Cats are territorial, and most don't welcome a newcomer with open paws. A rushed introduction can lead to hissing, fighting, hiding and toilet problems that last for months. A slow, careful introduction gives both cats the best chance of getting along, or at least living together peacefully. This guide walks you through each step, from preparing a separate room to the first face-to-face meetings.
Before the new cat comes home
- Get a vet check for the new cat. Make sure they're healthy, vaccinated, treated for fleas and worms, and tested for infectious diseases if your vet recommends it, before they share space with your resident cat.
- Prepare a separate room for the new cat, with their own food, water, litter tray, bed, scratcher, toys and hiding spots. A spare bedroom or study is ideal.
- Plug in a calming diffuser in the main living area and the new cat's room a few days ahead.
Step 1: Separate rooms (at least a week)
Keep the new cat in their room with the door closed. Let them settle in, eat well and use their tray. Your resident cat keeps the rest of the house as normal. Both cats will smell and hear each other through the door, which is the start of getting to know each other.
Step 2: Swap scents
Cats recognise each other by smell before sight. Gently rub a soft cloth on each cat's cheeks, then put each cloth near the other cat's food bowl. Swap bedding and toys between them. Once both cats are calm with the new smell, let them explore each other's space while the other is shut away.
Step 3: Meals near the door
Feed both cats on either side of the closed door, starting with the bowls well back from it. Over a few days, move the bowls a little closer, so the cats link each other's smell with something good.
Step 4: First sight
Swap the closed door for a baby gate, a mesh screen, or a door opened just a crack and wedged. Let the cats see each other during meals or play. Keep sessions short, and end them before anyone gets upset.
Step 5: Short, supervised meetings
Once both cats are relaxed at the gate, let them share a room for short periods while you supervise. Play with them both using a wand toy, and hand out treats. Gradually make the sessions longer. Keep them separated when you're not home, until you're confident they're getting along.
How long does it take?
Anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. Let the cats set the pace, and if things go badly, go back a step for a few days. Rushing is the most common reason introductions fail.
Reading the signs
Going well: relaxed bodies, slow blinks, tails held up, eating calmly near each other, sniffing noses, and ignoring each other peacefully.
Slow down: hissing, growling, flattened ears, puffed-up tails, staring, swatting, hiding constantly, refusing to eat or toileting outside the tray.
A little hissing in the early days is normal. If the cats fight, don't use your hands to separate them. Make a loud noise, drop a towel or cushion between them, then separate them and go back a step.
Set your home up for two cats
- Plenty of resources. Give each cat their own food and water bowls in different places, and follow the rule of one litter tray per cat plus one.
- Vertical space. Shelves, cat trees and window perches help cats share a room without being face to face.
- Hiding spots and escape routes, so no cat ever feels trapped.
- Separate feeding. Feed cats apart, so nobody feels they have to rush or guard their food.
If one cat starts avoiding the tray, our guide Why has my cat stopped using the litter tray? can help.
Products that help
Feliway Classic Diffuser. Helps cats feel safe and secure through times of change, including a new pet in the home. Use one in the new cat's room and one in the main living area. Feliway Classic Spray is handy on the carrier and on bedding during the swap.
Inaba Churu. A treat most cats can't resist, perfect for building good associations during the first sightings and meetings. Offer one to each cat at the same time.
Beco Steady Cat Bowl. A wide, shallow, whisker-friendly bowl, so each cat can have their own set. Durabolz stainless steel cat dishes are another tough, easy-clean option.
Play and puzzles. Toys like Petstages Tons of Tails are great for parallel play sessions, and a Nina Ottosson puzzle for each cat keeps them busy in their own spaces.
These products are ordered in especially for you, so order before your new cat arrives. Not sure what you need? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Bringing home a kitten? Our kitten first-week checklist covers everything else you'll need.
Get ready for your new cat
Browse our cat food and cat treats, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your cats. We're happy to help.
This article is general information, not veterinary or behavioural advice. If your cats are fighting or one seems unwell, talk to your vet.