How to Introduce Cats Together

It's easy to have mixed feelings when bringing home a new cat. Sure, you're excited to get a new family member, but you may worry about how your existing cat will react. Cats are territorial creatures and may not appreciate a new animal invading their space. The key to introducing your pets is to make the transition gradual. At first hiss, you may worry that the two will never get along. But the cats will likely get used to each other and may even become best friends.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby gate
  • Spray bottle
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your new cat in a room with the door closed. Provide water and food dishes as well as a litter box. The cats will begin to smell each other, although they cannot see one another.

    • 2

      Place one cat directly outside the door of the room where the other cat is resting. Allow the cats to sniff and paw each other from underneath the door. Try placing both cats' food dishes close to the door so they can smell each other.

    • 3

      Give each cat a towel to rest on. After a few days, exchange the towels so the cats get accustomed to each other's scents.

    • 4

      Let the cats see each other, but keep a barrier between them. You can either insert a baby gate in a doorway or keep each cat inside a pet carrier. Let the cats' behavior determine how long the two spend together. If they get aggressive, return the new cat to his room.

    • 5

      Repeat the visits through the barrier until the cats can be in the same space without becoming aggressive.

    • 6

      Give the cats treats during the supervised visits so they associate their time together with rewards. If the cats get unruly, squirt them with water.

    • 7

      Bring the cats together in the same room without a barrier, once you're sure they can be there without hissing or engaging in other aggressive behavior. Supervise their visit, give them treats, and have toys handy to encourage them to play together.

    • 8

      Repeat the supervised visits with treats until the cats can play together nicely for extended periods of time. Avoid leaving the cats alone unsupervised until you're sure they won't hurt each other.