Introducing a New Cat into your Family

  After our recent experience, I figured I would make a post about the best way to introduce a new cat into your family. The first step in this process, before the introduction itself, is evaluating whether the personality or personalities of the cats in your family are compatible with adding another feline to your household. Cats are animals with a wide range of quirks and personalities, lending some to be social and some to prefer being an "only child". Ask yourself these questions: will another cat add positively or negatively to the atmosphere of your home? Can you handle the cost and responsibility of another animal? Do you have the space for another cat? I have seen a whole range of reactions, from the new cat becoming good friends with the others, to one of the cats in the household turning into a nervous wreck. Now is the time to thoroughly consider your decision because you don't want to have a chaotic household, or have to find a new home for one of your feline friends.

  Once you select the cat and bring her home, make sure to keep the atmosphere as soothing as possible. The cat should have an area where she can be away from the other cats and humans to let her adjust to the smells and sounds of your home. If the cat is fearful or nervous of humans, let the cat spend time in her room and allow her to approach you at her own level of comfort. Some people let the cat have her own room for a day or two, some do it for weeks, it is truly up to the individual cat's personality so use your best judgment. Naturally, your other cat/s will be curious so don't be surprised if you find them acting differently and spending a lot of time near the area where the new cat is located.

  Next, I recommend bringing in some items that have the new cat's scent into the area where your current cat/s are living. Let them get the scent of the other cat and make sure to give plenty of positive attention or even a few treats to your cat so that he will associate the other cat's scent with positive emotion. Do the same thing for the new cat, and bring an item of your current cats' into the room with her, repeating the same process. If the cats are separated by a door, it is even advisable to feed them next to the door so you continue the positive association.

  Another step I like to take is putting a see-through baby gate up at the door separating the cats. This way they can see each other and you can determine how they will react to each other. If this goes well, remove the gate and supervise your cats. Once they are together, make sure that they don't fight or harass one another. Some protest and stress is expected, but if they start fighting or become visibly distressed, you should separate them and give them some time to recover from the experience. Do not under any circumstances let them be together unsupervised until you know that they will get along. Usually it is best to continue the supervised visits for a few days, even if they get along like best friends. You do not want to come home to injured cats or a house that is torn apart.

  Keep in mind that some cats may take time to become friends and others may never become friends. It is alright if your cats aren't best friends, but it is crucial that they learn to at least live together in peace. If this method is completed properly, most times the cats will learn to get along.

  There are the rare situations where cats are not compatible with having another cat added to their home. Give the process a few months and if it still does not succeed, then it may be time to find your cat a new home. If you find yourself in this situation, please responsibly place your cat into a good home, where the new owners are aware of his limitations.While it is a delicate process to bring a new cat into your family, it can be an extremely rewarding experience for both you and your cats.