Bringing home a new cat can be an exciting, yet challenging experience if there is already another kitty in the house. More than likely the two will not get along right away and may end up fighting if you allow them to be alone in the same room together. Here are tips on how to welcome a second cat into your home so that there is peace among all your cuddly friends.
Seclude the New Cat
When you bring home the new cat, do not introduce it to the other pets or let them see each other. Place the new cat in a room alone and give it time to become familiar with its new home. It is best to keep it in a separate room for about one week, visiting frequently to feed and spend time with it. The cat might need time to get used to you also, so if it seems uncomfortable, do not force it to play or interact with you. Give it time and space.
Begin to Associate the Cat
When you introduce a second cat into your home it is a good idea to allow both cats to observe one another from a distance during feeding time. Continue to seclude the new cat in the room but gradually move its food dish closer to the inside of the door. Let the new kitty explore the home for short periods of time while there are no other pets around. Monitor it when it explores and observe its level of comfort.
Introduce the Second Cat
After you feel the new kitty is comfortable in the home, try to introduce it to the other cat. It is best to do this at feeding time; since this is the time they have normally seen each other in the past. If they become hostile toward each other, take the new cat back to the room for a few minutes and try a second time. Feed the new cat in a separate room if they become aggressive again. Wait until they calm down and try to repeat the same steps. If they are comfortable eating a few feet apart it might be a sign that the new cat is ready to be released from the secluded room.
After the cats finish eating do not separate them right away, but give them time to spend together or become a little more familiar with each other. When you attempt to introduce or welcome a second cat into your home remember that no two cats have the same personality. One may become adjusted to the new situation before the other. Avoid any effort to make them associate when either one is hostile and allow them to get comfortable at their own speed. Once they are comfortable these fuzzy little creatures might form a companionship to last a lifetime.
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