Bringing a pet home
Introducing a New Cat to a Resident Cat
A staged, scent-first introduction over two to four weeks prevents most long-term multi-cat conflict.
Separate completely at first
The new cat lives in its own room with its own litter tray, food, water and resting places for at least the first few days. The resident cat keeps its territory unchanged.
Swap scent before sight
Exchange bedding, and stroke each cat then the other. Feed both cats either side of the closed door, gradually moving bowls closer while both stay relaxed.
Controlled visual contact
Use a baby gate or a door cracked open a few centimetres. Keep sessions short and end them while both cats are still calm — success is boredom, not interaction.
Resources prevent fights
Provide one litter tray per cat plus one spare, multiple feeding stations, and plenty of elevated resting places. Most multi-cat tension is competition for resources rather than personal dislike.
- Litter trays in separate rooms
- Two or more water sources away from food
- High shelves and cat trees so cats can pass at different heights
- Separate quiet sleeping places
Frequently asked questions
- How long should this take?
- Two to four weeks is typical. Rushing is the single most common cause of lasting conflict.
- They hissed — should I stop?
- A hiss is communication, not failure. Persistent stalking, blocking or fighting means going back a stage.