Introducing A New Cat Into A Household

• Introduce the new cat to an enclosed area (e.g. separate bedroom or bathroom) for 1 to 2 weeks that is outfitted with everything your cat needs. For an unsocialized fearful pet, consider a quiet, dark room and be patient.

• Keep household Pets away from the door of the new cat's special room. After 3 to 5 days, begin to feed both (all) cats meals, on either side of closed doors. Praise all relaxed behaviors. Remove the household cats if they show any aggressive or tense body language.

• Allow household cat(s) and new cat to hear and smell each other, but not see or touch. Observe body language from alternate sides of the door. If either cat is upset, move the food back from the door. Measure the distance from the door, at which each cat seems consistently relaxed, and is ignoring the other.

• Use a wash cloth to stroke one cat. Then use that same wash cloth to stroke another cat. Praise any relaxed interest in the scent.

• Rotate a litterbox and cat bed to introduce the cats to each other's scents in a positive, non-threatening manner.

• Once all cats are eating easily and relaxed, allow the first sight of each other in a very positive, controlled setting but no contact. Feed cats away from each other but with the door open. Put one cat in a carrier to eat in sight of the other.

• When cats can eat near each other with relaxed body posture, begin to allow the new cat out, while other cats are locked away. Let the new cat explore and relax in the new environment.

• At least initially, provide one litterbox per cat plus one extra. Remove unused boxes after 2 weeks of non-use.

• Ignore minor squabbles. If serious fights occur, separate the cats and follow the aggression protocols.  Links on left.