Introducing Two Cats

Have you recently decided to get a second kitty? Congratulations! We are always happy to see animals going to loving homes. Your resident feline, however, may not be quite as thrilled, especially at first. While kitties can certainly co-exist peacefully together, and even become best buddies, you’ll want to take some precautions when introducing them to ensure that things go smoothly. In this article, a Pickerington veterinarian offers pointers on introducing two cats.

The New Arrival

When you bring your new kitty home, put her in a quiet room with food, water, a litterbox, toys, and a comfy bed, and give her some time to adjust to the smells and sounds of her new home. We know, you’ll be visiting frequently! Kitty will probably have another visitor too: when your resident cat figures out that there is another cat in there, she will probably be very interested in the kitty on the other side of the door. Don’t be surprised if you find your furballs playing ‘Pawsies’ under the door.

Introductions

Make sure both cats are up to date on vaccines before allowing them to have contact with one another. First impressions are very important to our feline friends, so you’ll want to proceed with caution when introducing your furballs. Pick a time when both kitties seem calm and relaxed. Put your new furbaby in a carrier, and bring her into the living room or kitchen. Expect your resident cat to be very curious, and not necessarily all that friendly. Let the kitties sniff one another. If it seems like things are going well, let your new kitty out. If either cat shows signs of aggression, separate them and try again another day.

Adjusting

Kitties can take up to a year to adjust to one another. Generally, you can expect some posturing and hissing at first. This should diminish in time. Make sure to pay both kitties equal amounts of attention, so one isn’t jealous of the other. Play with both cats together, using an interactive toy, and follow with treats. This will help your furballs form positive associations about each other. It may take time, but most cats learn to accept their new feline roommates. Don’t be surprised if you find your two feline friends cuddling and grooming each other.

Please contact us, your local Pickerington veterinary clinic, for all of your kitties’ health care needs.