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So You Want Another Cat ...
Steps to Help Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats
There are many reasons for wanting to add a second, third or fourth cat to your household.
Whatever your reasons, you must plan carefully for the introduction process. There is a great
deal of information (some of it conflicting) about the best way of adding another cat to your
household. Is it easier to introduce a kitten? Is it best to introduce a cat of the opposite
sex? The answer to those questions is a resounding maybe!
A kitten is more likely to appear slightly less threatening to your existing cat and may be
less aggressive than another mature cat. However, many adult cats have lived with other cats
and are very accepting and friendly with others of their own species.
Cats, like people, may like some other cats, but not all other cats. A good rule of thumb
when adopting another adult cat is to find one with a similar personality to your existing
cat. If your cat is active and playful, adopt a playful cat.
The sex of the animal appears to be irrelevant as long as both animals are neutered or
spayed. If you are adopting a kitten make sure it is spayed or neutered before reaching
sexual maturity (6 months old) to help prevent behavioral problems.
Cats who live in the same household may never become the best of friends, but usually will
learn to tolerate each other. Try following the steps outlined for a gradual introduction
process. The feeding step can take a couple of days or several weeks. Be patient.
Confine the new cat to one room with a litter box, food, water and bed. Feed your cat and
the newcomer near either side of the door. Do not put the food so close to the closed door
that either cat becomes too upset to eat. You are associating something pleasant (eating)
with each other's presence. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the two cats
can eat calmly directly on either side of the door. Next use two door stops to prop
the door open just far enough so the cats can see each other, and repeat the process.
Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident cat(s) so they have a chance to
become accustomed to each other's scents. You can also put the sleeping blanket with the
other cats scent underneath the food dishes.
Once the new cat is using its box and eating regularly while confined, let it have free time
in the house while confining the other cat. This switch allows them to experience each others
scent without a face to face meeting and allows the newcomer to become familiar with the
house without being frightened by other animals.
Avoid any interactions between the cats that result in aggressive or fearful behavior. If
these response are allowed to become a habit, they can be difficult to change. It is best to
introduce the animals so gradually that neither becomes afraid or aggressive. You can expect
mild forms of these behaviors including hissing, spitting, and growling. If a fight breaks
out, throw a blanket over each cat, pick them up and separate them. Be careful, a normally
sweet cat may bite when upset. Do not leave the cats alone unsupervised until you are sure
they are getting along well.
Make sure you give both cats plenty of love and attention. Do not yell at the cats for not
getting along. Never discipline by hitting a cat. When your patience starts wearing thin
look at the situation from your cats point of view ... someone just came into your home
uninvited, started eating your food, playing with your stuff, using your bathroom, sleeping
in your bed and sitting in your favorite chair. All the other family members think the
newcomer is wonderful and pay more attention to him than to you, even though you are the one
who has to share all your stuff.
Make sure neither cat is ambushed by the other while trying to use the litter box or this
could trigger future problems. Your voice talking low and soothing to both cats may be
beneficial. Playing soft music may be helpful. A successful introduction takes time and
patience. The reward will come the first time you see the cats play together, sharing the
window to watch a bird, or if you are very lucky, curling up and sleeping together.
"Friends may come and go, but cats accumulate." - Bob McMahon
Courtesy of the Naperville Humane Society
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Copyright © 2008 Humane Society of Central Illinois. All rights reserved.