| If you already have a cat and bring home a new cat | | | | Watch how they interact, and be prepared for some |
| or kitten, introduce them to each other slowly. Cats | | | | growling, hissing or swiping. This is natural. When the |
| are territorial, and the established cat may hiss or | | | | cats become familiar with each other, they will |
| growl at a strange cat in his house. | | | | establish a hierarchy and accept one another. |
| Kittens are not usually territorial toward another | | | | As a precaution, do not leave the cats alone until you |
| kitten, and they may immediately run off to play | | | | are sure they will not fight. If they seem very |
| together. However, if you introduce a kitten to an | | | | agitated with each other, separate them and |
| adult cat, the kitten may be afraid of the bigger cat | | | | reintroduce them again the next day, |
| until they get to know each other. | | | | Once the cats have learned to get along, spend time |
| To introduce cats, place the new cat in his carrier | | | | petting, grooming, or playing with each cat in turn so |
| and let the two cats see and sniff each other | | | | that one does not get jealous of the other. When a |
| through the carrier door. Then place the established | | | | new cat is introduced into the home, the established |
| cat in his carrier and allow the new cat to wander | | | | cat may feel like he is being replaced which could lead |
| around the house and sniff the other cat. You can | | | | to behavioral problems such as aggression or |
| also let the established cat sniff the new arrival cat | | | | depression. |
| under a door. This will allow them to get to know | | | | Reassure the established cat that he is loved. Pet him |
| each other's scent and prevent any fighting. | | | | a lot, play with him often, and give him extra |
| When you feel that the two cats are ready to meet, | | | | attention. Do not show favoritism to the new cat or |
| introduce them to each other in a neutral place. | | | | kitten or ignore your other cat. |