How To Introduce Cats (Without A Cat-Astrophe)

Introducing cats might seem nerve-wracking. While bringing home a new playmate is a big step in the right direction, a new cat only counts as enrichment if they get along with your existing cats, right? Follow these 8 tips on how to introduce cats to each other so that they get along and to make the process as stress-free (and hiss-free) as possible.

1) Find a new cat that’s a good fit

All cats benefit tremendously from having some company during the day. Another cat can help them let out some steam through play instead, so they’re less likely to get bored, lonely, or up to mischief. But first things first, introducing cats gets a lot easier if they’re compatible in terms of age, sex, and temperament. (Meaning some combinations will always be easier than others.)

So start by keeping in mind your cats’…

Experiences & habits

Before introducing your cats to each other, ask yourself:

• Is my existing cat used to living around other cats?
  Cats that have already had positive experiences living around other people and pets can be more open to new company. Socializing them plenty from a young age can go a long way.
• Is my existing cat an indoor, outdoor, or indoor/outdoor cat?
  Ideally, you should keep either two outdoor cats or two indoor cats. Else, one cat might object to the other being let out so frequently. (Resulting in endless yowling, clawing at the windows, and other mischief.) Keep in mind your cats’ previous histories and experiences and take these into account when bringing them together.
• Does my cat have any weird habits they’re likely to pass on to the new cat?
  You might think the world of them – but cats are more likely to influence each other’s behavior than not! So if one’s a bit of an escape artist, the other might just mimic them sooner rather than later.

💡A cat GPS tracker can be a potential lifesaver for outdoor cats that have wider territories. (Which we’ll cover in detail a little further below.)

Reproductive status

Spayed and neutered cats tend to be less territorial and aggressive in general. The sterilization process reduces the production of sex hormones, like testosterone and oestrogen. (Which can lead to at least a few conflicts – especially when cats go into heat.) But with these gone, introducing cats gets a lot easier, since they’re less likely to chew each other’s heads off in a territorial spat.

Read more: Cat In Heat? Here’s What You Need To Know

Age & sex

Sometimes, you might find it easier introducing cats when one’s a kitten and the other’s an adult. A kitten is less likely to come across as a threat and might even awaken the older cat’s protective instincts. So it’s easier for them to be accepted.

Likewise, cats of opposite sexes might potentially get along better, because it’s easier to establish a hierarchical order. They might also be less likely to fight over territory. (Even more so if you’ve gotten both fixed.) This might not be the case 100%, so watch out.

Temperament

Some cat breeds tend to be friendlier and more tolerant of other cats. Others tend to be more independent and territorial. So when it comes to introducing cats, do your best to pick one that’s got similar habits and temperament to your existing one. Playful, energetic cats will be more likely to get along with each other, likewise with more chill ones.

2) Don’t skip the health checkup

Wondering how to introduce cats without a health crisis? For everyone’s safety, get your new cat checked beforehand. This can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases or parasites they might pass on to other cats. Healthy cats are less likely to feel stressed and can adapt more easily to each other. So make sure all your cats have gotten their shots and have been de-wormed.

3) Plan the meeting

The right timing

Avoid introducing cats during stressful times, like the holidays or if you’ve just moved houses. Your cats need enough time to get used to each other slowly and at a relaxed pace. This process can take time and cats tend to be very sensitive to changes in their environment. Do your best to stay calm and be patient throughout.

The ideal place

At the first meeting, your existing cat may feel the need to defend its territory – and your new cat may feel anxious because everything is new and “scary.” So go for a quiet, familiar space where both cats can wander about and sniff at each other – and withdraw whenever necessary. Both should feel comfortable and safe in this environment. Make sure this place has:

• Enough safe hiding spaces,
• Raised areas,
• Plenty of food and water bowls

In the beginning, consider keeping your cats in separate rooms. This can help them slowly get used to each other’s smell. Exchange their blankets or toys to help this process.

After a few days, bring them together in separate areas of the shared room. This helps them see each other but not interact directly. Take it step by step so that they don’t get overwhelmed.

How to introduce a kitten to a cat

Introducing a kitten to your resident cat takes patience. Start by giving them separate spaces, letting them sniff each other’s bedding so they can get used to each other’s scent. You can also swap their bedding or toys regularly to help them become familiar with each other’s smell.

After a few days, you can start with supervised face-to-face meetings — but keep any interactions short. The key here is to let your older cat set the pace. Kittens are usually eager to make friends, but older cats may need some convincing.

Use treats and praise during these meetings to create positive associations, and watch for any signs of stress. Keep a calm environment, and give each cat plenty of individual attention to prevent any jealousy. Gradually increase the duration of these sessions as both cats become more comfortable.

4) Learn the warning signs when introducing cats

Rehoming a new cat can involve some aggressive behavior initially. This is 100% normal and to be expected. So stay calm and give your cats some time to establish a hierarchy. Let the two of them swat or sniff at each other at first – they might just calm down seconds after.

But if you do notice:

• Hissing,
• Growling,
• Batting at each other,
• Flattened ears,
• A puffed up tail,
• Prolonged staring,
• Rigid body posture,
• One cat blocking the other’s access to food bowls, litter boxes, or resting spots,
• One cat scrambling away to hide within seconds of being in the other’s presence,

…then it’s possible one or both of them are feeling threatened or uncomfortable. If these behaviors persist, it’s best to separate them and try a slower introduction process. Give both cats more time to adjust to each other’s presence at their own pace.

⚠️ Be careful not to change your first cat’s routine overmuch. Give it enough attention so that it feels safe and not threatened by the new arrival.

5) Figure out how to get cats to like each other

After you’ve introduced your cats, it’s important to keep things smooth. Try these tips to get them to tolerate each other’s presence better:

• Give each cat enough space to observe and withdraw.
  Raised perches and cat towers can help each one feel like they can survey their surroundings without threat. Separate sleeping areas can also help each cat establish “their” space.
• Feed each cat separately.
  This can help your cats learn they don’t need to “guard” their resources the way they might’ve learned otherwise. Feed each cat on opposites sides of a closed door, so they can get used to each other’s presence without feeling threatened or defensive.
• Make sure to give each cat equal attention.
  It might seem easy, but it isn’t! A big reason behind any cat conflicts is if they feel the other is “stealing” their human.
• Try scent swapping.
  This can help your cats get used to each other’s scent and learn to associate the other with familiarity. Rub a cloth on one cat and let the other sniff it.
• Never force an interaction.
  Use treats and playtime to encourage your cats to interact. But never force them to be close if they’re not ready. If both cats can chase toys like feathers or laser pointers, this can also help them get along better.
• Make sure your home design is cat-friendly.
  Raised lying areas, hiding places, and toys can all go a long way. (Especially if you have an indoor cat that can’t always wander around outdoors.) Cats that have an enriched, comfortable indoor environment are less likely to pick a fight with each other because they’re bored.

6) Keep an eye out for these green flags

Looking for the signs your cat is accepting the new kitten or playmate? Here are some that signal your resident cat is slowly accepting your new cat:

• Gentle sniffing,
• Relaxed body language,
• Grooming each other,
• Playing and roughhousing together,
• Sharing space without hissing or swatting,
• Choosing to rest in the same room,
• Rubbing against each other

Remember: even small steps are progress when it comes to feline friendships. It’s important to celebrate these milestones while continuing to nurture their bond.

7) Watch out for territorial behavior

Even if your cats seemed to be getting along, problems can still arise midway. Keep an eye out for signs like one of the cats growing aggressive or anxious because of the other being around. Observe your cats’ behavior together to root out any cause. In more serious cases, a cat behavioral expert can help you identify and address the problem.

One of the more common problems with rehoming is a territorial dispute. This could include your cats objecting to each other getting their paws all over “their” food or their water or litter box or sleeping area. (Not to mention you, their human!) So make sure each cat has enough of these – including plenty of quality time with you. This can reduce territorial behavior and help your cats get along better.

8) Use a GPS tracker to prevent any territorial spats

Cats are highly territorial creatures – even indoor ones. It’s just part of their nature. If you’re introducing cats to each other, with time, it’s important to understand what spots count as each cat’s territory. This can help prevent any conflicts, get them to get along better…and also ensure one of them doesn’t run off somewhere because the other’s been bullying them out of their feeding bowls.

💡 So rather than having to monitor each cat 24/7 – a cat GPS tracker can help you monitor each cat’s movements and understand where each cat feels most comfortable. If one cat starts feeling cornered or overstimulated, they’re more likely to hide or retreat to a safe space.

And with a Tractive GPS strapped to their collar, you can ensure your cats don’t get lost while doing so.

Monitoring your cat’s movements in real-time, your trusty Tractive device maps out what counts as your cat’s “territory”. (Highlighted here in yellow.)

Which can be a potential lifesaver if one of your cats acts aggressively towards the other – which could make them flee or hide. Potentially getting stuck, lost, or even injured. (Maybe somewhere you can’t find or hear them – like Cooper the cat who had to be rescued from a drain pipe!)

So whether your cats are adjusting to each other or just need some space – a GPS tracker gives you the peace of mind that your cats are safe without you having to hover over them 24/7.

Discover Tractive GPS

Ready to introduce your cats – without losing your mind?

Introducing cats can be a little like matchmaking. Factors like each cat’s habits, temperament, age, and sex all play a role. So make sure you’ve picked a new cat that’s a good fit for you and your resident cat. Also, be prepared for some rejection and hissing in the early days. Give your cats enough space and time to get used to each other, give each of them equal amounts of time, food, and attention – and the opportunity to take a timeout from interaction when they need it.

Don’t forget that every cat is unique and behaves differently. Keep an eye out for any aggressive or anxious behaviors that persist beyond a few weeks – and plan ahead for an emergency. (Like an escape attempt, in case one cat bullies another into hiding or escaping somewhere “safe.”)

“Anyone with cats knows how slick they are…even if your cat is an indoor cat, they will eventually find a way out. My cat is indoor and outdoor, and I will never again have a cat without a Tractive!!!

First, it’s fascinating seeing where they go, their favorite spots, and the territory they establish.

Second, when she has been out too long and I start to worry, I know right where she is and I go get her! I would recommend this highly for both cats and dogs!”

– Traci, US (Source: Trustpilot)

Know everywhere your cat goes

See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far from home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you. Track sleep and activity.

Discover Tractive GPS

Want to see how to introduce two cats in practice? Here’s a short, sweet video featuring Cole and Marmalade!

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.