How To Introduce New Cats To Resident Cats Be Careful!, by FelindIQ on YouTube. 12 min 16 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 16 s
- Time to do it
- 2 to 4 weeks
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Set up a quiet spare room with food, water, a litter tray, a bed and a hiding spot. Keep the new cat in this room with the door closed for the first few days.
Let the cats smell each other through the closed door. Feed both cats on opposite sides of the door so they link each other's scent with something good.
Swap bedding or rub a cloth on each cat and place it in the other cat's space. Repeat daily so both get used to the other's smell.
Once both cats eat calmly near the door, crack it open a few centimetres or fit a baby gate. Let them see each other for short sessions of a few minutes.
Watch body language during these sessions. Hissing and a little growling are normal. Stop if you see flattened ears, puffed fur or a cat hiding and refusing food.
When both cats stay relaxed at the gate, let the new cat explore the rest of the home while the resident cat is shut in another room. Swap which cat is out each day.
Do the first face to face meeting in a large room with places to hide and climb. Keep it short, around 10 to 15 minutes, and stay calm and quiet.
End each meeting on a good note with treats or play. Separate the cats again and slowly increase the time together over several days.
Add a second litter tray and extra food bowls so no cat has to share. Keep at least one tray per cat plus one spare.
Tips and common mistakes
Never rush the first meeting. A slow introduction over weeks prevents fights and stress.
Do not hold or pick up either cat during a meeting. Let them move away when they want to.
Make sure each cat has its own high perch or hiding place so it can escape if it feels threatened.
If a real fight breaks out, do not use your hands to separate them. Make a loud noise or throw a blanket between them.
Questions
How long should the new cat stay in one room?
Keep it in its own room for at least a few days, and longer if it is shy or hiding. Move on only when it eats, uses the litter tray and seems relaxed.
Is hissing normal when cats first meet?
Yes, some hissing and growling is normal and usually settles. Worry if you see fur flying, biting or one cat refusing to eat or use the litter tray.
Should I let them fight it out?
No. Letting cats fight can cause injury and long term fear. Separate them and go back a step in the introduction.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
