Adding a new member to your feline family is usually more exciting for you than your current cat.
Even though they are solitary by nature, most cats eventually learn to accept or at least
tolerate newcomers. Because they are very territorial, the way you go about introducing the new
cat to your existing cat can mean the difference between success or "cat-astrophe."
The introduction process can take as little as 10-12 days for kittens and very young cats, to as
long as 12 weeks for older cats. It all depends on each cat's personality. Be sure to give your
"first" cat plenty of attention. This will help him feel secure that he is not in competition for
your affection.
Confine your new cat to a "safe" room until the introduction process is complete. This should be
a small room, such as a bathroom or small bedroom that your current cat rarely visits. Furnish it
with a bed, scratching post, food, water and litter box.
In the beginning, your first cat may hiss and yowl at the cat on the other side of the door. Just
ignore him and walk away. Never punish him for vocalizing aggressively, it will only cause
trouble between the two cats. Be sure to praise and pet your first cat when he acts calmly when
near the new cat's room.
After a few days, take a rag or washcloth and rub it over your new cat as you pet and play with
her. Use a different rag to do the same thing with your first cat. At feeding time, put each
cat's scented rag under the other cat's bowl.
This will help them associate the other cat's scent with something positive-food. Lots of little feedings each day will help them get used to the
smell more quickly. Be sure to renew the scent on the rags each day.
