The best way to introduce the new arrival is to simply let them do it on their own time.
- Once home and settled, set the carrier with the new cat on the floor in a central room and leave the door shut. Let the other cats sniff the carrier and new cat while the new cat is safe and secure inside. Once the initial “new-ness” has worn off, open the cage door. Don’t force the new cat out or force the other cats to smell again. Just let the cats do what they will and be there to supervise should an issue arise.
- If any growling or hissing occurs it’s important not to scold. It’s counter-intuitive, but unfortunately our furry family members lack the ability to understand why they are being scolded. It will also only cause both cats to feel even more anxious and stressed. Your existing cat will think you’re upset about the new cat and may feel the need to “protect you” from it, and the new cat will just feel afraid. Instead distract each cat separately (multiple family members are needed here) with treats and toys so that they are having fun or getting something special in the presence of a new cat. This will help instill happy thoughts with the new cat.
- Throughout this entire process it is important to provide one-on-one interaction for each cat. The more you can do this simultaneously (by having one family member per cat) the faster you can desensitize the cats to one another. It is important that if you are interacting one-on-one at the same time as another family member/cat that you don’t force the cats to become any closer to one another than each cat feels comfortable.
Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:- You will need enough litter boxes for all cats in the house. Here is a simple formula to ensure you have the right number of litter boxes: # of cats + 1 = # litter boxes needed.
- Some cats prefer different types of litter over others (scented vs. unscented, etc), so be sure to provide different options. Different types of litter boxes (covered, uncovered, high-sided, low-sided, etc) are also a good idea.
- You need separate food dishes for each cat. Ceramic or stainless steel with low sides are the best for cats. Cats prefer low dishes to keep their whiskers out of the dish. Ceramic or stainless steel dishes also help prevent feline acne. Plastic dishes hold the oil from the food and then transfer it to your cat’s chin which can lead to acne. Be sure to wash food and water bowls weekly.
- If there are other pets already in the house here is our recommendation for introducing the new cat or kitten with the rest of the family.
- Keep the new cat/kitten in small room alone for 3-4 days
- Then let the cat/kitten out only when supervised and keep it in the room overnight for 3-4 days
- If you do not plan on keeping a litter box in the room where the new cat/kitten initially stayed, move it slowly to the new location so as not to confuse the cat. We recommend moving it no more than 1 inch per day.
**Remember each cat/kitten is different – yours may require a slower transition**
Following these simple tips will help create harmony in your house and keep a healthy and happy relationship between your new cat/kitten and the family! If at any time you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!
