If you’ve come here looking for a definitive guide on how to introduce a new cat to your resident cat, I’m sorry to tell you that when it comes to cat introductions, there is no one-size-fits-all instruction manual. That’s because all cats are individuals, living in unique homes with unique people.
When I work with clients to introduce their cats, it's a process where we work one-on-one at each step.
That being said, here are a few tips and considerations:
Does your cat REALLY need a companion?
Many people tell me they decided to introduce a second cat because their cat seemed like it needed a friend, or their cat’s companion had passed away, and the cat seemed lonely. While cats can be social creatures with other cats of their choosing, ultimately, you are the one picking out the cat that you expect your resident cat to bond with.
If a grandparent died, of course, the other grandparent would be sad, but would they want you to bring them a new spouse they had never even met? I’m guessing that wouldn’t go over well. It's the same with cats—yes, they may be grieving, lonely, or bored, but another cat isn’t always the solution.
Choosing the right cat to bring home
This is tricky because, just like in human relationships, we can’t pinpoint what sparks that certain chemistry between two individuals. If you have decided to introduce another cat to your resident cat, the best thing you can do is try to match personality and playstyle. For instance, if your resident cat is nervous, look for another cat that is also nervous. If you have a nervous cat and adopt a confident cat, you may be setting the resident cat up to become a victim of bullying in their own home.
Knowing the history of the cats can also help make a good match. If the cats have had positive experiences with other cats in the past, you’ll have a greater likelihood of a successful integration.
Prepare for a slow, gradual introduction
While some people get very lucky and their cats are happily living together within a few weeks, that is not always the case and shouldn’t be expected. This is where working with a professional behavior consultant can really be beneficial. When introducing cats, you’ll want them to have positive experiences with each other that allow them to become desensitized and counter-conditioned to each other's presence. While there are a variety of ways to do this, I like to use clicker training and pattern games.
Preventing negative interactions is key
The more negative experiences the cats have with each other, the harder it will be to change their minds! During the introduction process, set up baby gates or other barriers to prevent the cats from fighting. And please, whatever you do, do not ever allow the cats to "fight it out". That will not end well and you will likely end up spending hundreds of dollars at the vet.
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all way to introduce your cats. Many people come to me after reading the typical advice online about how to introduce cats to each other and then not seeing any progress, hitting a plateau, or having the relationship deteriorate. A behavior professional will be able to look at your specific case and give you step-by-step instructions. They will also be able to help you proceed based on what is happening with your cats in real time.