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introducing a new cat to your cat |
It is impossible to know for certain how any cat will act upon the introduction of a new cat into the household. Cats are territorial animals and aggression toward a new cat is not uncommon.
Proper Integration is Key
The easiest way to solve aggression between cats is to stop it before it starts. A proper integration of the new cat into the household you may be able to avoid agression between the cats.
Preparing for the New Cat
Select a room in your home where your new cat will “reside” for at least a week. Set-up the new cat’s litter box, food and water bowls, toys and bed.
Day One
When you bring your new cat home, it is best to take him immediately into his designated room. Hold the cat in your lap and let him observe his new surroundings. If you allow the cat out of the carrier without restraint, he will probably head for the nearest “hiding spot.” Allow the cat some time to meet you and understand that he should not be afraid. Show your new cat his litter box, food and water bowls and toys and then permit him to explore his room. Don’t be surprised if he finds a hiding spot. Remember, he is not only in new surroundings, but senses your cat as well.
Be sure to spend time with your new cat on his first day in your home. Encourage him to eat, drink and play. And, make sure to give some extra attention to your family cat!
Begin the Introduction Process
After your new cat has spent his first day in your home, you can actually begin the introduction process. Start by moving both of your cats’ food bowls to within several feet of the door that separates them. By doing this, you are allowing the cats to associate the positive stimulation of their food with each other. Continue to observe the behavior of both cats, making sure that they are comfortable enough to eat, drink and use their litter boxes.
Continue to Build a Positive Experience.
Day Three
After the first two days, both your family cat and your new cat should be getting used to the idea that there is another cat in the house. Continue to move the cats’ food bowls closer to the door. If, at any time, either cat stops eating, move the bowls further from the door and begin the process again, slowly.
Make the Switch
On the fourth day enlist the help of a family member or a friend to remove your new cat from his room and to confine your family cat in the new cat’s room. Switching the location of the cats serves two purposes. First, it allows your new cat to comfortably explore your home without the distraction of your family cat. Second, confining your family cat to the new cat’s room will allow him or her additional exposure to the scent of the new cat without a face-to-face meeting.
Your new cat will need ample time to explore the rest of your home. Keep your family cat confined for at least 24 to 48 hours so that your new cat may adjust to his new surroundings.
The Introduction
After about a week, your cats should be comfortable enough for a face-to-face introduction. Place your new cat in a carrier and take him into the room where your family cat is confined. Place the carrier on the floor and allow your family cat to investigate. At this point in the introduction process, it is important to observe both cats’ behavior and to use your judgment as to how to progress. Assuming both cats are relatively calm, you may decide to remove your new cat from the carrier and allow the two to interact. If, however, either cat is exhibiting extremely aggressive behavior, it is advisable to remove the new cat from the room and begin the face-to-face introduction process at after several more days of separation.
Dealing With Aggression
- If aggression after the initial introduction of the foster cat occurs, begin the slow introduction process over.
- Do not allow fighting among the cats to continue. Because cats do not establish hierarchical social structures, they will not “work things out” if allowed to fight. The more cats fight the worse the problem may become. To stop a fight make a loud startling noise or squirt them with water, do not attempt to pull the cats apart.
- Do not punish the cats for their aggression or fighting. Punishment is likely to elicit further aggression and fearful responses toward you.
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