Adding another cat to your family is a big decision, and one that should be well thought out. The last thing you want is to have to re-home a new cat. Over 71% of cats at animal shelters are euthanized each year because they do not have a home and family. These cats come in all breeds and ages, and they should make you consider adopting your next furbaby.

Introducing a New Cat to Your Current Cat

Once you have decided to bring another cat home, you need to make sure it will be one that will get along with your current feline baby.

• If you have a very laid-back, elderly or frail kitty at home, it is best to avoid kittens and very playful or rambunctious cats.
• If you have a rambunctious cat who zooms all over the house, getting a very laid-back or quiet, shy cat is probably not wise.
• Try to focus on cats who have personalities similar to that of your current cat.

Remember that patience is the key to choosing and introducing a new cat to your family. Rushing things can create a hostile environment and make your current cat feel jealous, often causing moments of lashing out. Instead of bringing home you new furbaby straight away, consider the following: 

• Ask the shelter to bring home a blanket the cat has been sleeping on to share her scent with your current cat.
• It may be possible to bring your current cat’s blanket into the shelter to share with your new cat.
• Plan a room in the house to bring your new cat home to. You want to create a safe space and separation for a week or so before the cats meet. You do not want the cats to make eye contact until they have become comfortable with one another’s scents.
• Plan to feed the cats on opposite sides on the door between them.
• Make sure your current cat is on a schedule feeding plan, as free-feeding will cause issues between the two.

Once you have brought her home, remember to go slowly with introductions. You will keep the space for the first week, but afterward, introduce your new cat to your house in stages.

• Let her roam while bedroom and bathroom doors are closed.
• Keep your current cat in the room your new cat was using during this time.
• Let your cats share litter boxes, but keep them cleaned daily.
• Continue to switch the cats back and forth for the next week or so to allow them to exchange scents.

Once another week has passed, and all cats are on their best behavior, it is time to let them mingle together. You can expect some hissing and clawing at one another, but they will work it out without your intervention. However, when you leave the house and they are left alone, you will want to separate them until you truly trust their personalities together. 

Take your time, have patience, and know that your family will welcome this new furbaby in the right time and with open arms!