Top Tips for Introducing Cats to Each other
Whilst owners might think the more cats the merrier, cats may think otherwise. Cats are very territorial and protective of their surroundings and as a result may be anxious by the arrival of a new feline friend. Following these top tips for introducing your cats to each other should help calm anxieties and give your cats the best possible start.
Top tips for introducing cats to each other
Sanctuary Room
Create a safe space for your new cat, containing everything they could need from bedding to play toys. Creating a separate space for your new cat will help them settle into and familiarise themselves with their new surroundings.
Scent swapping
It’s important that you introduce your cats’ scents to one another before they meet. This can be done in a variety of ways, with the simplest being gently rubbing a cloth around your cat’s head and placing the cloth in the same room as the other cat. This gives your cats the option to investigate and become familiar with their new feline friend.
Mesh Barrier
Once your cats seem unbothered by each other’s scent, it’s time to introduce each other via a mesh barrier. Using a mesh barrier (such as patio doors or a baby gate) allows your cats to see each other, whilst also maintaining their own space.
Face-to-face introduction
If that goes well, it’s time for the face-to-face introduction. Keep all of your doors open so they don’t feel trapped and keep these meetings brief and fun with lots of toys and treats. Start off with short meetings and slowly increase the length as they become more comfortable around one another.
It’s important that you don’t force these meetings and take each step slowly as rushing the process can make it more stressful for everyone involved and ultimately prolong the settling process. If your cats don’t seem to get a long, get in touch with Battersea for more personalised advice.