How to Introduce Cats

A cat's introduction to your household will set the foundation for their relationship with you and your family. You must do everything you can to make the introduction as easy as possible. Be patient and plan this introduction over a period of time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Keep your cats separated. Put any previously owned cats in their favorite room(s) with the door closed. Let the new cat explore the home and become familiar with the resident cat's smell. Keep the cats separated throughout the day, but swap places so each has time to play and be with you.

2. Keep food, water, toys, scratching post and litter box available to both cats while they are separated. Purchase a new litter box for the new cat and move it to the safe room whenever he is in there.

3. Crack the door. You will need to use your best judgment on when to do this. If either cat is growling and hissing like mad when the other cat approaches the door, give them more time. If they are smelling each other under the door, with little commotion, then it is time to open the door, but just a crack. You want the cats to see each other, but not be able to make more contact than an arm through the door. Shut the door and try again later if either cat becomes aggressive.

4. Open the door wider. The cats will probably still hiss and growl some, this is to be expected. If it won't induce a fight, let both cats roam about the house, still under full supervision. Be sure to pet and love each one to let them know everything is ok.

5. Feed them both in the same room, but at opposite ends. Watch how they interact. If one is chasing and slapping the other, give him a little time out. It may take a few days before the cats decide they are comfortable with each other.

Tips & Warnings

• You might always need to have separate litter boxes for each cats. Some cats just don't like to share the bathroom.
• Cats usually only take days to acclimate, but some can take months. Be patient with your new pet.
• Don't leave the cats unsupervised until you are sure the pecking order has been established and each cat is comfortable with the other.

[skippey]

on 7/12/2009 Doesnt Work Sorry Dude.