Daily Care2026-03-10Carelogy編集部
Introducing a New Cat: Step-by-Step Guide for Multi-Cat Homes
How to introduce a new cat to your resident cat: preparation, step-by-step introduction process, and troubleshooting tips.
Preparing Before the New Cat Arrives
Health check: Every new cat must receive a veterinary exam and be up to date on vaccinations before introduction. Testing for FeLV and FIV is mandatory.
Set up a quarantine room: Keep the newcomer in a separate room for at least two weeks. Equip the room with a litter box, water, food, a scratching post, and hiding spots.
Resource planning: Provide one litter box per cat plus one extra. Food bowls and water dishes should also be individual.
Step-by-Step Introduction Process
Step 1 (1–2 weeks): Complete separation. Let the cats sense each other through the closed door. Place food on both sides of the door so they associate the other cat's presence with something positive.
Step 2 (3–5 days): Scent swapping. Rub each cat with a towel and place it in the other cat's space. If neither cat reacts negatively, move on.
Step 3 (3–5 days): Room swapping. Let the newcomer explore the main living area while the resident cat visits the quarantine room. This lets each cat experience the other's territory.
Step 4: Visual contact. Crack the door open or use a baby gate so the cats can see each other. Offer treats and food to reinforce positive associations.
Step 5: Face-to-face meetings. Start with short, supervised encounters. If hissing occurs, separate them calmly and try again the next day.
Patience is critical — plan on at least 2 to 4 weeks for the full process.
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Troubleshooting Common Problems
Fighting: Separate the cats and go back a step in the process. Use Feliway (synthetic pheromone) diffusers to ease tension.
[Spraying](/en/columns/cat-spraying-behavior) starts: This signals territorial stress. Add more resources and slow down the introduction timeline.
Resident cat [hides](/en/columns/cat-hiding) or [stops eating](/en/columns/cat-loss-of-appetite): These are stress indicators. Prioritize the resident cat's well-being and proceed more gradually.
Cats that never become friends: Some cats will not bond, and that is okay. A relationship of "peaceful coexistence" — sharing a home while keeping separate spaces — is a perfectly acceptable outcome.
See also our guide on multi-cat household basics.
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