Bringing Home a New Cat: How to Keep the Peace

Some cat owners prefer a single-cat household, but fate often has other ideas. Your child might bring home an adorable kitten, a sweet stray might show up at your workplace, or you might be charmed by a friendly feline face at a shelter or adoption event... Cats have a way of coming into our lives—not always in a neat, single-file fashion. So, how do you introduce a new cat into your home without upsetting your pre-established feline resident(s)? Remember that cats are territorial. Even the mildest new cat can seem like a potential invader to your established feline(s), and it’s just as scary for a new cat to be plunked down on another cat’s turf.
 

In the beginning:

First, make sure every cat that will be living in your home has been examined by a vet and declared healthy ahead of time. It’s also crucial that they are spayed/neutered, free of parasites, up to date on vaccinations, and tested for contagious diseases like feline leukemia.

Time and patience are key. If possible, begin by confining the new cat to a single (preferably quiet) room in the house. Make sure they have everything they need there: food, water, litter, toys, places to hide, etc., and let them get comfortable. Odds are, both the new cat and the established cat will quickly figure out that there’s someone new in town. But if you want their first face-to-face interaction to be as stress-free as possible, it’s good to plan and prepare ahead. One useful technique is “scent swapping” — offer each cat an object with the other’s scent on it. A piece of bedding, a brush, a carrier, or even just a towel or washcloth rubbed on their fur works well. There’s also a very helpful cat-calming synthetic pheromone called Feliway, available in sprays and diffusers, to keep the vibes low-key.

Over the next few days or weeks, curiosity will probably get the better of both kitties. Let them sniff each other under the door for a day or two, then leave the door open just a crack and supervise while the new cat ventures out at their own pace, or while the established cat explores the newcomer they’ve smelled and heard so much about. You might see some hissing, growling, or tail-poofing at first — maybe even a swat or two — but as long as it doesn’t turn into a howling, claws-out brawl, give both cats their own spaces back, don’t punish anyone, and try again in a day or two. Be patient and don’t force it.
 

Praise and Patience:

When the cats finally start spending time together, make it a fun, casual affair. Keep both kitties occupied with good things like treats, toys, playtime, and praise. They’re more likely to get along if they associate each other with good food and good fun! Once the new cat has free run of the place, make sure everyone has access to all the resources they need without having to confront another cat to use them. This means separate food and water bowls, as well as multiple litter boxes (the usual rule is one box per cat, plus one extra), scratching posts, toys, and hiding places.

Lastly, some cats might never be crazy about each other, and you may have to settle for them just tolerating each other. That said, no cat should be miserable in their own forever home.
 

Warning Signs to Watch For:

If you notice any of the following, feel free to reach out to us anytime:

• Any new inappropriate urination or spraying (even after introducing multiple litter boxes in multiple locations)

• Fights resulting in injury to either cat

• One cat stalking or harassing the other, or one cat constantly hiding from or seeming fearful of the other

• Signs of stress such as decreased appetite, diarrhea, or excessive grooming
   

Here’s to peace and love on planet cat!

 

Written by Samantha Mornin, Laboratory Assistant at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center and Urgent Care