New Cat Introductions

Cats are social creatures that possess a natural curiosity and interest in each other. In the wild, they can live in large groups with females raising and protecting their kittens together, and feral cats will typically find ways of sharing resources. That said, cats are also territorial, so introducing a single pet cat to a new companion is not an easy task. When done successfully, the outcome will be an engaging home environment with lots of fun and games for humans and cats alike, but it cannot be a spontaneous action on your part. Cat introductions require careful planning.

 

Firstly, you need to assess the personality of your resident cat and determine if it is feasible to give them a companion. Cats have very different personalities, and some are simply not wired to share their environment with another feline. Never get a second cat for your own sake! You must do what is best for the cat you already have and love. Consider your resident cat’s breed characteristics and general needs and try to pick a cat with a compatible personality. This is, of course, easier said than done, and even with the best research and advice, your two cats may not get along.

Researching what cat to choose is one thing, but you must also prepare the home environment to accommodate two felines. Cats compete over resources in their environment. Resources include food dishes, water bowls and fountains, scratching posts, litter boxes, beds, blankets, pillows, and toys. As a rule, you need to double, sometimes even triple, everything you have before bringing in a new cat. Resources should also be spread out across the cats’ environment. If you are not prepared to have your home “catified” in such a fashion, you should reconsider acquiring a second cat. You also need to bear in mind that YOU are a resource in your cats’ life too, so a second cat will require more of your time, not less. It is a misconception that cats are low maintenance and that acquiring a second cat can somehow make up for your busy schedule. Two cats will not automatically entertain each other or fulfill each other’s need for contact. In fact, some cats react to the arrival of a new feline by demanding more petting and becoming extra clingy with their favorite humans.

When you are ready to introduce the new cat to your resident cat, you must also be prepared to work in stages. Cats should not be placed in the same room together on the first day. Instead, you should introduce them to each other gradually. It is also necessary to educate yourself on cat body language beforehand. Make sure you know the signs of escalating conflict and remember that inter-cat play can look rough to the untrained human eye.

 

If you need advice on how to introduce your cats successfully, Smiling Kitty can help! We can evaluate your resident cat for you, provide advice on different cat breeds, assess your home environment, and help you determine if acquiring a second cat is the right decision. Book a Cat Care Consultation with us to discuss your options! Click here to read our section on failed cat-cat introductions.