How to Introduce a Third Cat Into the Mix of a Male and Female Cat

Conventional wisdom suggests isolating a new cat in a room for several days until the newcomer and resident cats get used to each other's scents. But most cats don't buy into humans' conventional wisdom. And keeping a new cat separated from the others can actually increase all of the cats' anxiety as they wonder about the "enemy" on the other side of the door. Whether the cats are male, female or a mix of both, integrating a new cat into your household will go more smoothly if you're relaxed and feel confident that the new cat will fit in beautifully with your family.

Things You'll Need

  • New litter box, toys, cat bed and dishes for the new cat
  • Baby gates or screen door
  • Treats
  • Interactive "wand" or "fishing pole" toy
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a "safe room" for the new cat. The cat will need a new litter box, toys, food and a cat bed or box to hide in.

    • 2

      Prepare yourself mentally. Cats pick up on our feelings and if you're stressed, the cats will be, too.

    • 3

      When you arrive at home with your new cat, put it, in its carrier, down on the floor so it and the original cats can get a look at each other and pick up each other's scents.

    • 4

      Set the new cat up in its safe room. Close the door and give the cat some time to get used to its new surroundings.

    • 5

      After a couple of hours, open the door to the new cat's room. Don't force it to come out. It'll do that when it's ready. In the meantime, chances are the original cats will peek in the door but won't go into the room.

    • 6

      If you're nervous about leaving the door open, stack baby gates at the door to the new cat's room or put up a screen door. The cats will be able to get acquainted without having any physical contact.

    • 7

      Let the cats get acquainted on their own terms. Don't force them together or try to separate them when they meet. And don't worry if they hiss at each other. That's normal.

    • 8

      Make the original cats feel special. Feed them before you feed the new cat and give them extra attention.

    • 9

      Plan activities all three cats will enjoy. Toss treats to all three or play with them with an interactive "wand" or "fishing pole" toy so they'll associate each other with pleasant experiences.