Bringing a new cat home is not an easy task. Contrary to the common misconception among cat owners, cats are not very social creatures and do not easily accept other cats, unless they have been born and raised together. Of course, mature cats born to the same mother may also accept each other easily. However, with other cats, this can be accompanied by challenges. How well cats get along with each other is influenced by various factors, including the cat owners, the cats themselves, and the environment in which they live and are raised. In some situations, cats may learn to coexist. However, in other cases, they may not be compatible. In any case, if you have decided to bring a new cat home, it is best to do it in the best possible way. In this article, we will explore all the points you should consider when introducing two cats to each other.
Planning and Preparation for Bringing the New Cat Home
Bringing a new cat to the environment can cause stress for the existing cat, to the extent that you may even witness aggressive behaviors between the cats or abnormalities such as spraying in the area. Furthermore, this stress can even lead to serious health issues for the cats (for example, cystitis with an unknown cause). Therefore, if you plan to bring a new cat, you need to think ahead about everything. For instance, it is better to bring in two kittens from the start so they can grow up together. If that is not possible, it is advisable that the new cat be of the opposite gender to the existing cat. In the case of same-gender cats, note that male cats tend to tolerate each other better than females. Nevertheless, we must say that the successful introduction of a new cat to the home largely depends on your careful planning and preparation. Some of these plans and preparations include:
- Socialization – Before bringing a new cat into the house, start working on socializing your current cat. Socialization involves exposing the animals to a variety of experiences to prepare them for and cope with different interactions and environments.
- Compatibility – When choosing your new cat, consider how compatible it is with your current cat.
- Health checks – Make sure that your cats have recently undergone health checks and are being monitored for vaccinations, deworming, and external parasite control. They should be in their best condition when facing the introduction process and not pose any health risks to each other.
- Keeping the cat in a specific area – Protecting a cat, especially a new one unfamiliar with the area, is very important.
- Phantom diffusers – Using pheromone diffusers a few days before bringing the new cat home may help calm the existing cat and the newcomer.
- A transition space – Prepare a transition space where you can initially keep your new cat away from your existing cat(s). Ensure this space has all the necessary features (e.g., a comfortable bed, toys, scratching post, litter box, food, water).
When everything is ready, bring your new cat home and gradually introduce the two cats to each other. This introduction has stages and etiquette that we will discuss next.
Gradual Introduction of Two Cats to Each Other
To maximize the chances of unfamiliar cats getting along, introduce them to each other gradually and step by step. Observe your cats’ behavior to see if you should proceed to the next stage. We recommend thoroughly preparing yourself for the introduction process, as it may take weeks or even months.
Step 1: Placing the new cat in the transition space; initially, keep your new cat separated from the existing cat(s) and move it into the transition space you have prepared.
Step 2: Scent swapping; rub a towel on your current cat and place it in the new cat’s transition space. Rub another towel on the new cat and place it in the area of your current cat. Repeat this daily until the cats become comfortable with each other’s scent. You can also do this with the cats’ toys and blankets.
Step 3: Supervised visual contact; allow for short sessions of supervised visual contact through a barrier (e.g., a crate or a glass wall). If the cats seem comfortable, gradually increase the duration of visual contact.
Step 4: Allow the new cat to explore independently; let the new cat explore areas of the house without the presence of the other cat or cats to become familiar with the environment and identify escape routes.
Step 5: Supervised direct contact; if it seems like your cats are comfortable doing their activities behind the barrier, begin short, supervised sessions without a barrier. However, maintain separate resources and ensure they have areas to retreat to and are fed separately. If they appear to be getting along, gradually increase the duration of supervised free contact.
Step 6: Direct contact without supervision; once your cats are comfortable with supervised direct contact, gradually increase the time they spend together without supervision and slowly phase out your oversight.
Managing Cat Conflicts
If ongoing conflicts occur, seek advice from a veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist. You may need to consider separation, behavior modification, and, in some cases, medication in the short term. Specialists…
In the internal section of the Central Veterinary Hospital, we can easily facilitate the process of introducing two cats to prevent any behavioral issues that may arise during the introduction process as much as possible. 
Final Words
To maximize the chances of successful coexistence and growth of different cats in a family, it is essential to care for them. For example, you must provide them with suitable opportunities to engage in natural behaviors and interesting activities. These behaviors and activities are not only entertaining but also essential for the physical and mental health of the animals. Providing calm, private, and safe spaces for each cat to retreat, hide, rest, and use the litter box is also crucial. This is especially vital in households with multiple cats. One litter box for each cat, plus one extra, is highly recommended. The Central Veterinary Hospital meets all your needs for caring for and treating pets by offering various services such as surgery, laboratory work, radiology, and physiotherapy, as well as having a pet shop, pharmacy, and grooming services.
