Tips for Introducing a New Cat to Native Feline
Many cat owners may find themselves facing a few common scenarios when they bring a new feline into their home. These include the resident cat and the new arrival engaging in a battle, resulting in either the new cat or the resident getting hurt; the resident cat feeling neglected and becoming depressed, which can lead to stressrelated illnesses such as anorexia, cystitis, and worsening fatty liver; and the new cat hiding in a perceived safe corner, like behind the fridge or on a cat tree, staying there for weeks on end.
Upon reading this, you might be wondering if adopting a new cat is a risky endeavor. On one hand, it's about satisfying your own desires, and on the other, it's about ensuring your cat's safety and wellbeing. So, what should you do?
Introducing the New Cat to the Resident Cat Properly
To help the resident cat accept the new arrival, it's crucial to make it clear that the new cat poses no threat. As long as both cats can tolerate each other, you're on the right track. To foster a harmonious relationship between them, it's up to the cats to interact and the owner to make an effort. The most important thing at this stage is to create a positive first impression between the cats.
Three Approaches to Create a Good Impression Between Cats
Cats are particularly concerned about three things: food, litter, and territory.
1. Addressing the Food Issue
Before bringing the new cat home, consider changing your feeding method if your cat is on a selfserve diet. Switch to a timed and measured feeding schedule to help your cat develop a routine. Consistent feeding allows cats to associate a specific time with eating, making them aware of the "mealtime" signal.
During the initial quarantine period, you can use the "throughthedoor feeding" method to gradually reduce the distance between the two cats. This allows them to get used to each other's scents while eating, ensuring that one cat won't feel threatened by the presence of the other.
2. Dealing with Litter Issues
Cats are highly sensitive to smells, and the litter box is a place where they leave their scent mark. Introducing another cat's scent can be very offputting. You can prepare a new litter box and place the new cat's feces inside, then place it in the resident cat's area to help them get used to the new scent. If the resident cat reacts strongly, stop and wait until they've had some interaction. Prepare at least two litter boxes to avoid any territorial disputes.
3. Addressing Territory Issues
Since cats are sensitive to smells, anything that has been marked by another cat is considered part of their territory. When you first bring the new cat home, keep them separated and give each cat their own space. In larger homes, you can swap spaces so that the cats get accustomed to each other's scents. However, keep them separated during this process.
When planning for the cats to interact, make sure to consider the layout of your home. Without vertical space, cats may engage in territorial disputes, leading to a lack of personal space. Vertical objects like cat trees can help resolve this issue.
By addressing issues such as eating, using the litter box, and territory, you can help the cats gradually get used to each other. You can arrange for playtime together, but if the cats are not ready to play and are on the verge of fighting, take a step back. Be prepared to withdraw them from each other to avoid building negative associations. Continuing to force interaction can only lead to more resentment and a lasting bad impression.
It's not realistic to expect cats to immediately accept each other. As a cat owner, you should take things slowly and find the best way for your cats to coexist.
