How to introduce cats gradually
A new cat should not be expected to become a friend immediately. Begin with separate spaces and work toward calm, voluntary contact.
Prepare a separate room
Give your new cat a quiet space with their own food, water, litter tray, bed, hiding place, and toys. Keep both cats’ essentials accessible without competition.
Start with scent
Exchange scent using cloths gently rubbed around each cat’s cheeks, if they are comfortable with handling. Leave the cloth for the other cat to investigate or ignore. Progress when both are comfortable.
Let them see each other safely
Use a secure barrier before direct meetings. Each cat should be able to approach or retreat by choice. Keep introductions brief and return to an earlier stage if tension increases.
Take the next step slowly
Move to supervised meetings only after calm barrier encounters. Allow escape routes and avoid forcing contact. There is no fixed deadline for friendship. Tell our trainers which stage you are at if you need help planning what comes next.
Further reading: Cats Protection: introducing cats.
Meawys provides training guidance. These guides do not replace veterinary care.
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