How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Resident Cat at Home

🐱 How to Introduce a New Cat to Your Resident Cat at Home

Bringing home a new cat is exciting — but if you already have a feline family member, it’s important to handle the introduction carefully. Cats are territorial by nature, and sudden changes can lead to stress, aggression, or long-term tension.

The good news? With patience, planning, and a little feline psychology, you can set the stage for a peaceful relationship between your resident cat and your new companion.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the transition smooth for everyone involved.

Step 1: Set Up a Safe Space for the New Cat

Before your cats ever meet face-to-face, your new cat needs their own private space — a bedroom, spare room, or quiet area — with the essentials:

Food and water
Litter box
Toys and a cozy bed
Scratching post
Give your new cat time to settle in. This phase typically lasts 3–7 days, depending on their personality. It also gives your resident cat a chance to adjust to the idea that there’s another animal nearby.

 
Step 2: Swap Scents — The Feline Handshake

Cats learn a lot about each other through scent. Before meeting, start swapping scents between your cats:

Exchange bedding or toys between rooms
Rub each cat with a clean cloth and place it in the other’s space
Let them sniff the cloth or bedding freely — no pressure
Do this several times a day for a few days. This builds familiarity and helps reduce fear or hostility when they eventually meet.

Step 3: Let Them Hear and Smell Each Other

Once your new cat is feeling more confident, start letting them hear and smell each other through a closed door.
Try feeding both cats near the door (on opposite sides) to build a positive association. Over time, the sounds and scents of each other will become part of the background.

Step 4: First Visual Meeting — Keep It Low-Key

After a few days of successful scent and sound exposure, it’s time for the first look.

Use a baby gate, screen door, or slightly cracked door for brief visual contact.
Watch both cats’ body language: Calm curiosity is great. Hissing or growling? Go back a step and try again later.
Start with short sessions (5–10 minutes), gradually increasing over several days.

Step 5: Supervised Face-to-Face Time

Once they’ve seen each other calmly, it’s time to share space — under supervision!

Choose a neutral room where your resident cat doesn’t feel territorial.
Keep initial sessions short and positive.
Use treats, toys, or playtime to distract and reward both cats.
Separate them if tension builds. Never let a fight break out.
Repeat these sessions daily, slowly increasing the time as they grow more comfortable.

Step 6: Let the Bond Grow Naturally

Some cats become best friends quickly. Others may just tolerate each other — and that’s okay!

Watch for signs that the relationship is improving:

No hissing or growling
Relaxed body language
Eating in the same room
Playing or grooming each other (eventually!)
Keep feeding, litter boxes, and beds separate at first to avoid conflict. Over time, most cats will learn to share space peacefully.

 
Pro Tips for a Peaceful Introduction
Go slow — rushing leads to stress and setbacks.
Use pheromone diffusers (like Feliway) to ease tension.
Offer praise and treats when they act calmly.
Never punish aggressive behavior — redirect and separate instead.
Have patience — every cat adjusts at their own pace.
 
Final Thoughts
Introducing a new cat to your resident feline isn’t always love at first sight — but with a gradual, respectful approach, you can create a peaceful multi-cat home. Some cats become cuddle buddies; others just learn to coexist. Both outcomes are wins when it comes to feline harmony.

Remember: It’s not just an introduction — it’s the beginning of a new family dynamic. Take your time and trust the process.

🧡 Martyna
Feline Behaviourist & Nutritionist
Founder of CatZone