Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Cats

How to introduce cats to each other without making common mistakes

Paige Cerulli
By

When you bring home a new cat, it’s certain to disrupt life for your current cat or cats. While cats can absolutely learn to get along and live together, they really need a proper introduction period to help them get to know each other. Unfortunately, many cat owners make some common mistakes when introducing their cats, and they add to the stress and feelings of being threatened that these cats can experience. If you’re planning to bring a new cat into your home, invest in learning about the process ahead of time. When you understand how to introduce cats well, you can help keep them safe and minimize the stress that everyone feels during this transition.

Two cats fighting in a yard
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How long should you wait to introduce two cats?

When introducing your cat to another cat, it’s so important to make introductions gradual and safe. Just bringing another cat into your home and letting it loose is asking for fights and potential injuries. It’s unfair to the new cat, who will essentially be invading your current cat’s territory and may make your current cat unusually aggressive because he feels like his space and safety are being threatened.

Recommended Videos

Instead, go slow. Put your new cat into a room where you can close the door and keep him entirely separated from your current cat. A spare bedroom or an office is ideal for this. Choose a space where your cats can smell each other but can’t see each other.

Related

After a few days, switch the cats’ spots. Carry your new cat out of the room and put your current cat into the new cat’s room. Then, let the new cat explore the home a little. This allows them to further explore each other’s scents and get familiar without having direct contact with each other.

As your cats get more comfortable, you can start to let them get to know each other — but while still separated. Install a pet gate into the doorway of the room where your new cat is staying, then feed both cats simultaneously in locations where they can see each other. Keep the bowls well distanced at first, and then gradually move them closer as the cats get more comfortable with each other.

Eventually, once your cats are well acquainted and tolerant of each other, you can start to remove the pet gate and let them meet. Keep in mind that there may still be disagreements, and you’ll need to be prepared to separate the cats if needed. Always stay present and keep these initial interactions short. As your cats get along better, you can gradually extend the duration of these sessions.

How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?

It’s also too common for cat owners to expect that their cats will quickly get used to each other and get along. They rarely do, and taking that approach can potentially get your cats hurt.

You’ll need to be patient and watch your cats’ behavior to determine how well they’re getting on. It’s important to keep your cats separated until you’re confident that they’re used to each other. This can take weeks or months, depending on your cats’ personalities. Most importantly, don’t rush the process and let your cats tell you when they’re ready to really interact.

Two cats cuddling together on a brown blanket
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Is it normal for cats to hiss when introduced?

Hissing is one way that cats communicate, and cats hiss when they’re feeling threatened. Hissing’s completely normal at the first meeting, but by taking steps to create a gradual introduction and build both cats’ confidence, you can minimize the hissing that occurs.

Introducing new cats isn’t always easy, and it’s not the quick process you might hope it would be. But when you take the time to do introductions right, you can minimize the stress for both cats and increase their chances of getting along well. In addition to following the steps outlined above, you might consider using a cat pheromone diffuser to further promote a sense of calmness in your cats. It’s also important to remember to give your current cat plenty of attention so he doesn’t feel like it’s all going to the new cat. Be patient and watch both of your cats to determine how comfortable they’re getting with each other. With time, your cats should be able to live together happily.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
What you need to know about your cat’s swollen lip – what caused it and how to help it heal
These are the most likely causes and best treatment options for your cat's swollen lip
Woman petting cat

Your sweet furry friend is a wealth of enjoyment and entertainment — from funny sleeping positions to those precious purrs. Cat behavior can be somewhat of a mystery for even the most dedicated kitty lovers, though, and those feline feelings can lead to physical manifestations that puzzle us.

If you've ever looked at your cat and noticed a swelling on the upper or lower lip, here's what you need to know: This common occurrence isn't something to worry about, but it isn't something to ignore, either. While your vet checks your cat's health, you can read up on this confusing condition. Here's what causes a cat's swollen lip.

Read more
Why is my cat peeing on my bed? The real truth (and how to stop this gross habit)
Causes and solutions for when your cat pees where you sleep
Striped cat sitting on a bed in the bedroom

No one likes to ask, "Why is my cat peeing on my bed?" Noticing that your cat peed on your fresh-out-of-the-washing-machine sheets is of the most irritating things she can do. There are a lot of different reasons besides your cat just being a jerk that explain why she would do such a thing. Understanding the "why" will help you figure out what is really going on inside of your furry feline’s head, so you can then determine how to stop this unwanted behavior.

While many believe the primary reason cats pee on the bed is because they're just being sassy, this is usually not the case. Read on to learn why your cat has picked up this undesirable habit and what you can do to put an end to it.

Read more
6 common reasons your cat sleeps under the covers and how to prevent it
Suggestions to help you and your cat get a good night's sleep
Gray cat curled up under a fluffy blanket

If your cat sleeps under the covers with you, you're not alone. While having your fur baby curled up against you sounds like a cozy way to fall asleep, it's not always good for your sheets -- or your health. Not only can cats leave behind some of their hair, but there's also the possibility that they'll bring in traces of litter into your bed. Yuck! Keep reading if you've been wondering how to curb your cat's undercover cuddling behavior once and for all.
Why does my cat sleep under the covers?
You may be wondering why your cat sleeps under the covers. Here are the six most common reasons, as well as some suggestions to help you put a stop to this habit.
1. It's warm and cozy
Your cat may seek out the bed because it's a warm and cozy sleeping spot. He might just be snuggling up for a nap and knows that under the covers is the warmest place.

What to do: To discourage this, consider giving your kitty a cat bed in a warm and cozy spot of his own, like in a sunny window or near a heating element. You can also give him a heated cat bed, which will help keep him toasty.
2. Your cat wants to play
Some cats who get under the covers are looking for a chance to play. This can be particularly true if your cat burrows under the covers while you're trying to make the bed, and then rolls or races around as you adjust the sheets and blankets. Your cat is probably feeling frisky and looking for a way to get your attention.

Read more