Cat to cat introduction

The key to a successful cat integration is to move at a pace that both cats are comfortable with. Both the newcomer and the resident cat must be ready to progress. If you rush the process before either cat is ready, you may create lasting tension that is difficult to resolve. This can lead to a stressful home environment, where one or both cats experience excessive stress, potentially resulting in behavioral issues, illness, or depression.

Step 1: The “Safe Room”

In the beginning, the new cat should be kept exclusively in a “safe room.” This should be a quiet, enclosed space such as a spare bedroom, office, bathroom, or closet—somewhere away from the main household activity. The safe room should contain all necessary items, including food, water, a litter box, a cat bed, a scratching post or pad, and a variety of self-play toys. Be sure to place the food and water as far away from the litter box as possible.

Optionally, you can spray the corners of furniture and other objects in the room with Feliway, a stress-reducing pheromone spray (note: we do not recommend the Feliway diffusers). This should be done at the cat’s nose height once or twice a day. However, it is important not to spray directly on the cat. You may also use this spray in the rest of the home for the resident cat.

The time spent in the safe room allows the new cat to become familiar with the sights, sounds, smells, and daily routine of the home. Since cats dislike change, limiting their space at first helps them adjust more comfortably. Initially, the new cat may hide—this is completely normal and should not be discouraged. Providing a small enclosed space, such as a box with a towel draped over the opening, will give the cat a sense of security.

Once the new cat starts coming out of hiding more frequently, engage in interactive play sessions using a fishing-pole-style wand toy (such as Da Bird) for 10 to 20 minutes, once or twice a day. It is also helpful to have similar play sessions with the resident cat near the safe room door. This process helps build confidence in both cats. Always store interactive toys securely when not in use.

During this period, the new cat will begin to smell like the home, which will make their eventual meeting with the resident cat smoother. The scent association will help the resident cat perceive the newcomer as part of the household rather than an unfamiliar intruder.

Do not allow the cats to see or meet each other until both are showing clear signs that they are ready. This process can take anywhere from two weeks to two months, depending on the cats’ personalities, ages, and past experiences. If one cat is ready and the other is not, the pace should always be determined by the slower cat.

Rushing the process before both cats are comfortable may lead to long-term inter-cat tension.

Step 2: While You Wait – Scent Mixing

While waiting for both cats to be ready to meet, take advantage of this time to promote scent mixing. Introducing each cat to the other’s scent in a controlled way will help facilitate a successful integration.

One simple scent mixing exercise is bed swapping. After each cat has slept on their own bed, swap the beds so that each cat becomes accustomed to the other’s scent. If a cat does not sleep on a bed, place a folded towel in their resting area, as cats are often drawn to these. After the cats have slept on each other’s bedding for at least three days, swap them back and repeat this process every three days.

Another useful exercise is allowing the cats to explore each other’s spaces while ensuring they do not see each other. This can be done by temporarily relocating the new cat, using a carrier, to a different area of the home while allowing the resident cat to investigate the safe room. Let the resident cat explore until they have finished sniffing and investigating.

Similarly, you can confine the resident cat in another room while allowing the newcomer short periods of exploration in the main living areas of the home. These exploration sessions should start with brief outings of 10 to 20 minutes, gradually increasing over several days.

Step 3: The Meeting

You will know the new cat is ready to meet the resident cat when they confidently explore the entire safe room, no longer hide, and show curiosity about the world beyond the door. Some cats may even begin to play “footsie” under the door with the resident cat, which is a positive sign of interest.

For the resident cat, readiness means they have had sufficient time to adjust to the presence of the new cat in their territory. If the resident cat lingers near the safe room door with curiosity rather than hostility, this is a good indication they are prepared to meet. If they are still hissing or growling at the door, they need more time in the scent mixing phase before an introduction should take place.

When both cats are showing signs of readiness, you can proceed with the first meeting.

To begin, slightly crack open the safe room door, allowing the cats to see each other. If no signs of aggression occur, let them sniff each other through the opening. If this goes well, allow them to spend a short, supervised period together—approximately 10 to 20 minutes—before returning the new cat to the safe room.

Continue these supervised interactions daily, gradually increasing their duration as long as the cats remain calm. It is helpful to conduct these sessions at the same time each day since cats thrive on routine.

During these meetings, have high-value treats on hand (such as irresistible Churu treats) to reinforce positive behavior. However, avoid rewarding negative behaviors such as growling or hissing.

If tensions arise at any point, whether when they first see each other, sniff each other, or interact in shared space, immediately separate them and try again the next day. If conflicts continue, it is a sign that the process is moving too quickly.

Patience and gradual progression are essential for a successful integration.

Subtle Signals of Bullying or Discomfort

Conflict between cats isn’t always as obvious as hissing. Sometimes, a cat may exhibit more subtle signs of discomfort or intimidation. For instance, if one cat is sitting quietly by a door and the other cat is avoiding that area, refusing to go near, or standing back from them, it could indicate that the second cat feels uncomfortable or is being bullied. Cats are territorial by nature, and behaviors such as avoiding certain spaces or hiding may be signs that they don't feel safe in their environment.

Resource guarding by one cat can create significant stress for the other cat involved. It’s important to pay attention to these subtle cues to help reduce stress and foster a peaceful environment, especially in multi-cat households. Even if your cats aren’t fighting openly, these behaviors can still signal conflict. To minimize tension, make sure there are multiple and separate environmental resources available, such as food, water, litter boxes, perching places, and hiding spots.

The general rule for environmental resources is to have one set for each cat, plus one additional set. For example, if you have two cats, you should provide three litter boxes, placed in distinct areas. This helps prevent resource-related stress and promotes a more harmonious living situation for all your pets.

Final Considerations

Cats should not be forced to share space if they do not get along.

If significant tension persists, consider restarting the introduction process from the beginning.

In cases where integration remains unsuccessful, you may need to either keep the cats separated permanently or, if necessary, consider returning the new cat to the adoption agency.

By taking a slow and steady approach, you will set the stage for a peaceful and harmonious home for both cats.

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