Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats

This article will show you how-to introduce a new cat to other cats.

Steps

 * 1) Bring the new cat into an enclosed room, without letting the other cat(s) see him or her. If the new cat is afraid or feral, use gloves when handling it. Do not yell or move quickly. Speaking to it in a soft, calm voice might also help. Also, if the cat is younger than eight weeks, it probably shouldn't be adopted yet.[[Image:Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) For the next two weeks or even months, keep the new cat's food, water, litter box and toys in the same enclosed area without letting the cats see each other. If the cat smells the other cat and wants to investigate, that's fine! As long as the old cat doesn't actually come into the room.[[Image:Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats Step 2.jpg|center]]
 * 3) After a couple of months, gently bring the old cat into the room. Don't bring the new cat into the whole house, it will seem overwhelming. When the two cats meet and see each other, especially if they are two males, don't be surprised if they start hissing at each other. This is just over territory, to see who is the boss. If they come at each other, spray them with water.[[Image:Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 4) Once the two cats are friendly, (or at least don't want to kill each other) you can let the new cat into the house. If there are other cats, introduce them to each other in the same way at Step Three. Once this is established, you can let the other cat into the house. If anything else goes wrong, repeat the process.[[Image:Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 5) Relax. After the cat has successfully been introduced to everybody else and they will be able to run freely about the home without fear of your other pets harming him, let him do so, but make sure he knows where food, water, and the kitty litter box is, as well as anything else he will need.
 * 6) If your new cat is going to be an outdoor cat, make sure he stays inside for a couple of days first. Carry him outside to have a look around, but don't set him down yet, and after you've done this for a couple of days, you can most probably let your cat run freely without worry that he won't come home, but I very highly recommend that your cat be an indoor cat if you live by a busy street, your neighbors have aggressive dogs in their backyards, or if there are any other aggressive cats around the neighborhood that can roam outside.

Tips

 * If one cat is much smaller than the other, keep extra watch if they start fighting.
 * Make sure your cats are spayed or neutered before you adopt.

Warnings

 * Don't be surprised if, soon after they are introduced, one cat seems meek and scared around the other, whether it's the old one or the new one. This is just establishing that the other cat is the boss.
 * Other ideas are:

Alternate food dishes and bedding so they get used to each others smell.

If you have a baby gate or other clear barriers, let them see each other in safe spots ( Be careful that cats can't jump over the barrier.

Once they are almost friends, feed the cats in the same room as each other, or have them play with a cat toy at the same time.

Remember, cats, like humans, are individuals, some cats adjust to 'room-mates' faster than others, try to be patient with them. Always remember why you love each of them and make sure to spend time with each cat during the acquaintance period.
 * Never be without the spray can!!!

Related wikiHows

 * Introduce a New Cat to the Family
 * Introduce a New Cat to Other Cats
 * Introduce an Older Cat to a New Dog