Q 

How do I introduce a new cat to my existing cat?

Amanda, Pennsylvania

A

Hi Amanda!  Glad to hear that you’re looking to bring another kitty cat into your family.

Introducing a new cat to a household is certainly something that requires patience and planning and it’s nice to see that you are giving it some thought.  Introducing a new cat can stress out the new cat as well as the established cat and can even lead to unwanted behavioral and medical problems.  First of all, take your new cat to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination and to be checked for parasites and contagious diseases such as Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).  Also ask your veterinarian about feline facial pheromone diffusers and sprays that may help you with your situation. 

Looking cat or pet medications? Shop at the Petango Store and get 10% off your first order of pet supplies and medications with coupon code 'FIRST10'!

Once you’re sure that your new cat is healthy and has been fully vaccinated, then it’s time to start introducing the cats to one another.  Have a room prepared for the new cat where you can have separate food, water, and a litter box with a closeable door with a little bit of space between the bottom of the door and the floor.  Bring your new cat into the house in a pet carrier past the resident cat and into this prepared room.  The new cat will spend all of their time in this closed room while the two cats get to know one another’s sounds and smells across and under the closed door without having to confront one another directly and visually.  Don’t be surprised if the cats hiss, growl, or even scream at one another at first;  that is normal. 

Also make sure you spend time every day socializing and playing with each cat in their respective area during this period.  Once the two cats appear to be at ease with one another across the bottom of the closed door, and this may takes days or even weeks, and on a day when you’re home to observe them, open the door and allow the two cats to seek one another out on their own.  Do not force them together.  Let them work things out on their own unless you believe they are doing each other physical harm.  After some time, you can start playing with them together with a common toy and feeding them together.  Consider keeping at least one litter box per cat and, if your home has multiple floors, consider keeping an additional box on each of the other floors.  As far as getting a declawed cat is concerned, that will be entirely your personal preference. 

I hope this information helps you.  Enjoy your new cat!

Craig Galbraith, DVM