomach, and fur loss - apparently an allergic reaction to fleas), he was amazed by her good nature. She also loves rolling in shoes!However, she's got very thick fur (she's technically a shorthaired cat, but the amount of fur she sheds a day, you wouldn't know it!) and she's a very large cat - standing on her back legs, her front paws nearly reach my hip where other cats are only halfway up from the knee. These two factors means she wins all her fights with other cats, and will brook no intruders.
This means that in any introduction, the other cat will lose.
--------------------
The other cat our family owns (although I didn't bring her with me, as she's my mother's cat) is at the other extreme. Megan is a lovely, delicate, half sized, and very shy egyptian mau - the grey cat you can see in some of the other photos here.
She loses every fight, and took a long time to settle in, as Moss didn't welcome her at all
Autumneve by Flynn_the_Cat
More Cat Posters
You'll need to take into account the relative likelihood of one cat being able to win a fight with the other - the cats certainly will. A cat like Moss, used to winning, is more likely to be comfortable ignoring another cat, and retaining her comfortable position in the local hierachy, while a little nervous one will be scared off and upset. A large cat like Moss is also more likely to terrify and try and drive off the intruding cat before she's accepted it as being part of the household.
It is best to make sure that you introduce them on the weakest and most insecure cat's terms/home ground. This is one of the reasons behind helping one cat create a territory for itself.
Feed Them Separately
Dominance controls who gets to eat first. Feed the cats apart until they are used to each other. Alternatively, you can use food to distract them - but still, NOT right next to each other.
The FURminator
Stop the cats getting hairballs and shedding all over your clothes, bed, floor, couches, carpet, dog, curtains...
You may have noticed the bit above where I said my Moss-cat has a lot of fur? Technically she's a short haired cat, but she sheds more than a longhaired, I swear! I can't pick her up without getting covered in fur (which sucks for my allergies), and she often used to get hairballs. If you're used to a short-hair, one that has thicker fur may be hard to deal with. They need different brushes, and more frequent care... but I have the answer!
With Moss, I went through about six different types of cat brush - soft bristles? Useless. Hard bristles? Nearly useless and she hated it. Rubbery? Worked relatively well - the cat usually let me brush her - but I had to do it every day for it to be any good, and spread hair in a fine cloud and carpeting the ground around me as I went. As she's getting quite old, she doesn't wear her claws down enough anymore, so when she's had enough she'll suddenly swipe at me (I'm better at spotting the warning signs now than I used to be!). She thinks her claws are retracted, but they're too long for that... so I end up bleeding and scarred!
So when I found THIS brush I was delighted. I prevailed on my pet shop friend to buy it for me for a discount, because it is a LOT of money in New Zealand (around $80? more? I've forgotten, but it was obscene). But it works and it is very much worth it. I reviewed the FURminator (with pictures and video) more thoroughly here
FURminator deShedding Tool for Cats, 1.75-Inch Edge
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 06/02/2012)
Used Price: $9.99
Reduce your cat's shedding by 90 percent with the FURminator deShedding Tool. Its uniquely designed blade does not cut, but grabs and removes loose hair and undercoat hair quickly and easily, leaving a shiny, healthy topcoat. By removing loose, dead hairs, the FURminator also eliminates shedding and the cleanliness and allergy problems that accompany it. Less hair on your cat means less hair on your furniture and floors. The FURminator's tough stainless steel 1.75-inch blade is designed to grab hair and remove it without causing your pet pain or damaging its topcoat. Get fast, amazing results every time with both long- and short-haired shedding breeds. Reduces shedding better than any brush, rake, or comb, and brings out the cat's natural oils, which promotes healthier skin. Helps eliminate hairballs too.
Cat Photos
Keep litter trays, feeding bowls and beds separate - these all require the cats to let down their guard, and will prove very stressful if they have to try and eat and watch the other cat at the same time,
Sharp Claws Cause Blood and Pain
Sometimes it's best to avoid injury!
-clipping the claw is easy, just take off the white/translucent nail and avoid the pink centre ( the 'quick' - this will bleed and hurt the cat). You can just take a little tiny bit off at a time, until you're sure of what you are doing.
- If you hold the paw and push gently on the back, the toes will spread slightly and the claws come out.
- depending on the cat, you may have to get it used to having its paws handled and have someone else hold it while you clip.
- It's fine to just do one claw at a time, whenever you can sneak up on the cat!
- nail clippers also work on dogs and parrots - as long as they're all able to use the 'small' clippers!
(* Not quite, but nearly banned. Declawing has been illegal in England for several years. Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Wales, Finland and Brazil are among the many countries that either consider declawing illegal or inhumane, and only allow it under extreme circumstances. )
Safari Professional Pet Nail Trimmer, Small/Medium
Amazon Price: $7.64 (as of 06/02/2012)
Used Price:
Again, this looks like the same kind as we have. It doesn't matter if it says dogs or cats - they're all the same. Just make sure you get a small-medium size.
Keep your pet's nails properly trimmed at all times as part of its regular grooming. The Safari Professional Nail Trimmer features high-quality stainless steel cutting edges that will stay sharp for a long time. Easy-grip rubber-coated handles let the Trimmer feel comfortable and secure in your hand. A safety lock keeps the tool securely closed when not in use to keep your kids from getting hurt. Ideal for small to medium-sized pets.
Scent Marking
How cats mark their territories
Cats leave their scent over their territories, claiming it against other cats. This scent will convey information such as the cat's size, heatlh, and how recently they were in the area. An 'intruding' cat will not mark territory unless it is very dominant, as it wants to avoid being noticed.
Rubbing - Scent Glands
If a cat feels at home, it will mark objects - and people - by rubbing its head against them. Once your cat starts doing this, you can be sure it feels reasonably relaxed, and that the area is now home (or that YOU belong to it! This is why they rub against you when you come home, covered in strange smells!)
Urination
Now this is one reason you want your cats to feel safe. An especially nervous cat will seek to elimnate threatening odours by urinating on them. For a number of years we had to hide our shoes from Megan when we came home!
Who has recently introduced a new cat to a resident cat?
Tips and stories from Google about introducing cats
- Getting Another Cat After a Diagnosis of FIP
- Some experts recommend waiting six months before getting another cat; others recommend periodic blood tests to monitor antibodies against coronavirus and introducing a new cat only when the test is zero. Keep in mind the lack of a specific diagnostic ...
- Adopt Me! Lily Lu Has a New Look – and Lease on Life
- Some cats and dogs never have one to call their own. We want to help change that by introducing you to an extraordinary homeless pet every week. Today, we'd like you to meet Lily Lu, a Maltese mix rescued from neglect in a Maryland home.
- Cats.com, Hipsters.com, Haggler.com and Teaching.com Featured in New Domain ...
- Moniker introduced the live domain name auction concept. SnapNames operates the largest online auction of expired and deleting domain names, giving its customers access to the world's most valuable names every day.
- My purrrfect pets have a great home in Durham
- She would be best as the only pet, but could co-exist with another cat. Smoochie was adopted before the shelter fire in 2008, but returned in December because her owner wanted to travel. May 29, 2012 Sabrina Byrnes / Metroland Celebrate The Animal ...
Do you have any more tips? Or did I cover EVERYTHING?
Do you have any other tips?
I have a suggestion!
No. You are so awesome that you have covered every possibility.
aj2008 says:
Yep, you are awesome Flynn - and we all know I don't use that word very often :)
Get Your Kitties High
One way to break the ice!
Sojos Certified Organic Catnip
Amazon Price: $0.90 (as of 06/02/2012)
Used Price:
Sojos Certified Organic Catnip induces a harmless euphoric state in cats to keep your favorite feline feeling groovy for 5 to 15 minutes. Hand-harvested and carefully dried for optimal potency, the catnip is designed to be used just once or twice a week. The tin contains nothing but 100-percent certified organic catnip grown in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. Just sprinkle a small pinch for your cat to play with and smell.
A Summer Sunshine Charity Lens
This Lens Donates to the ASPCA
Blogging About Cats
What I've written about cats on my blog
Leave some pawprints in the pixels...
Do you have any other tips for introducing your cats?
Guestbook Artwork by Flynn_the_Cat
Part 1: How To Introduce Your Cats To Each Other ♦ Part 2: Helpful Cat Lenses
-
-
simpsonia
Apr 23, 2012 @ 5:40 pm | delete
- What a fantastic lens. The Cat Meets Kitten video is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
-
-
-
bcarter
Jan 17, 2011 @ 9:09 pm | delete
- We tried a lot of these things with our cats, but of course my husband just wouldn't listen to me and let Tucker out of his room way too early.
The little kitten constantly goes after Buddy, our established male, and just won't give up. He goes after Kelly too, but she just looks at his cross ways and he runs away.
B
-
-
-
KarenTBTEN
Oct 9, 2010 @ 11:59 am | delete
- Awesome resource. Blessed by a Squid An' Gel.
-
-
-
prosperity66
Jul 22, 2010 @ 10:38 am | delete
- For sure you know better than anyone how to introduce cats to each others :)
Congrats on your SSA!
-
-
-
janices7 Jul 12, 2010 @ 3:55 pm | delete
- Congrats on your Sunshine Award & the sparkly purple star! Great week for you and the ASPCA.
-
- Load More
About Me
Other Helpful Cat Lenses
Part 1: How To Introduce Your Cats To Each Other ♦ Part 2: Helpful Cat Lenses
About Cats and Cat Breeds
Cat Care and Understanding
Looking after Your Cats
My Cat's Story
Personal lenses about special cats
Arty Cats - Crafts, Pictures and Quotes
Cat Quotes, Cat Books and Cat Art!
Guestbook
If you have a similar lens, you can leave the link here
Part 1: How To Introduce Your Cats To Each Other ♦ Part 2: Helpful Cat Lenses
-
-
cinstress
May 4, 2012 @ 12:57 pm | delete
- thanks, my mom died and I may have to take her cat & we already have a year old male. This is helpfull
-
-
-
Lindrus
Apr 9, 2012 @ 4:18 pm | delete
- Thanks for a really nice lens! I especially loved the video about Sonic the kitten. Very well done.
-
About Me
by Flynn_the_Cat
This lens was awarded a Purple Star on 9th July, 2010!
I'm a Marine Biology post-graduate student,...
more »
- 249 featured lenses
- Winner of 29 trophies!
- Top lens » Dermographism - The Skin Writing Allergy
- This lens »
Won purple star
Explore related pages
- The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett
- Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain - Excellent Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain - Excellent
- Kitchen Collectables Cat Stuff - Cat Lovers Gifts Kitchen Collectables Cat Stuff - Cat Lovers Gifts
- Savannah Cat Information Savannah Cat Information
- Mamma Cat and her Kittens Mamma Cat and her Kittens
- All About Cats All About Cats
Why Cats Do That
A Collection of Curious Kitty Quirks
Why Cats Do That: A Collection of Curious Kitty Quirks
Amazon Price: $4.05 (as of 06/01/2012)
More Cat-Related Lenses
by Flynn the Cat
The Cat Behavior Answer Book
Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for Your Feline Questions
The Cat Behavior Answer Book: Practical Insights & Proven Solutions for Your Feline Questions
Amazon Price: $3.47 (as of 06/02/2012)
Part 1: How To Introduce Your Cats To Each Other
♦
Part 2: Helpful Cat Lenses
