How to Bring a New Cat Into a House With Existing Cats

One of the reasons people love cats is because their personalities are so diverse and individual. It's impossible to know exactly how a resident cat might act when he is introduced to a new cat in the household. An article published by Cat World states that cats are possessive and territorial. It's not in a cat's nature to welcome a newcomer onto his turf and the adjustment period will most likely be a long one. Yet, a successful meeting is possible if the pet owner is patient, plans ahead and pays attention to the needs of both cats.

Things You'll Need

  • Blanket or towel
  • Grooming brush
  • Cat bed
  • Litter box
  • Cat toys
  • Feeding bowls
  • Baby gate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce your new and existing cats' scents to one another before they ever meet. According to an article by the Heart Animal Rescue and Adoption Team, the best way to introduce animals to one another is "scent before sight." If possible, let the new cat sleep on a blanket or towel that has been rubbed against the existing cat and vice-versa. At the least, let each cat have the time to sniff an object belonging to the other, such as a grooming brush, before they are physically introduced. Even after the new cat arrives, it is helpful to continue swapping scents this way.

    • 2

      Prepare a comfortable, quiet room for the new cat with her own cat bed, litter box, cat toys and feeding bowls. Even if there are not other pets in the house, Heart for Animals suggests isolating a new cat in one room of the house for a few days to prevent her from feeling overwhelmed. This way, the new cat will feel safe and family members can spend time with her in a less stressful, one-on-one environment.

    • 3

      Allow short, monitored visits into the rest of the house. Once he is eating regularly and using his cat box, put the existing cat into the safe room and let the new cat explore his new home without feeling threatened. This also gives each cat an opportunity to get used to the other's scents.

    • 4

      Put a baby gate in the doorway of the safe room. While either cat can easily jump over the gate, this does provide a buffer zone between the new cat and the rest of the house. Your cats can meet face to face at the gate without either of them feeling too unsafe. Some growling and hissing is to be expected, but eventually the cats will get used to seeing one another.

    • 5

      Remove the baby gate when both cats are tolerating each other well. There is no set time frame for this and you will have to use your own judgment to decide when each cat is ready to accept the other. There may still be some hissing and growling. In fact, that may continue for quite some time. As long as they are not actually fighting, it shouldn't be a concern. Let the new cat return to the safe room at night and during normal down times until you have discerned everyone is comfortable with the new housemate.