Don't rush cat-to-cat introductions
Thinking about adding a second (or third) cat to your home? Unlike dogs, cats are not pack animals so introducing cats to each other requires a plan and more importantly, patience.
Make sure you have plenty of resources for both cats, including lots of food and water bowls, litter boxes, scratching posts, toys and high vertical places to sleep. You want the cats to know there's plenty for everyone.
Start the new cat off in a separate room. Cats feel safe when they have mastered their environment. Ensure both your resident cat(s) and new cat are getting plenty of attention and playtime. The new cat should stay in this room exclusively until they're using their litter box regularly, eating and coming to you when you open the door. Once the new cat is relaxed (this typically takes several days to a week), you can begin to alternate the areas in which they're confined so that they get used to being in all areas of the home without the other cat(s) present.
Your cat has 900 times the number of sense receptors than you so you can be sure both cats will be smelling each other under the door. Increase the cats' scent introduction by switching bedding or by giving each a toy that has the other's scent. You can even rub a sock on each cat to gather the scent. Pair the giving of the scented article with treats. That way, both cats will learn that good things happen when they're exposed to each other's scent.
Once you sense both cats have settled into their new living arrangements, you can begin their physical introduction — just go slowly. Open the door a crack so the cats get a peek at each other. Watch for hissing, growling, flattened ears or any other unhappy behavior. Close the door if this happens and go back to scented articles and treats. Remember, this may take time, so be patient.
Be sure to feed your cats on either side of the door. Give them some wet food when they're together to reinforce that good things happen when they're together. Gradually, open the door a bit wider and watch to see what happens. Once they can see and smell each other without hissing or growling, you can move on to the next step.
Begin to play with both cats at the same time with the door slightly open or with a baby gate or other barrier. You don't want the cats to use the same toy, so have one toy in each hand or ask someone to help. Keep the play sessions short and always stop on a good note (before there are any negative interactions) and reward the cats with a treat. Gradually increase the amount of time you play with them.
Now it's time for the cats to spend some time together. At this point, you can give them supervised time together without a barrier. Look for any signs of potential bullying (stalking or hard staring) and be ready to redirect the cats by showing them a toy or treat they like. This is crucial; you must be prepared to distract and redirect any potential aggression. Gradually
extend the amount of time the cats are in the same area under supervision. It'll likely take time to get to the point where they can be unsupervised, but it's well worth a slow introduction.
Having more than one cat in the home can double the fun and affection — for the kitties and for us.
To learn more about cat behavior or to view upcoming workshops, visit marinhumane.org/oh-behave.
Beth Weil is the feline behavior coordinator at Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin articles and welcomes animal-related questions about the people and animals in our community. Go to marinhumane.org, find us on social media @ marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane. org.