by Raven Lebeau

Created on: February 08, 2010

When two cats are introduced to each other for the first time, the result will almost always be hissing, growling, and physical confrontation. Cats do not appreciate the thought of meeting new “friends,” and will resist any well-intentioned efforts you make to force them to get along. Locking two strange cats in a room together will result in undue stress, both for you and for the cats. To introduce a new cat to your “old” cats, use the following step-by-step strategy:

1. For the first few days, keep a door between the new cat and the other cats at all times.

The cats will be able to smell each other and glimpse each other through the door crack, which is much contact as they can handle at first. Be sure that both the new cat and the old cats have access to food, water, and a litter box at all times. For now, the new cat will need his own dishes and box, so set up an area for him in a room that has a door you can close.

2. Put the newcomer in a carrier and begin taking him into the room with the old cats for short visits.

This will allow all of the cats to feel safe. If you wait patiently, the cat may begin getting acquainted by pushing their paws through the bars of the carrier. If the cats show hostility, take the carrier out of the room and try again later. Keep having these short introduction sessions until both the new cat and the old cats seem comfortable.

3. Have a squirt bottle filled with water and some fun cat toys on hand.

If the old cats no longer get upset when they see the new cat in his carrier, it is time to try letting him out. When you open the carrier, make sure that you are in a large room that has plenty of hiding places so the cats can get away from each other if they wish. Do not try to force the cats to get close to each other; just let the newcomer out of the carrier and monitor what happens.

If any cat shows hostility by growling or hissing, try distracting him with a toy. If that does not work and a physical confrontation ensues, break up the fight with a few squirts from the water bottle. Catch the newcomer, return him to the carrier, and try the introduction again later, when all the cats have had a chance to calm down.

4. When you can release the newcomer from his carrier without causing a fight, the introduction process is complete.

Note that there will always be some amount of hissing and growing as cats play or squabble. Keep the squirt bottle handy to break up any excessive fighting, and make sure there are enough hiding places, toys, and spots near the window to go around. Have at least as many litter boxes as you have cats, plus one extra. Separate cats during meal times if any of your cats are food aggressive.

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