How to introduce a new cat into your household

Introducing a newly adopted cat to other cats in your household requires patience, time, and careful planning. Cats are territorial animals, and the introduction process must be done gradually to minimize the risk of aggression, fighting, or stress. Below are some helpful tips to help ensure your new kitty has a smooth transition into their forever home.

Keep the new cat in a separate room

When you first bring the new cat home, it can be tempting to just let them roam free. But it's important to keep them in a separate room for a few days. This will give the new cat time to adjust to their surroundings and feel comfortable. It will also allow your existing cats to become familiar with the new cat's scent without feeling threatened or overwhelmed. This step is especially important when you are dealing with older resident cats who are not used to big changes.

PRO TIP: If your new cat is separated in a room alone for a period of time (i.e. while you are sleeping), try leaving on some cat-friendly music. Spotify has tons of playlists. Just search “calming music for cats”.You can also leave on some Bird TV. Just search YouTube (here is one that plays for 8 hours). Of course, we want to be clear that you should interact with your new kitty as often as possible to keep them from developing separation anxiety during their initial quarantine period.

Use scent swapping

We all know that cats LOVE to smell…everything. So naturally, scent swapping is a great way to help cats become familiar with each other's smell before they meet face-to-face. You can do this by swapping bedding or toys between the cats. This will help the cats become familiar with each other's scent and make the introduction process smoother.

Use a baby gate or screen door

Once the cats have become familiar with each other's scent, you can start to introduce them to each other in person. A baby gate or screen door can be a great way to allow the cats to see and smell each other without any physical contact. This will help the cats become familiar with each other's presence and body language before they are introduced in person.

Supervise the first few interactions

Before you remove all barriers, it’s best practice to get the OK from your vet. It’s important to ensure that your new cat is healthy and free of any communicable illnesses. When you do finally introduce the cats in person, supervise their interactions closely. This means keeping a close eye on the cats and making sure they are not showing any signs of aggression or fear. If you notice any negative behaviors, such as hissing or growling, it's important to separate the cats and try again later.

PRO TIP: Feliway Diffusers can also help reduce stress. Simply plug them in near where each cat sleeps to promote a stress-free environment.

Provide plenty of resources

It's important to provide plenty of resources for each cat. This includes things like food bowls, litter boxes, and scratching posts. Make sure there are enough resources for each cat to feel comfortable. The general rule for litter boxes is one for each cat, plus one extra. So if you have three cats, that means having four litter boxes. It’s also important that cats feel secure with their access to food. Keep food dishes separate so they do not feel insecure about their food supply.

Reward good behavior

Reward all cats for good behavior during the introduction process. This can be done by providing copious amounts of treats and pets.

Be patient

The introduction process can take several days or even weeks, so it's important to be patient and not rush the cats. With time and patience, most cats will learn to coexist peacefully.