Tips on Introducing Female Cats

The compatibility between two cats depends on several factors like size, age, dominance and gender. Usually two female cats get along better than two male cats. When introducing a new female cat to a home with an existing female cat the ideal conditions would be one in which the new cat is younger, less dominant, smaller and similar in background. However, even an ideal situation can turn sour if you don't know how to properly introduce two female cats.

  1. Isolate the Newcomer

    • The new cat will need to be isolated to allow the existing cat to acclimate to the new situation and prevent the new cat from infecting your existing cat with any virus. When bringing the new cat in your home, keep it in a separate room like a spare bedroom or bathroom. If you don't have the space put the cat in a large kennel but cover it with a blanket so that the cats don't have any contact.

    Know When it's Time to Mingle

    • At first your existing cat may react aggressively to the new cat's scent on your clothing or smell the cat itself. Wait until your cat stops reacting aggressively to begin basic mingling. Separate the cats but allow them to be able to see each other and have basic contact. Use a tall baby gate between the isolation room and the rest of the house or use door stoppers to keep the door open just a crack. The cats will sniff and even bat each other but after a few days or weeks will stop acting aggressively.

    Be Ready to Break Up Fights

    • When you first introduce the cats you may have a fight on your hands. Don't physically separate the cats; you may get injured. Spray water or make a loud noise by banging on a pot or whistle to scare them. The cats will need time to cool down separately before you can check for wounds. It may take several months until the cats stop seriously fighting each other, though you may have to deal with the occasional brawl.

    Look for Signs of Stress

    • The cats will let you know if things are not working out. Look for stress signs like excessive licking and grooming or changes in appetite. If one cat is suddenly not using the litter box the more dominant one may be blocking access for the weaker cat. In some cases cats may need separate litter boxes in different areas. Other signs of stress include mewing, hiding, sleeping too much or spraying to mark territory. Curb these behaviors as quickly as possible and give attention to each cat separately to ease the transition.