Adopting a second cat: Tips for introducing your cat to your cat

When you decide to adopt a second cat into your household, it is usually more exciting for you and your family than the cat you already have. Although most cats are solitary by nature, most come to accept or tolerate newcomers. Cats can be very territorial, so you should always be careful when introducing a new cat to your current cat.

Adopt a second cat: male or female

If you introduce kittens to each other, regardless of whether they are male or female, the introduction process can be short, lasting 10 to 15 days. The presentation of cats depends on their temperament and personality. When introducing a new cat to your current cat, be sure to give your current cat lots of love and attention. This way, your cat will feel secure and know that she is not competing with your new cat for affection.

Preparing to adopt a second cat

When you bring your new cat home, let him stay in a safe room until you have finished introducing the cats. This room can be any small room in your home, such as a bathroom or guest bedroom. The idea is to use a room that your current cat doesn't use. In the room, leave a few cat accessories like a scratching post or cat tree, a bed, a water bowl, a litter box and a food bowl.

At first, your current cat may meow and spit as he stands at the door, trying to tell the other cat that he doesn't belong here. When this happens, ignore it, as punishing your cat for its behavior will only make the problems worse. After a while, the first cat will begin to behave calmly when near the new cat's door. When he begins to calm down, pet him and praise him.

The familiarization phase when adopting a second cat

When your first cat starts coming by your new cat's door and isn't meowing or spitting, you can start introducing them to each other. The best way to do this is to get them used to each other's scent. You can start letting them eat from the same bowl, although you will need to feed them at different intervals at first. This way, each cat's scent will be present in the bowl, and each cat will smell its scent when it eats its food.

Bringing the bowls together

Once both cats have gotten used to the smell, you can start feeding them closer together. To do this, you must keep your new cat in the secure room with the door closed, and your first cat on the other side of the door with its bowl. This time, feed both cats at the same time. After doing this a few times, they should start eating without meowing or growling. At this point, they are ready to be introduced to each other.

The face-to-face meeting

When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although they are used to each other's scent, your first cat will still feel a little uncomfortable with your new cat in their territory. You should play with both of them at first, so the cats can meet, feel each other and greet each other in their own way. If a fight breaks out, you will need to separate them and give them some time apart.

Acclimatization can take time when you adopt a second cat

It may take time for them to fully get used to each other, but once they do, they will become playmates for life. Cats love to be social, although it can be a little difficult at first, especially for your first cat. Cats can be very territorial, especially if you have a kitten. If you get them used to each other from the start, it will be much easier to add future cats to your home.

Conclusion

Introducing new cats to your home requires patience and an understanding of their territorial nature. By taking the time to gradually introduce cats and get them used to each other's scent, you can help ease the process and promote peaceful cohabitation. Remember, every cat is unique and may react differently to new situations. So, adapt your approach based on your cats' needs and enjoy the process of expanding your feline family.