Introducing a new cat into the family can be a fairly daunting process. Here are some tips to help make the process as seamless as possible.
It is important to understand that cats are very territorial animals, meaning you cannot simply add a new cat into another cat’s existing territory and expect them to willingly accept their new house mate. Doing this will risk stressing both cats and more concerning this often leads to them both deciding to never be friends. Most cats will take about 8-12 months to develop a new friendship with another cat.
Set up an exclusive “safe place” for the newcomer
When introducing a new cat, the newcomer needs to initially be isolated in a separate room with their own food, water, litter box, comfortable bedding, places to perch off the ground, a scratching post and some favourite toys. This will allow both cats to be introduced to each other very gradually by initially only exposing the two cats to each other’s scent.
It is a wise idea to take the new cat to your vet for a thorough examination to ensure they are healthy.
Feliway is a synthetic feline facial pheromone that can mimic the cat’s natural pheromones and provide a calming effect in stressful or unfamiliar situations. It is worthwhile considering placing one or two Feliway diffusers in locations around the home.
Utilise feeding times to reinforce with positive rewards
Feed both cats near the door of the newcomer’s room so they both associate smelling each other’s scent with a positive experience. Make sure that they cannot see each other under the door. In addition to their normal diet, when they are near the door reward them with a small extra tasty treat. Continue to do this for about 2-3 days, or longer if either cat seems reluctant or stressed.
Expose them to each other’s natural smell
The next step is to increase their exposure to each other’s scent without any visual contact. There are a couple of ways to achieve this. Exchange bedding between the cats, or rub a cloth around one cat’s mouth and then leave that cloth in the other cat’s space. As they start to exhibit curiosity about each other’s scent, ensure to reward with treats and praise.
Allow them to have brief, supervised visual contact
If there are no signs of aggression such as hissing or growling from either cat after one week of exchanging scents, attempt to let them see each other. This needs to done gradually to avoid conflict. If possible, install a screen door or high baby gate so they can see each other but cannot approach each other. Continue with the feeding and food rewards near the door that is blocked off with the screen so they see each other while eating.
Allow them to have supervised, communal time
Once both cats are happily feeding on separate sides of the screen door, commence short, supervised, direct interactions. For the initial exposure, have one cat in a carrier and allow the other cat to approach. Feeding both cats at the same time can reduce stress as well. Following this, allow cats to walk around and sniff each other. Continue to reward friendly behaviour. Gradually increase the supervised time together. Do not leave the cats together unsupervised until several supervised interactions without aggression have occurred.
Respect the five pillars of cats' environmental needs
The 2013 International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) Environmental Needs Guidelines identified five primary concepts that are needed to provide a healthy environment for cats. These five pillars can be applied regardless of what sort of lifestyle the cat has; whether they are indoor or out.
- Provide a safe place: ensure both cats have their own retreat where they can be alone.
- Provide multiple and separated key environmental resources: this means multiple food bowls, water bowls, toileting areas, scratching areas, play areas and resting or sleeping areas.
- Provide opportunities for play and predatory behaviour: set time aside each day to play with your cats. Learn their toy preferences and make sure you keep it interesting for them by regularly changing the toys.
- Provide positive, consistent and predictable human-cat interaction: every cat is different in the way they interact with humans. Learn to know what the cat loves but make sure not to force interactions upon them, instead let the cat initiate it.
- Provide an environment that respects the importance of the cat’s sense of smell: Use of the synthetic pheromone Feliway can be very helpful in creating a less stressed and more social environment.
Dr Martine van Boeijen BSc BVMS (Hons) MANZCVS (Feline Medicine) is the principal veterinarian at Perth Cat Hospital in West Leederville, WA.