Introducing a new cat can seem like a daunting task BUT it doesn’t have to be. We want this experience to be a positive one for the cats and people involved.

Here are the steps to follow when introducing a new cat:

1a. Set up a space that the “new” cat has all to itself. This should be stocked with a litterbox, food and water, bedding, some vertical space and toys to play with. A Feliway diffuser (Multicat) can be placed in this space.

1b. Allow the “resident” cat to have access to the remainder of the home. This disrupts this cat’s daily life as little as possible during the introduction process. A Feliway diffuser (Classic) can be placed in what will be the shared space.

WHY? This allows for each cat to have a territory within the home. Both cats have the space and time to adapt to new smells and sounds. At this time, there is no direct physical interaction (or the pressure of having to interact if you are nervous in a new place.)

Create a common scent profile: By taking a hand towel, wash cloth or blanket and rubbing it on each cat and then the other, you are able to create a common scent. This allows them to get more acquainted with each other’s scents and that smell combined. Most important places are along the face/cheek and the hind end. This can be placed in each cat’s “territory”.

2. Continue to provide play time, social interactions and reward training for each cat. If you are using a harness or crate for introductions this is a great time to start working with this item.

3. Once each cat has settled into their space, begin offering a small portion of a meal OR treats on either side of the shared door. You can decrease the space between the bowl and the door as long as each cat is comfortable and eating.

WHY are they still separated? This gives each cat the opportunity to adapt to the other cat’s presence without concern for threat displays, fear, anxiety or aggression.

WHEN can the cats be introduced? When both cats are comfortable eating, playing and interacting with the door separating them. This shows that they are not experiencing anxiety, fear or stress in the presence of the other cat.

4. Controlled exposure to the “other” cat is the next step. This should be done when both cats are engaged in something that is highly rewarding – feeding, playing or receiving treats. Both cats should have ample space to retreat and the first encounter should be far enough to not provoke aggression, fear or stress (a good example is across the room).

WHAT should we use as a reward? Something the cat only gets during exposure time. This could be a new treat, play with a favorite toy, or a special wet food. We want them to learn that good things happen in the presence of the other cat.

Is this where the harness or crate comes in? YES! A harness or a mesh separation is a great way to keep both cats safe.

5. Over time, bring the treats or play closer and closer together. This brings the cats closer together while keeping each one stress and anxiety free.

What are signs of stress and anxiety? Tail flicking, ears back, bushy tail, hair or hackles up, hissing, and swatting are good examples.

What if they DON’T seem comfortable? Introductions need to proceed more slowly in that case. We want them to be far enough away that they are not showing signs of stress and anxiety and to be interested in eating or playing. If they are not able to do these things, they are too close. Any time we see signs of stress or anxiety, we need to go back to the previous step/distance away.

Do they have to be separated the WHOLE TIME? Cat introductions are a slow process and when rushed can lead to aggression. We want both cats to be comfortable and any amount of threat or aggression is too much. Allowing them time alone helps them to decompress and the time together is filled with amazing and rewarding things.

When can I start to increase their time together? Once both cats are comfortable with the positive interactions in close proximity you can start to increase their time together. Remember to start small with short increments and increase every other day as long as they both remain comfortable.

*Article courtesy of Meaghan Ropski, DVM.