Introducing a New Cat

The second advantage, is that the new and older cats, can introduce themselves under the door by sniffing. There may be some initial huffing and hissing, but this is generally gone by the second day, once the smell as part of the household becomes familiar and accepted. While the newcomer is investigating their new quarters, give the resident kitty extra attention and treats, to let them know they haven't been supplanted.

If there appears to be no hostility, or if the first growls and hisses are over with, open the door a crack and allow the cats to make nose/sniff contact. If there is any paw action, or attempts to smack each other, quietly close the door, and don't scold. You can try again later.

When there is no overt hostility, you can let the newcomer out to explore, with supervision, to make sure your resident cat doesn't take exception to the intruder. Close doors to closets, upstairs and basements, so you don't have to go searching in case the new cat has run and hid, or goes off exploring when your back is turned.

If you feel that the introduction has gone well, you can leave the new cat out among the rest of the household. If you're unsure, put them back in their room at nights, or when you are at work for the first few days, until you're sure there is going to be no fighting or domination issues.

It's surprising how many people will take home a new cat or kitten and expect their other cat(s) to accept it without question, forgetting that cats do have territorial instincts and not just about property. They occasionally resent affection being spread to someone else other than them.

A slow introduction avoids these problems, and even if you have no other cats, confining a new kitten and then allowing it supervised visits to the rest of the house, will start it out with confidence, and you will have some quality time in a limited setting, where you can get to know each other.

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