Key Takeaways: The Golden Rules
- Never Rush: The biggest mistake owners make is forcing cats to meet too soon. First impressions are permanent. If they fight on day 1, it can take months to fix.
- The Base Camp Concept: The new cat needs a separate “safe room” (bedroom or bathroom) for the first few days. They should not see the resident cat yet.
- Scent Before Sight: Cats introduce themselves by smell, not sight. They must get used to each other’s scent before they ever lock eyes.
- Positive Association: Your goal is to trick their brains: “Smell of stranger = Yummy Food.”
🛑 STOP: Do Not Just Throw Them Together
Putting two cats in a room to “work it out” is dangerous. It leads to territorial aggression and long-term behavioral issues. Follow the steps below strictly.
Putting two cats in a room to “work it out” is dangerous. It leads to territorial aggression and long-term behavioral issues. Follow the steps below strictly.
Phase 1: Preparation (The Shopping List)
Before you bring the new cat home, you need to set up their “Base Camp.”
| Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Separate Room | A sanctuary for the new cat with their own litter box, food, and water. Keep the door closed. |
| Extra Litter Box | Follow the N+1 Rule. If you have 2 cats, you need 3 litter boxes to prevent guarding. |
| Baby Gate / Screen | Essential for Phase 3 (Visual Introduction). It allows them to see each other without touching. |
| Feliway Friends | A pheromone diffuser that mimics the “harmony marker” mother cats produce. Plug it in 24 hours before arrival. |
| High-Value Treats | Churu (Meat tubes) or wet food. Used to reward calm behavior. |
Phase 2: The Introduction Process
Step 1: Total Separation (Days 1-3)
Keep the new cat in Base Camp. The resident cat has the rest of the house.
- Scent Swapping: Take a clean sock, rub the new cat’s cheeks, and place it near the resident cat’s food bowl. Do the same in reverse.
- “Site” Swapping: Put the resident cat in a different room, and let the new cat explore the house for 15 minutes to leave their scent. Then switch back.
Step 2: Feeding Behind the Door (Days 4-7)
Feed both cats on opposite sides of the Base Camp door.
- The Goal: They can smell each other under the crack of the door while eating. This teaches them: “That stranger’s smell = Dinner is coming.”
Step 3: The Visual Reveal (Week 2)
Replace the solid door with a Baby Gate or open the door slightly with a doorstop.
- Eat and Watch: Continue feeding them on opposite sides of the gate.
- Short Sessions: Keep it short (5-10 minutes). If there is hissing, close the door and try again later. Hissing is okay; attacking is not.
Step 4: Eat, Play, Love (Week 3+)
Remove the gate for short, supervised periods.
- Distraction: Use wand toys to play with them separately in the same room. Do not let them stare at each other (staring is aggression).
- End on a High Note: Separate them before they get tired or grumpy. Always end the session while things are still good.
FAQ: Is This Normal?
How long does it take?
It depends on the cats. It can take 2 weeks to 3 months. Adult females are often the most territorial. Kittens usually adapt faster.
My older cat is hissing. Should I stop?
Hissing is normal communication. It means “I am nervous, stay back.” Do not punish them. Just distract them or increase the distance. If they start growling or screaming, separate them immediately.
What if they fight?
Throw a towel over them or make a loud noise to break it up. Never use your hands. If a real fight happens, go back to Step 1 (Isolation) for a few days to reset.
