Should Shy Cats Be Introduced to Other Cats?

Cats are not the sulking loners that popular myth makes them out to be. Cats, in fact, are quite social in groups. But some cats are shy and hesitant to approach other cats. This might be due to fear or a cat's perception of his social rank. Socializing shy cats can help ease their stress and help them eat or play better. But be sure to plan ahead.

  1. Consider All Cats

    • Introducing one cat to others is not just about the shy cat. Consider your current cat̵7;s personality before bringing in a new member of the family. According to the American Humane Association, it is best not to bring a kitten or energetic cat into the house where an elderly, frail or laid-back cat lives. The same holds true in reverse. It is best to seek cats with personalities similar to that of your current cat.

    Scent Swapping

    • If you've found a good match for your current cats, don't just bring the new one home, particularly if she is shy. Since cats recognize each other by scent, it is best to swap blankets or pieces of clothes that smell like all the cats that will live together. If possible, you can even swap places, putting each cat in the other's environment to help them get used to each others' scents.

    Confinement

    • Cats are territorial creatures. A shy cat must feel comfortable in her space before she will eat, drink, rest and use a litter box. The best thing for her is to temporarily confine her away from other cats. Use a small, quiet room, such as a bathroom, small office or large walk-in closet, with no hiding spaces. Once she is acclimated, start introducing her scent around the house and introduce her to other cats' scents.

    Close Quarters

    • Before letting the cats meet, place both cats̵7; dishes close to the door, on their respective sides. They will smell, but not see each other and may come to associate each other with something positive. If there is hissing or growling, particularly over several days, it may not be a good match. But if both cats eat, let them see each other on opposite sides of a gate, such as two baby gates stacked atop each other.

    A Word About Fighting

    • When cats meet face to face, they can be dramatic. Some hissing and even some fighting is normal, but cats tend to adjust to each other quickly. If fighting persists or is especially violent, the match might not work out.