| Even though we know that cats are extremely | | | | the new cat into the larger space while the other |
| territorial and do not easily accept a newcomer, it is | | | | person takes the resident cat into the new cat's |
| reassuring to know that our cats can live in harmony | | | | temporary room and stays with it while it smells the |
| with a newbie if the introductions are made correctly. | | | | new scents. Of course the other cat should be |
| They can adapt and accept a new cat into the | | | | supervised in case it dives under the lounge. At least |
| family. | | | | you'll know where it is at all times. |
| Doing the introductions properly and slowly at this | | | | The integration period may take from a few days to |
| initial stage will make life so much easier down the | | | | a week or longer. You will get a sense of when the |
| track. | | | | temperaments settle as the adjustment slowly takes |
| At the outset you need to mindful that domestic | | | | place. |
| tranquility will not happen instantly. It will take time | | | | Before the cats meet face-to-face in an open |
| and patience - but it will be worth it to be able to | | | | setting, it is recommended that you let them meet |
| extend your family and enjoy the love and affection | | | | through the door which you hold slightly ajar so they |
| from another cat in the household. | | | | can see one-another and sniff noses if they want. |
| The best approach is to get a friend to carry your | | | | The other option is to get some sort of grate or |
| new kitten or cat into your house in a cat carrier | | | | something like a baby gate - so they can see and |
| case. It should be seen as a no fuss affair. | | | | smell each other but not be able to pounce on |
| The new cat should be taken to a separate room | | | | one-another with this level of protection. |
| within which it will live on its own for a short time. | | | | When you think the time is right, let them meet |
| The room should contain a cozy sleeping place, an | | | | face-to-face and mingle with one-another - under |
| individual litter box, water dish, feeding dish, toys and | | | | constant and close supervision. |
| a scratching post. | | | | Ignore any hissing and growling and be ready to |
| Never attempt to put the cats together instantly or | | | | intervene if any kind of altercation starts to take |
| attempt to force a meeting. | | | | place. The more they tolerate one-another, the more |
| You are bringing the new cat into the territory of | | | | praise and attention each should receive. Again, there |
| your existing cats so by first allowing it to occupy | | | | may need to be two of you at this delicate time. |
| this one room is the best option. Your existing cat will | | | | Try to engage both of them in a pleasurable activity |
| quickly know that another cat is in its territory. | | | | - like chasing a piece of string or playing with a toy |
| Scent is highly important for cats - your existing cat | | | | they can both enjoy. This will let them associate fun |
| will be able to smell the new cat - even behind closed | | | | and enjoyment with the company of the other cat. |
| doors. You can expect some tantrums to take place | | | | Give equal amounts of attention to both cats - |
| - hissing, crying, etc as your cat asserts itself to the | | | | playing and patting. Always let them eat from their |
| newcomer. | | | | own food bowls. |
| You should let your cat smell the other cat indirectly. | | | | If things start to get heated between the cats, you |
| This could be done by rubbing a towel on one and | | | | will need to again separate them. The key is patience |
| letting the other smell it. They will gradually come to | | | | - eventually they will learn to accept one-another |
| accept this scent as a normal household scent. | | | | even if only begrudgingly. Cats can fine their own |
| This initial period will set the tone for the relationship | | | | space and play the avoidance game for however |
| for a long time to come so it's worth putting in the | | | | long is necessary. |
| effort for the period of time it can take. | | | | An introduction can really take from two hours to six |
| And we must not forget that the new cat will also | | | | months depending on the age of the cats and their |
| be highly stressed coming into a new environment - | | | | temperaments - so the key is to persevere and be |
| especially f it hears an unhappy cat on the other side | | | | patient and calm. |
| of the door. You need to be patient and loving to | | | | If you have an older cat - rather than introduce one |
| both cats throughout this whole process. | | | | kitten, consider two kittens so they can amuse |
| The next step is to let the cats swap environments | | | | one-another and leave the older cat to enjoy some |
| for a short period of time on a couple of occasions. | | | | peace. |
| You will need help with this - one person to carry out | | | | |