Expert: Tina - 5/19/2004

Question
I am bringing home a newly adopted cat to my three other cats.The new one is female, and the others are two females and a male. New one is 5 years old, other three are three years old.

ANY guidance would be appreciated. I had gotten the other three at same time so that wasnt a problem.

I am very nervous that the others wont like her so I hope it all works out!

Answer
Hi Beckie,

I know it's always a difficult thing to bring home a new cat and be afraid they will upset the harmony in the home! But it works out well 99% of the time, just don't expect things to be perfect rigth away. Here's how I recommend proceeding:

Introducing A New Cat to Other Cats

1. Confine the new cat to one room with its litter box, food, water, and a bed. Feed the present cats and the newcomer near either side of the door to this room. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the cats can eat calmly directly on either side. Next, use two door stops to prop open the door just enough to allow the cats to see each other, and repeat the whole process.

2. A product called Feliway - available at most pet stores - can be useful when introducing a new cat. It mimics relaxing pheromones that cats exude from their cheek glands. Spraying doorways and furniture where the cats encounter each other with Feliway can help ease introductions.

3. Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident cats so they have a chance to become accustomed to each other's scent. Rub a towel on your resident cats - especially around the cheeks - and then run that towel all over your new cat to get their familiar scent on her. Do this right before any encounters.

4. Once the new cat is using her box and eating regularly while confined, let her have free time in the house while confining the other cats. This switch provides another way for the cats to experience each other's scent without a face to face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with her new surroundings without being frightened by other animals.


5. Avoid any interactions between the cats which result in either fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become habit, they can be difficult to change. If either cat becomes very fearful or aggressive, separate them, and continue the introduction process in a series of gradual steps, as outlined above.
You'll need to add another litter box and scoop and clean all the boxes more frequently. Make sure that none of the cats is being “ambushed” by another while trying to use the box.

6. Expect hissing, spitting and growling. If a fight breaks out, do not interfere directly. Instead, throw a blanket over each cat, wrapping the blanket around the cat before picking him up. Separate the cats until they have calmed down. It may be best to leave the cats separated when you are not home until you are sure they are getting along well.

7. Try not to interfere too much, and reassure your resident cats by giving treats and attention in the presence of the new cat. DOn't punish any cat (with squirted water, yelling reprimands) for aggression, because they will associate your displeasure with the presence of the other cat and your discipline will back-fire!

Successful introductions usually require time and patience, don't expect things to be perfect overnight!


Good luck!

Tina