Introducing a new cat in the household

The introduction of a new cat into the home can take place peacefully or be accompanied by numerous problems. In the worst case scenario, it can quickly become a nightmare for the owners (aggression between cats and problems with urination and defecation outside of the litter box). Although it is sometimes impossible to eliminate all of the problems created by the arrival of a new cat in the house, there exists numerous tricks to facilitate the process.

Prepare a transition room for the arrival of the new cat. The latter may be installed in it for the first days in the house in order to reduce his level of stress while enabling the cats of the house to gradually get used to this new presence. Make sure that this room possesses everything that a cat needs for an agreeable adaptation to his new environment (litter box, fresh water, food, places to hide and/or climb, surfaces for scratching, toys, etc.)

The steps to follow for the meeting between the new cat and the cat/cats of the house:

Isolate the new cat in the transition room until he seems at ease in his new environment.
For periods of a couple of hours at a time, make a rotation of location between the cats (the new cat free in the house and the cat/cats of the house in the transition room.)
Proceed with short visual presentations (under 5 minutes) between the cats. Restrain the cats in a way that they can see each other without having physical contact (harness and leash, cages, glass door or window.) Repeat the exercise 2 – 3 times a day until all the cats are relaxed and calm. Make sure that the cats associate this exercise with something positive (caressing, treats, wet food).
The next step is to allow the cats’ supervised physical contact. Be ready to intervene in case of aggression between them (spray water, something to make a big noise, large towels). Never try to physically separate two cats that are fighting; the cats will generally redirect their aggression towards the nearest target.
The periods of supervised physical contact may be gradually prolonged and the supervision gradually decreased until the cats can cohabitate in harmony.

It consists of artificial feline facial pheromones which have a relaxing and reassuring effect on cats. One or several Feliway® diffusers may be installed in the house 2 weeks prior to the arrival of the new cat (a diffuser lasts about 4 weeks and covers a surface area of 50-70 m²). These pheromones are odorless and inoffensive for humans and other animal species.

Rub all of the cats of the house with the same small towel to promote the exchange of odors between them. Focus on the cheeks and the base of the tail (sites where pheromones are secreted).

Adding bells to their collars can prove comforting for certain cats, allowing them hear their companions from far. This also permits the rapid and easy detection of interactions between cats.

During the first days, encourage positive interactions between your new cat who is in the transition room and the your other cat/cats who are free in the house. To do this, place a dumbbell type toy under the door of the transition room. A toy like this can easily be made by attaching 2 cat toys to each end of a big solid cord (be careful, a cord or string that is too small can be ingested by a cat and cause him very serious health problems).

Make sure that the number of food and water bowls are sufficient for the house (at least 1 water bowl and 1 food bowl per cat). Make sure as well to have a sufficient number of litter boxes (number of litter boxes = number of cats +1). Keep in mind that 2 litter boxes side by side or 2 bowls side by side are perceived by cats as a single large litter box or single large bowl.

If you have any other questions pertaining to the arrival of your new cat, do not hesitate to contact us. Our veterinarians and technicians will be pleased to answer you.

Reference : D F Horwitz and J Neilson (2007). Five-minute Veterinary Consult - Canin & Felin Behavior. Blackwell Publishing. Iowa, USA. p.556-557