How To Introduce Cats the Right Way

Welcoming a new cat into your home is exciting, but since cats are territorial by nature, a poor introduction can lead to stress, fights, or lasting tension. That’s why it’s so important to introduce your new cat to your resident cat the right way.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to introduce cats the right way using proven, step-by-step techniques that help to reduce stress.

Key Takeaways

• A gradual introduction helps reduce stress and builds trust between cats.

• Body language like relaxed postures or playful behavior shows progress.

• Provide separate spaces, enough resources, and keep things positive with treats and praise.

Prepare Before Bringing the New Cat Home

Create a safe space for the new cat

Be sure to set up a safe, quiet space just for your new cat in an area your resident cat can't access. Keeping them separated at first helps reduce stress for both cats and gives the newcomer time to adjust. Check out this blog for more tips on how to keep your cat happy!

Stock up on essential supplies

Make sure to provide your new cat with necessities like litter, food, and toys. Some other supplies that are great to help your new cat get comfortable calming sprays and scratching posts. 

Check out our blog post here for some scratching post recommendations.

Veterinary checkup

To make sure both cats are in good health, schedule a vet checkup for each of them. It’s especially important to test for FIV and FELV before any introductions begin. After the checkup, you can always monitor your cats' health by referring to this guide on how to tell if your cat is sick.

Step-by-Step Cat Introduction Process

1. Scent Swapping

Try swapping blankets or toys between the two cats so they can get used to each other’s scent. Let them sniff each other through a closed door before moving on to any face-to-face meetings.

2. Visual Introduction (With Barriers)

To introduce cats safely, start with gradual visual contact. You can use a baby gate, a cracked door, or a mesh screen to let them see each other without full access.

Watch their body language closely and look for signs of curiosity, like gentle sniffing or relaxed postures, versus signs of aggression, such as hissing, growling, or a puffed-up tail.

3. Short, Supervised Meetings

Keep the first few meetings short and positive, and always keep a close eye on both cats. Use toys or treats to create a pleasant distraction and help them associate each other with good experiences. As they get more comfortable, slowly increase the amount of time they spend together.

4. Gradual Integration

Allow free interaction only when there are no signs of fear, hissing, or swatting. Continue using escape routes and high perches for safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When introducing your cats to each other, there are a few common mistakes you'll want to avoid:

• Moving too quickly through the steps

• Punishing aggressive behavior instead of redirecting it

• Overlooking signs of stress, like hiding or excessive grooming

• Failing to provide enough resources, such as separate litter boxes, food bowls, and resting spots for each cat

TIP: Litter box issues are one of the most common challenges in multi-cat households. To help prevent problems, it's a good idea to follow the rule of one litter box per cat, plus one extra. For example, if you have two cats, aim for three litter boxes. If you have experienced any litter box issues, check out our guide on how to get rid of cat pee smell.

Keeping the litter boxes clean is also key to avoiding litter box aversion. Using a litter like BoxiePro Probiotic Clumping Clay Litter can help by providing continuous odor control and promoting a fresher, healthier environment for your cats.

How to Know It’s Working

Cats groom or sleep near each other

When your cats are comfortable enough to groom each other or nap side by side, it’s a strong sign that they’re starting to build trust and a positive bond. Grooming is a social behavior that cats typically reserve for those they consider part of their group, and sleeping near one another shows they feel safe and relaxed in each other’s presence. These behaviors mean your introduction process is working.

Cats play together peacefully

When your cats are playing together calmly and without signs of aggression, it's a great indication that the introduction process is moving in the right direction. Play is a natural way for cats to bond, especially when it involves gentle chasing, batting at toys, or taking turns pouncing without hissing or swatting. It’s also a positive outlet for energy and helps reduce stress during the adjustment period.

They no longer guard resources or space

When your cats stop guarding resources or territory, such as food bowls, litter boxes, sleeping areas, or window perches, it’s a strong sign that things are going well. Guarding behavior like blocking access, growling, or swatting usually happens when a cat feels insecure or threatened.

Special Cases

Introducing a kitten to an adult cat

Kittens are full of energy and curiosity, which can be overwhelming for an older cat who’s used to a calmer routine. When introducing a kitten to an adult cat, it’s important to give the older cat plenty of space and quiet time. Use gradual introductions and monitor their interactions closely. The kitten may try to play nonstop, so providing lots of toys and outlets for energy can help prevent the adult cat from feeling pestered or annoyed.

Introducing two dominant cats

Bringing two dominant cats together can be a bit more challenging, since both may want to establish control over territory and resources. In this case, slow, structured introductions are especially important. Keep them separated at first and use scent swapping, visual contact, and positive reinforcement to build tolerance. Make sure there are multiple food and water stations, litter boxes, and resting spots so neither cat feels the need to compete for space.

Reintroducing cats after a fight or long separation

If your cats have fought or been apart for a long time, it’s best to treat the reintroduction process as if they’re meeting for the first time. Start by separating them and reintroducing scent through bedding or toys. Let them gradually see each other from a distance, and only allow short, supervised visits once they seem calm.

FAQ

How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?

Every cat is different, so there’s no exact timeline. Some cats may get along within a few days, while others might take several weeks or even months to adjust. The key is to go at their pace, watch their body language, and never force interaction. Patience and gradual steps lead to the best long-term results.

Can I introduce a kitten to my senior cat?

Yes, but take it slow. Kittens are high-energy and may overwhelm a senior cat who’s used to a quieter lifestyle. Give your older cat space, use scent and visual introductions, and provide the kitten with plenty of toys to channel that playful energy. Over time, many older cats grow to tolerate or even enjoy their new companions.

What should I do if my cats start fighting during the introduction?

If a fight breaks out, separate the cats immediately and give them time to calm down. Avoid punishing them. This can increase stress and damage trust. After a cooling-off period, restart the introduction process from the beginning, using scent and visual exposure before trying another in-person meeting. Rebuilding trust can take time, so be patient and consistent.

How many litter boxes do I need in a multi-cat home?

Follow the golden rule: one litter box per cat, plus one extra. So for two cats, provide three litter boxes. This helps reduce territorial disputes and prevents litter box avoidance. Keep each box clean and placed in quiet, accessible areas to make all cats feel comfortable using them.

How do I know my cats are finally getting along?

Look for signs like grooming each other, playing together without aggression, and sleeping in the same room or near each other. If they share space without tension and don’t guard resources like food bowls or litter boxes, that’s a great sign they’ve built a positive relationship or learned to peacefully coexist.