How To Introduce A New Cat To Your Current Cat...Is It Really That Hard?

So you've got a new cat...congratulations!  So how do you introduce him/her to your current cat?  Will they just work it out?  Sometimes they will and sometimes they won't.  It is important that a slow introduction be done and to work on their time frame and not yours. 

A slow introduction means they are separated for a while and the new cat has a space of their own to get used to the new sights, sounds, smells, etc. as well as the new friend on the other side of the door.  It's important that the new cat have a space of their own because more than likely he/she will be nervous and may hide for a little while.  That is okay for them to do because they are just doing what makes them feel safe.  It's important to establish a routine and to spend time with them in the room regardless of whether they come out to see you or not.  Eventually they will come out, I promise.

At some point the current cat will be interested in the new cat and there will be sniffing, pawing and probably some hissing under the door.  This is very normal behavior.  They are starting to establish the heirarchy in the household.  Cats are territorial animals so they have to figure out who is in charge, but this can be done slowly.  Here are some links to some great information from not only the Humane Society but Jackson Galaxy as well.

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/cats/tips/introducing_new_cat.html

So what do you need in order to set up the initial safe place for the new cat?  You'll need a litter box, food and water dishes, a scratching post, and what I call a 'hidey hole' which is simply a small space for them to hide such as a box with a hole cut in it or a cubbie from a pet store.  If you want to get them a bed in case they want to sleep in it that is fine but depending on the cat it may be a while before that happens. 

The most important thing to do during this process is listen to the cats and what they want.  For instance, if you crack the door so they can see each other and there is swatting and hissing then they are not ready.  You can also use food as a way to teach them when they see the other cat they get food which is good so the other cat must be good.  Whatever is of high value to the cats is what you will use to teach them the other cat is good.

This is what you want to see when they meet instead of hissing and swatting

A good meeting may involve a hiss or two and then ignoring the other cat.  It may involve what you see in the picture above or they may rub up against each other.  It just depends on the cats.  The timeframe also depends on the cats.

I have friends who have 6 cats and every single one of them walked into the house and within 24 hours they were integrated.  This is highly unusual and does not normally happen with new cats. 

In my experience, it takes about a week to a month for the cats to start accepting each other.  Depending on the background of the cat it can take longer, however.  I have fostered cats that never integrated and went to homes with no other cats and they are extremely happy.

All of this being said, segregation is a good thing at first and let them slowly get used to each other.  It will happen, it just takes time.  If you are patient with them they will reward you with a lifetime of love and companionship.

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