If you know anything about cats, you understand that they like consistency and familiarity in their home environment. Some felines may protest if you rearrange the living room or move their scratching post, for example. Their dislike towards change can also extend to who lives in the home. If you want to increase your cat family and adopt another furry friend, you must make a concerted effort for everything to go smoothly.
Understand Your Current Feline Companion
Consider the personality of the cat, or cats, you already have. If you live with other people, is your pet particularly close a specific person in the household? It is not uncommon for felines to have a preferred person and enjoy regular bonding time with them. They may guard this relationship fiercely and resent anyone intruding on their time.
If you have more than one cat, unless they were brought home together, you may already have experience helping new housemates get along. Even so, pay attention to how your current cats interact and how accommodating they each are to changes in their environment.
Think about whether introducing another feline into the mix is a good idea. If you are unsure but decide to go ahead anyway, you might want to have a backup plan to rehome the new animal with a friend or family member if necessary.
Prepare ahead of Time
Giving each feline personal space and their own belongings is important, especially at the start. As a rule of thumb, you should have one litter box per cat. Putting a spare one out can also assist. This way, each of your companions has the opportunity to do their business when they need to in privacy.
Additionally, purchase a cat bed for your new cat and a few cat toys. You might also want to invest in another scratching post and cat tree to minimize the risk of potential fighting over these items. Of course, make sure you have sufficient cat food, treats, and litter to accommodate everyone.
Bringing Your New Pet Home
Initially, place the litter pan, bed, food and water bowls, and any toys or cat accessories for your new feline in a low-traffic room. Plan to keep the new arrival separated from the resident cats for several days. Providing them the privacy of a spare bedroom, for example, will allow them a chance to become more comfortable with the sounds and smells of your home.
Within the confines of this area, give your cat freedom to explore and the support necessary to feel safe and secure. Spend one-on-one time with them and let them warm up to you. They need to know you are there to protect them, offer them comfort and attention, and meet their needs for food, water, and affection. If you live with other people, they can take a turn being with the new pet in this setting too.
This is also your opportunity to get to know your cat better. If they seem shy or skittish, adjust your approach by sitting on the floor to get closer to their level. Speak using a soft, quiet voice and avoid making any sudden moves. With this reassurance, they will adjust quicker and be more ready to meet the other feline members of the household.
Meeting the Other Cats
Once you have built a good relationship with your newest companion, introduce them slowly to their feline siblings. Begin by using smell. Bring a blanket or favorite toy that belongs to your other cats into the room and let the new one sniff it. At the same time, take an item that has the scent of the new feline and offer it to your other cats. Be warned that the first reaction may be hissing, which is normal.
Additionally, invite each pet to hear and smell one another through the closed door. You can place their food bowls on either side, for example. Encourage your resident cat to see the newcomer as a positive addition by placing a couple of treats near the door. After a few days, crack the door open and let each feline view one another without directly interacting. You can also use a baby gate or screen door to keep them separated.
Next, have them switch places. Bring your current feline into the new cat’s room to further investigate the new arrival’s scent, and give the new pet time on their own to explore the rest of the home. The last step is to leave the door keeping them separated open and offer them supervised time together. Do this only after both cats respond to seeing one another with neutral reactions or affable behaviors like curiosity or an interest in play.
It’s critical that you make this a good experience by providing treats and praise as they become acquainted with one another. If you see any aggression, step in right away to diffuse the tension. Use distractions that catch the cats’ attention without startling them, such as instigating play with a toy or clapping your hands. Separate the cats and try again later if either exhibit extreme discomfort or instigate a physical conflict.
Let the Cats Set the Pace
Understand that it may take months for your new cat to really relax and trust their environment and for your current felines to fully accept them. And even if they do not become fast friends, over time your cat family can develop their own way of coexisting amicably.