Introducing a new cat into your home
Introducing a new cat into your home is a very important process and can ease the transition for your new pet and any pets you may already have at home. Keep in mind - it may take anything from a few days to a few weeks for a new cat - especially an adult cat - to get used to new surroundings. Here are some tips on introducing a new cat into your home:
Kitty's Own Space
Start with your new cat in a small room - like a bathroom. Becoming familiar with a smaller space is much less intimidating than getting used to a whole new place. Include a litter box with clean litter, a soft place to sleep, food and lots of water. Spend time in there with your new cat. If the cat is fearful or tentative, it's better to sit back and let the cat come to you. Don't force the issue.
Howdys
If there are other animals in the house, it's helpful to introduce the new cat slowly. Let the other animals sniff your hand after you pet the new cat. Rub the new cat with a towel and let the other animals smell it as you offer them treats or food. Open the door a crack and let them get a sniff or a glimpse of each other. Repeat this process a few times. We recommend at least 2 days of separation before opening the door. You can also "switch" occupants by letting the new kitty out and putting the house pets in the bathroom.
Tentative Peace
Often, there is some hissing at swatting at the beginning of new cats meeting. Cats are territorial and it takes some time to adjust to a new member of the family. The cats generally work out their differences and the hissing will subside in a few days. It's important for cats to have space to get away from each other. Be sure they have cat trees to climb UP and be sure they have their own food bowls. It's important to be patient. Give lots of love and attention to the established cat.
Other Tips
Kitty's Own Space
Start with your new cat in a small room - like a bathroom. Becoming familiar with a smaller space is much less intimidating than getting used to a whole new place. Include a litter box with clean litter, a soft place to sleep, food and lots of water. Spend time in there with your new cat. If the cat is fearful or tentative, it's better to sit back and let the cat come to you. Don't force the issue.
Howdys
If there are other animals in the house, it's helpful to introduce the new cat slowly. Let the other animals sniff your hand after you pet the new cat. Rub the new cat with a towel and let the other animals smell it as you offer them treats or food. Open the door a crack and let them get a sniff or a glimpse of each other. Repeat this process a few times. We recommend at least 2 days of separation before opening the door. You can also "switch" occupants by letting the new kitty out and putting the house pets in the bathroom.
Tentative Peace
Often, there is some hissing at swatting at the beginning of new cats meeting. Cats are territorial and it takes some time to adjust to a new member of the family. The cats generally work out their differences and the hissing will subside in a few days. It's important for cats to have space to get away from each other. Be sure they have cat trees to climb UP and be sure they have their own food bowls. It's important to be patient. Give lots of love and attention to the established cat.
Other Tips
- Be sure to clean litter boxes often. Have a litter box for each cat, plus one extra. If you have two cats, have three litter boxes.
- Products like pheromones (Feliway) or herbals (Rescue Remedy) can help to keep everyone calm.
- Cats should have places they can get away from each other, like cat condos, perches, and beds. Cats climb to escape from threats, so give them places to go