Tips on introducing your new cat to the family

Introducing one or more cats that are not litter mates can often be a long process. The important thing to remember is, be patient! The cats will rarely get along right away, but there are a few things you can do to help make this transition easier. It can commonly take two to four weeks for the cats to finally accept each other and live together peacefully. The following are some helpful hints:

• It is advisable to keep both cats in separate rooms for the first few days, even if it means the new cat will have to stay in a small room like the bathroom. Allow the cats to sniff each other under the door. Expect some hissing.


• In a day or two, try switching the cats - putting the existing cat in the room, and the new cat out in the house/apartment. This will allow the two to smell each other's scent. If you are unable to switch rooms, try giving the new cat an item that has your exiting cat's scent already on it, such as a cat bed, favorite blanket, or toy.


• When you do finally introduce your cats, make sure you are holding one of them. Don't put them down next to each other right away, or a fight may break out. Let them see each other while one or the other is in the safety of your arms. You can expect hissing, and perhaps some growling. While holding the cat, it helps to hold the scruff of the neck with your free hand. This has a calming effect.


• Another good idea is to bring the new cat out in a carrier and allow your cat to sniff him or her through the bars. This will allow them to smell AND see each other, but not hurt each other.


• When you feel it is finally time to introduce the two, you might try breaking out the catnip. Sometimes this will put them in a better mood. Let them roll around in it first in separate rooms, and then introduce them. It is a very good idea to keep with you a squirt gun or spray bottle filled with water, so if a fight does break out, you can stop it by squirting them with water.


• It may also help to have a toy handy, so you can encourage playing while the two are examining each other. This may also help distract them if they are becoming irritable.


• During the first few days of their co-habitation, it is a good idea to separate the cats if you are not available to supervise.

Some other tips:

• Make sure your cats have separate bowls to eat out of. Even cats that are the best of friends can still get possessive when it comes to dinner.


• Most house cats will share the same litter box.

GOOD LUCK!! AND ENJOY YOUR NEW MEMBER OF THE FAMILY!!

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