The most common question we get from potential adopters is how to introduce a new cat to their resident cat. So, let’s dive into the ins and outs of successful cat introductions!
Cats are naturally territorial, so simply tossing them into a room together and hoping they'll "work it out" is a surefire recipe for disaster. Instead, we recommend following Jackson Galaxy’s tried-and-true process to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition for everyone involved.
FAQs:
How long will it take?
Depending on their history with other cats, most introductions between 2 adult cats will take between 3 weeks and 3 months. If one is a kitten, it can take from a few days to a few months.
If you already know both cats have lived and done well with other cats, it will very likely be on the lower end of time commitment.
But my other cats got along immediately...
We LOVE when that happens, but cats who get along with other cats immediately are the exception that make the rule. You should not expect the same scenario when introducing future cats.
My cat seems playful, so they probably want a friend, right?
It depends...
If your cat is over the age of 3 and has not been living with cats up to this point, they're likely just fine playing independently or with you. You should expect introductions with a new cat to take several months. Sometimes in these cases, they may never accept the newcomer, and the best you can hope for is coexistence. In this case, we recommend fostering first to try to get an idea of how your cat will react before committing to adoption.
If your cat is under 3, they're still in the "window of opportunity" and could come to accept a new cat with patience and the proper process. Young cats, in most situations, do want other cat friends.
My older/senior cat would probably do better with a kitten because they'll think it's her/his baby, right?
Most senior cats want to retire in peace, not be tortured by a mini t-rex for the next 3-5 years. If you really want to adopt and have a senior cat (anyone over 8), we recommend getting a pair of kittens, so they'll play with each other and mostly leave gram or gramps alone.
Should I get a male or female?
All cats are individuals, just like people, and there's no guarantee any one cat will get along with any other specific cat. But a general rule is 2 young males will be the easiest to introduce. Females tend to be more independent and territorial, so they are usually best when paired with a more passive male. Two females are generally the toughest to introduce. But of course, there are always exceptions to all of these.
My 4 year old (or older) female cat has never lived with other cats, but she is very playful and probably wants a friend, right?
No, probably not. Because female cats are more independent and territorial, most female cats over the age of 3 simply want to be only-cats and have humans as friends. And that's okay! If you're unsure, we recommend fostering to get a better sense of how she might react to a new cat.
It's been a week and the new cat and resident cat are still hissing at each other. Does that mean it's not a good fit?
No, it most likely means you haven't given it enough time yet (see question 1). You also want to be sure to follow the proper process.
Introducing 2 cats will require a lot of patience and can sometimes feel like 2 steps forward, 1 step back. This is normal.
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