4 tips to introduce new cats to your household

So, you’re ready to welcome a new feline friend into your home and heart. Yay!

Bringing a new cat home is exciting, but for other cats who live with you, it can feel like a seismic shift. 

Cats are territorial and love their routines. Even the chillest cats can struggle with change if it’s rushed or poorly managed.

We’re not here to reinvent the wheel. There are already plenty of articles covering the basics of preparing for a new cat written by vets and animal behavior experts. You’ve probably read about things like scent swapping and keeping cats separated. All of that advice is important!

But as pet care professionals, we’ve seen firsthand some of the other considerations you may not think about when introducing a new cat to your resident cats. 

And so, we’ve outlined a few small, practical tips that can make all the difference between a smooth transition and weeks of stress for everyone involved (furry and human).

1. Prepare your space

Before your new cat ever meets your resident cat(s), think in terms of emotional safety and what will help each kitty feel secure. 

One of the most overlooked causes of inter-cat conflict is competition over space. For your new friend’s first space in your home, choose a quiet room with vertical options like cat trees and window perches, hiding spots (and escape routes!) and consistent resources. 

All of this helps the new cat establish confidence, which is crucial. Fearful cats are more likely to react defensively during introductions.

Equally important: protect your resident cat’s sense of ownership. Their favorite nap spots, feeding areas and human routines should remain unchanged during the early days of the introduction. Stability reduces the feeling of being “replaced.”

Also, once intros happen, food bowls, water stations and litter boxes should not force cats to cross paths if they’re not ready. We’ve seen cats stop using litter boxes simply because another cat “guards” the hallway leading to it. Spread resources throughout your home so no single cat can control access to them.

2. Pay attention to your own behavior

We all know cats are smart and incredibly perceptive, and your stress or overexcitement can easily influence theirs. (Read this interesting article on how cats can pick up on our emotions.)

If you hover, constantly intervene or anxiously watch every interaction, the cats may respond by becoming more tense or reactive.

Try to keep your routine calm and predictable. Move normally and speak in a relaxed tone. When you act like nothing unusual is happening, your resident cats are more likely to believe it.

3. Use play to build positive associations

Interactive play is super important on a day-to-day basis and is also an effective tool during introductions. It helps cats reduce stress and create positive associations with their environment and each other.

In the early days, play with each cat separately to help them feel confident and relaxed in their own spaces. Short, frequent play sessions work best. 

As your introductions progress, you can begin parallel play (i.e., playing with both cats on opposite sides of a door or baby gate). This allows them to experience something enjoyable while being aware of the other cat’s presence, without direct interaction.

Over time, supervised play in the same room may be possible. Keep sessions brief and end on a positive note, ideally with a meal or treats. 

4. Know when to slow down… or ask for help

There’s no need to panic when things seem to go backward! 

We know, we know: easier said than done. But we’re here to tell you that not all introductions follow the same timeline. Some cats adjust in weeks; others need months. 

Progress isn’t linear, and setbacks are normal. Warning signs that you may need a little extra support include:

• persistent hiding or loss of appetite

• overgrooming or other signs of stress

• litter box avoidance

• ongoing hissing, stalking or redirected aggression

When regression happens, take a step back rather than pushing forward. Reintroduce separation and keep reinforcing positive experiences. 

If things are still going awry, you may want to consult with a professional. A veterinarian can rule out health concerns that may be contributing to irritability or anxiety, while a cat behavior expert can provide a customized introduction plan tailored to your household and kitties.

Cats are territorial by nature, but the process of introducing a new cat doesn’t have to be stressful on you or them. As pet care providers, we’ve seen introductions that start rocky but improve beautifully with a little patience and the right support!

We wish you the best of luck in your transition to a peaceful multi-cat household. And, when you’re ready, we’re happy to help out with cat sitting or enrichment visits for your feline friends!