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When you decide to add a new cat to your home,
it will help your current cat if you do a few things to help him
adjust. Although cats are solitary by nature, most
will also come to accept or at least tolerate any additions.
Cats can be territorial, which is why you should use caution when you introduce a new cat to your current cat.
If you are introducing kittens to one another, the entire
introduction process can be short. Sometimes it is very
short, taking as little as 15 minutes for the kittens to start
playing with each other.
Adult cats can take longer to adjust to their
new companion. Allow as long as 10 – 15
days. The actual length of time will depend on their
temperament and their personalities.
When you introduce a new cat
to your current cat, make sure that you give
your current cat plenty of love and attention. You want
your cat to feel secure and know that he isn’t in competition with
the new cat for affection.
One good tactic to use is the "safe room."
When you bring your new cat home, arrange a
"safe" room for him. This can be any room in your home
that has a door, such as a spare bedroom. The key here is to use a room that your
current cat doesn’t use often. In the room, provide your
new cat food, water, a litter box, and whatever else you want
him to have.
Your current cat will probably make hiss or spat at the door
once he realizes the new cat is there. This is normal.
Don't punish your cat
for this behavior. After a while your cat will calm down
and become curious about the newcomer. Give him lots of
attention and praise for this.
When your new cat also shows curiosity about your current cat,
it is a good time to start introducing them to each
other.
When the two finally meet each other in the same room, a bit of
growling and hissing is to be expected.
Both cats will feel a bit
awkward with being in each others territory. Play with both
of them and give both lots of attention. If they start to fight you should break
them up, and give them some time apart.
It may take some time for them to get used to one another,
although once they do they will probably become playmates for
life. In spite of their independence, cats love to be
social.
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