Introducing a new cat to an existing pet

If you’re planning to introduce a new cat to a current canine or feline counterpart, preparation is key for the integration into your family to go successfully.
     
Whatever your situation, we caught up with the vet experts at Joii Pet Care, to help you make sure any introductions run as smoothly as possible!

Think ahead before you get a new cat

Before you even consider getting a new pet, you’ll want to be mindful of how your existing cat or dog might react to having to share their home.

If you already have a cat

Thinking of getting a second cat? Carefully consider your current cat’s personality before introducing another feline friend. 

It’s important to assess your cat’s behaviour around other cats, since that should indicate whether they’d enjoy living with other felines. For example, showing confidence around other cats could be a good sign, whereas nervous cats might prefer to stay the only pet.

If you already have a dog

Not too sure how your dog might take to sharing their home with a cat? Watch how your dog react to cats while out and about on their walks, as that may be an indicator as to how comfortable they are around felines. 

Ideally, your dog should walk past cats without paying much attention to them and have no desire to chase or bark at them.

Like all new friendships, your pets will need to get used to each other over time and adjust to their new normal. Give them time, take things slowly, and keep trying if things don’t seem to be running smoothly at first.

Introducing a new cat to an existing dog

Introducing a new cat to your existing dog shouldn’t be rushed. Forcing your pets to interact when they’re not quite ready could cause stress for all involved and might reinforce negative emotions.

Give your cat time to settle

When you bring your new cat home, give them about two or three days to adjust to their new surroundings before introducing them to your dog. Here are our top tips:

• For the first few days, keep your cat and dog separate.
• Keep your cat in a room where your dog isn’t allowed.
• Make sure your cat's space has the following to keep them comfortable:
• • Food.
  • Water.
  • Cosy bed.
  • Litter tray.
  • Toys.

Do some scent swapping

Smell is an important form of communication for our cats and dogs. You can use scent to your advantage while introducing your new cat by:

• Keeping your cat and dog separate.
• Exchanging bedding between your pets.
• Stroking your cat, then letting your dog smell your hand.
• Rub a towel on one animal and put it underneath the other pet’s food bowl (and vice versa).
• • If your pet refuses to eat in the presence of this unfamiliar scent, remove the towel and try again another day.

Calm first introductions

Keep their first introductions as calm as possible by not having too many people present when your pets first meet. Here are some top tips to help that first introduction run as stress-free as possible:

• Keep your dog on a lead, but keep the lead slack.
• Let them smell each other (a scent they’ll already recognise, thanks to your prep work!).
• Watch them closely and monitor for any changes in their body language.
• Be ready to intervene, in case things don’t go to plan.
• Stay as calm as possible throughout the introduction.
• Provide treats for both pets if the meeting is going well.

If things are becoming a bit rowdy, stop the meeting and try again later. For this introduction to work, your pets’ interactions need to be positive (or at least indifferent).

Should the introduction be going well, after a few minutes have passed, end the session and separate the two so you can provide plenty of praise to both pets. Lots of short, positive interactions will really help both pets feel comfortable.

Most importantly, be patient. Individual cats and dogs will take to new situations at their own pace, so don’t force them to spend time together.

Keep providing a safe space

Even when both pets get along and happily spend time together, you still need to offer a space for them to hide if they want to be alone.

Introducing a new cat to a resident cat

A cat’s first impression of a new furry family member is critical. This introduction likely sets the tone for their future relationship, which is why you should take things slowly and follow our top tips to ensure first introductions run smoothly. 

Keep your cats separate

Don’t rush into introducing your cats. Allow your cats a couple of days to get settled before letting them meet each other. Here are our top tips:

• Separate your cats to begin with, by keeping them in different rooms.
• Make sure they can’t escape and end up finding each other.
• Ensure your cats have access to their own:
• • Food.
  • Water.
  • Cosy bed.
  • Litter tray.
  • Toys.

Do some scent swapping

Scent swapping can help cats become fully comfortable with the smell of another cat before meeting them. Here’s how you can begin the process of introducing your cats to one another:

• Keep your cats separate.
• Take one piece of each cat’s bedding and place it in the other cat’s bed.
• Stroke your first cat, then let your new cat smell your hand – and vice versa.
• Rub a towel over your first cat and place it underneath your new cat’s food bowl:
• • Do the same for your first cat, using a towel covered with your new cat’s scent.
  • Make sure both cats are happy to approach their food.
  • If either cat refuses to eat, remove the towel and try again another day.

Let them explore each other’s space

Provided your cats show no signs of stress or anxiety following the introduction of new scents, you could let them explore each other’s space while the other is out. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on having your cats swap places for a short period of time: 

Please note: You may need to ask a friend or family member to help!

Step one

Carry your new cat from their room and place them in your bedroom, then shut the door.

Step two

Allow your resident cat to walk into your new cat’s room and close the door. Have your helper stay with them, so they can monitor your cat for any signs of distress.

Step three

Then, you’ll need to let your new addition out of your room and allow them to explore the rest of the house.

Step four

Stay with your new cat; if they start showing any signs of distress, carry them back to their room, while your helper removes your resident cat. 

This should only be done when your new cat is entirely relaxed in their own environment.

Allow visual contact

Being able to smell and see each other before meeting can help put your cats at ease, and allow them to understand a little more about what’s going on. You can do this by letting them see each other through:

• A door held slightly ajar (so they can’t pass through).
• A tall stair gate.
• Doors that have windows.

Calm first introductions

Once your cats are completely comfortable with seeing one another through a barrier, you might be ready for their first ‘official’ meeting. Here are some top tips to help their first introduction:

• Make sure your cats are either playing or eating.
• Remove or open the barrier quietly, so as not to startle them.
• • If they show signs of distress, replace the barrier and separate the cats.
• Never force your cats to interact with each other.
• • It’s important your cats are comfortable in the presence of one another.
• Keep trying, even if they don’t get on at first – these things can take time.

Provide them with their own space

The same as if introducing a new cat to a resident dog, you’ll still need to offer both cats their own space where they can spend time alone. Your cats might end up finding these sorts of spaces for themselves – but it’s always good to provide hiding spots like beds, climbing posts, and other safe spaces.

Remember: Relationships between cats can change over time, so it’s essential to look out for any signs of stress and adapt according to your cats’ individual needs.

If you’re struggling to introduce your pets, or they’ve started to experience a breakdown in an initially positive introduction, it’s worth seeking professional help. Speak to your vet, who’ll be able to provide advice or refer you to a qualified behaviourist.