How to Make a Stray Cat Accept Other Cats

Stray cats are cats that used to live with an owner but now live on the streets. If you decide to adopt a stray cat and you want to introduce it to your other cats, you have to follow a few steps to make sure your cats get along. Felines are territorial and may have a difficult time accepting other cats. Don't expect a stray cat to accept other cats overnight, and allow weeks or even months for it to adapt to its new home and its other inhabitants.

Things You'll Need

  • Bedding or clothes with cat scent
  • Towel
  • Sprayer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Isolate the stray cat in a room your other cats don't have access to, so that the stray cat can slowly adapt to the environment without being overly stressed. This measure also helps keep your other cats healthy, because stray cats may carry various diseases or parasites. Have the stray cat checked by a veterinarian and administer suitable treatment, if needed.

    • 2

      Introduce a few items from your other cats, such as bedding or clothing that carry the scent of the cats, so that the stray cat gets familiar with the scent of the other cats. Rub a towel on the stray cat and put the towel in the other cats' room, so they can also get acquainted with the new cat's smell.

    • 3

      Stroke the stray cat or feed it in the presence of the clothes that have the smell of the other cats so that the stray feline associates a pleasant experience with the smell and will be more likely to accept the other cats.

    • 4

      Introduce the cats for a brief time (up to 10 minutes) so they can get acquainted. Allow the cats to interact, but supervise them. Look out for signs such as prolonged hissing, growling or yowling, which indicate the cats may engage in a fight. Break the cats up before they start fighting by placing each cat in a different room or crate. Alternatively, spray the cats with cold water.

    • 5

      Extend the time the stray cat spends with the other cats. Separate the cats after a few hours or when you are unable to supervise them.

    • 6

      Allow the cats to spend time together 24 hours a day after you make sure the stray cat has accepted the other cats and the other cats get along well with the new feline in the house.