Do you already have a cat, but plan on getting a second one? Then you need to plan ahead. Remember cats, by nature, are quite territorial and might not readily welcome a newcomer. After all, they have established routines, preferred places to sit or rest, toys that are just theirs, and their own litter box – introducing a new cat is sure to upset the balance – especially if care is not given to do it properly. So, here are some tips to help your existing cat and the new cat get along.
Introducing Your New Cat to Your Existing One
Perhaps the biggest thing you can do, before even bringing home your new cat, is to plan. Go ahead and purchase a second litter box- possibly even a third, get food bowls specifically for the second cat, and most importantly, set up an area just for the new cat so that they can begin establishing a space for themselves. This last part is perhaps the most crucial in the introduction process!
Keep them separate!
Because cats are territorial, your existing cat will not take kindly to an interloper! Be sure the new cat’s space is a room where the door can be closed! When you bring home your new cat, put them in their space and close the door when you leave. Take time to play with both cats separately, and after a few days where the cats get used to smelling the other cat on you, you can swap the bedding of the first cat with that of the second cat’s as this will get them more accustomed to their new housemate.
Do not even think about introducing the cats until they are both calm and showing a relaxed demeanor. The new cat should be exploring their own space and the resident cat’s behavior should be as it was before the new cat was brought home.
Visual “Contact”
When you feel like they have become accustomed to smelling each other from a distance, it is time to let them meet. Do this by bringing the first cat to the door of the room where the new cat is living. Open the door enough for them to see each other but not for your first furbaby to enter. If both cats remain calm – great! – reward them each with a treat. But there is an excessive amount of hissing or other forms of agitation, they aren’t ready to interact Close the door and try again in a few days. It might take a few visual introductions before your cats see eye to eye.
Face to Face
Once the visual introductions are going well, you can try removing barriers you have in place and let them be in the same space – though you will want to stay nearby to step in if it looks like things getting dicey. If behaviors such as swatting, hissing, laid-back ears, growling or even a change in posture occur, the cats are not yet ready to interact. Again, it might take several tries before they are happy to be around each other.
Even after your cats have become ‘friends’ it is important that each cat have their own space to sleep and hang out. After all, everybody needs a place to call their own!
Your existing cat and your new one can become friends and playmates. But you do need to do your part to help smooth out the process. Using these tips can make it easier for everyone! Have any other tips? We would love to hear about them!
