How to Bring Another Cat Into a Home With Two

Bringing home a new cat can sometimes create a difficult situation. Cats often can be very dominating and territorial animals, and the presence of a new and unwelcome pet can sometimes pose a problem such as the other cats acting aggressively toward the new one. Because of this, it is very important for cat owners to proceed slowly and cautiously with the introduction process.

Things You'll Need

  • Pet gate or screen
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a suitable cat. If at all possible, seek out a pet that shares behavioral traits with your two other cats. If your two cats are on the elderly side, try to take in a cat of similar age rather than a vibrant and energetic young kitten that may just annoy the other cats. Be careful with this, however, as older cats may also have a difficult time learning to share with new companions.

    • 2

      Assign your cat a temporary safe haven. Avoid allowing the new cat to roam freely among the two other cats. The introduction process needs to be gradual to avoid shocking the animals. Look for an area in your home that is quiet and away from the other pets, such as a small laundry room or den. The only requirements for the new room are the placement of a litter box, toys, fresh water, food and a door that can close. Allowing your new cat some space alone can help with the process of adapting to a brand new setting. This also can give the other two cats a little bit of time to get used to the odor of the new cat.

    • 3

      Allow the other cats to behave as they want when they notice the presence of another cat from under the door. Your cats may act aggressively by growling and hissing, which is normal. At this point, your cats may attempt to get to know and play around with the newest addition with their paws from under the door. Sniffing is also common. The playing process can be a beneficial part of socialization between the three animals.

    • 4

      Pay attention to how you act. During this stressful introductory period, speak in a relaxed and soothing tone to your cats. Avoid abrupt gestures and motions, which could startle them.

    • 5

      Create positive associations. When you feed your cats, do so on opposite ends of the door. Doing this can help the cats get acquainted with each other, as linking the smells of the other with the fun act of eating can go a long way toward peaceful coexistence.

    • 6

      Permit the new cat to explore the rest of your home. When you do this, put the other two cats in the safe haven with the door shut. Doing this will allow the new cat to adjust to the home and also allow the others to get used to how the new cat smells.

    • 7

      Expose your cats to each other through a "safety net." Place your animals in an area where they can see each other but without full access. One way to do this is by placing a screen door or clear pet gate between them in the living room.

    • 8

      Strengthen the link to the happy eating experience. Begin feeding all three cats in the same room at the same time but on opposite ends. Make sure the gate or screen is still intact. This process can encourage the cats to further link eating with the presence of the new cat. With each passing day, place all of the food bowls closer and closer until all of the cats are next to each other with just the small barrier separating the new cat and the two other cats. Once you feel the cats are comfortable with each other, take the gate or screen down, and allow normal access.

    • 9

      Keep an eye on all of your cats. In the beginning, your three cats may fight when around each other. Never leave them unattended until you feel comfortable with their behavior around each other.