Introducing Cats

If you’ve got two (or more!) kitties, you want them to be the best of furry friends! But cat

introductions can be tricky; as they are naturally territorial, they won’t always react

peacefully to a newcomer!

For more information, check out our post-adoption resources!

How Do I Introduce New Cats Peacefully?

Luckily there are lots of things we can do to help new cats get along well, without too

much stress or aggression! Slow introductions, plus lots of preparation and support are

key. The tips below should help your new kitty pals get along!

Take It Slowly

Cats feel calm and happy in a stable environment - without too many surprises!

Never immediately introduce two new kitties face-to-face without a period of adjustment.

It will be scary and surprising for both pets and won’t be a good start to their

relationship. It’s important to gradually introduce your cats to each other over a period of

days and weeks, using smell and sight before a physical ‘hello!’

Create Separate Spaces

Before a new cat arrives in the house, prepare a separate space or room as a new kitty-safe space. Be sure to let your other resident cats access the rest of the house - just not

that room. It’s important to give new kitties at least a week to adjust to their new area,

free from other animals.

When you first bring your new cat home, take them to their own safe space right away.

Leave them in the carrier with the door open and give them time to explore. Don’t force

your kitty to come out! Your pet will investigate when they are calm and ready.

Make Sure There Are Enough Resources

As part of your kitty preparations, make sure there are enough resources to go around.

Cats don’t like to share their things; not having enough food and water bowls, litter trays, or hiding spaces can create kitty tension and conflict. You should have one of each type

of resource per cat in your household (plus a spare!).

Create Bonding and Play Time

Play and reassurance are very important to make sure your pets are happy and feel

safe! Setting aside bonding time (at the same time each day) with both your new and

resident cats (separately at first!) will maintain your relationship with both kitties and will

help to ensure a relaxing and positive atmosphere in your home.

Use Scent as a First Introduction

Once your new cat feels comfortable and safe in their room, it’s time to make a first kitty

introduction - through scent! Your pets feel safe when surrounded by their scent, and

they will start to learn about each other through smell. To make a ‘scent introduction’, try

swapping blankets or bedding from where each cat has been sleeping. Swapping food

bowls will also help your kitties learn more about each other while associating the scent

with the positive experience of eating.

Use Visual Contact Before Physical Introductions

If your kitties respond well to each other’s scent, it’s time to let them see one another!

With your new kitty still in their safe room, open the door just enough to let your resident

cat see inside but not enter. This way, the two can see each other and meet; they may

sniff each other, stare, or walk around with tails up. If the meeting goes well, and both

kitties are calm, reward them with treats! But, if one or both cats seem stressed or

unhappy, keep the introduction short, and gradually repeat later. It may take a few sight

introductions before you’re sure your pets will react well face-to-face!

Try a Short Face-to-Face Introduction

If visual introductions are going well, you can open the door to the safe room or remove

any barriers you have had in place, and let your kitties meet and investigate! Start with a

short introduction at first, and gradually increase the time your pets spend together.

It is normal for your pets to be a little nervous or hesitant at first, and there may be a little

hissing. However, it’s important to watch out for fights! If your pets are hissing

constantly, showing signs of aggression or they fight, you should intervene and

separate them. It may be that the encounter was too long, or that they are not quite

ready. Take a step back and try again another day with a new (short!) introduction, then

repeat until they are more tolerant of each other.