Guide to cats – Introducing a new cat into your home
7th October 2016
Before deciding to get another cat, do bear in mind that it could be you that wants the extra company rather than your cat. Most cats are solitary creatures and whilst many will tolerate another cat in the house, some will positively hate it and introducing another into an established home really can upset the apple cart leading to aggression, fouling and other behavioural issues.
Multiple cat households
Problems can start when a 3rd adult cat is added to an established pair or the addition of a kitten to a household of adult cats. Careful planning is essential.
Having said that, it is quite possible to find households with 4, 5, 6 or more cats and within that, there could be 2 or more social groups occupying different areas of the house and garden, coming together at feeding times just as feral or semi-feral cat groups would do. Conflicts can occur and are usually over food, use of litter trays, getting the sunniest spot on the window sill or getting the most fuss from an owner.
Overcrowding
Consider things such as, potential overcrowding, particularly of confined cats, the availability of hiding places and litter trays plus the temperament and history of the resident cat or cats. Cats that were socialised with humans and other (unrelated) cats in the first 7-8 weeks of life are generally better able to cope with other cats (and humans) as adults.
Also very important is to take into consideration the additional cost of food, litter, vet bills and insurance when adding to your feline family.
Introductions
New cats should be introduced slowly and in a way that means they will hopefully think of each other as being part of the same cat group – which includes you by the way! Try and short cut this process and force them together too quickly can easily lead to long-term conflict and stress – for you and the cats.
Separate rooms
One of the best ways to introduce a new cat is actually to keep them apart. This sounds odd, but by exchanging scent they will become accustomed to each other’s presence even though they have yet to meet face to face. Confine the newcomer in one room with everything it needs (food, water, litter, toys, somewhere to sleep and scratch) and exclude the resident cat/s. Stroke the new cat, then go to stroke the other cats and vice versa. Exchange their bedding or favourite cushions. After a few days you can swap the cats around and continue with the stroking and exchange of scent.
Scent
Next you should let them see each other but not meet and touch. This is best done with cat carriers or some means of making a see-through barrier in the doorway. Don’t attempt a face to face meeting until they are either ignoring each other completely or attempting head rubbing or grooming through the barrier.
Once you’re happy, it’s time to introduce them for short periods in as large a room as possible with escape routes or high places and supervise them at all times. If this is done with some play before feeding time it should form positive associations. The time they spend together can be gradually increased.
Aggression
Be ready for a certain amount of hissing and spitting. Fighting is unlikely but its best to have a large towel handy to throw over the aggressor in order to separate them. Never chase them or shout as this will lead to a loss of trust and bad associations. If it does all go horribly wrong, then it’s back to step one.
Mealtimes
Keep feeding bowls apart at first and move them closer together over time although some cats do prefer to eat separately. They can
also feel vulnerable at meal times, so avoid placing their bowls too close to a wall so that they can have their back to the wall and watch what is going on in the room while they eat.
Be ready for some hissing and fisticuffs at meal times, particularly if one of the cats is greedy or
more dominant. Have water available (ideally in several locations) and avoid placing litter trays close to their food. Indoor cats should have a litter tray each + 1 extra.
Next time: Territories and Ranges