Fur-st Impressions: Introducing Your New Cat to the Family

Step 1: Create a Safe Space 
Start by setting up a cozy, quiet room just for your new cat. Include:

✅ A litter box ✅ Food and water

✅ A comfy bed ✅ Toys and scratching posts

Feed both cats near the closed door of this room so they associate each other’s scent with something positive (mealtime!).
Gradually move the food bowls closer to the door over several days until they can eat calmly on either side.

Step 2: Swap Scents

Cats recognize friends through scent, so help them get familiar with each other by:

✅ Swapping their bedding to introduce each other’s scent from a safe distance.

✅ Gently rubbing a towel on one cat and placing it near the other’s food bowl.

Step 3: Room Switch

Once your new cat is comfortably using the litter box and eating well, swap their spaces! Let the new cat explore the house while your resident cat spends time in the newcomer’s room. This allows them to adjust to each other’s scent in shared spaces—without a face-to-face meeting.

Step 4: Supervised Introductions

Now it’s time for short, supervised meetings! Keep sessions brief and positive. Look for calm behavior. Some hissing or growling is normal at first. If it happens, calmly separate them and try again later. Gradually increase their time together. To ensure smooth introductions:

🚫 Never force interactions—let them move at their own pace.

🚫 If hissing, swatting, or chasing occurs, calmly separate them and slow down the process.

🚫 Avoid scolding or punishing—they’ll only become more anxious.

Tips for a Happy Home:

Litter boxes: One per cat (plus extra if possible) in quiet, low traffic areas
Cleanliness: Scoop daily- cats LOVE a clean space!
Hiding spots: Ensure each cat has a safe place to retreat