How to Bring an Outdoor Cat Into an Indoor Cat's Household

Bringing an outdoor car into an indoor cat's household is a big decision and will take some work and planning. Expect the introduction to take a few weeks or even months. Follow the guidelines carefully and don't expect the cats to work it out without your help. Cats are territorial and solitary, so the task ahead is a difficult one. If your cats never become best friends, don't fret over it. If you can get them into the same household without fighting or being uneasy, you've done your job.

Things You'll Need

  • Litter box
  • Food bowls
  • Treats
  • Bedding
  • Toys
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the outdoor cat's temporary confined space. Have a new litter box with clean litter, new food dishes and fresh linens. A space the size of a dog crate might be necessary if the outdoor cat has not been litter trained. Also, place plenty of toys in the space. Your outdoor cat is used to a lot more stimulation and activity than your indoor cat.

    • 2

      Place the outdoor cat inside the space you set up. Your indoor cat should be nowhere around when you carry the new cat in. You don't want them having any visual or direct contact yet.

    • 3

      Leave the outdoor cat in this confined space for at least a week. At mealtimes, place the cat bowls on either side of the door so that the cats are near each other as they enjoy their food. They will associate each other with this pleasant activity. Continue moving the bowls until they are right on the other side of the door from each other.

    • 4

      Open the door a crack. Wait until both cats are happily eating to do this, and monitor them closely. As long as they don't try to attack, leave it open for about a minute.

    • 5

      Introduce the outdoor and indoor cat to each other's smell. Switch their bedding for a day. Allow the outdoor cat to explore the entire house while your indoor cat is shut in another room, such as your bedroom. Place your indoor cat into the outdoor cat's confined space for an hour or two.

    • 6

      Give them some face time. Start with short interactions of just a few minutes. Have toys and treats ready to keep the cats from becoming too upset or aggressive and to help them associate these positives with the other cat. Avoid holding the cats during interactions and separate them if extreme aggression or fearful signs are seen.

    • 7

      Continue short introductions until the cats seem comfortable around each other. Remember, this could take several weeks or months. Supervise their interactions until you're sure they will not fight and hurt each other.