For a long time, your cat was alone in the house. But now you've decided to welcome a new pet into the family, whether it's a kitten or an adult cat. To ensure harmony in your home, to get along with your pets and to avoid having to separate the two dogs, it is essential to introduce cats properly. The most important thing is not to rush them into one space, especially in a smaller room.

These tips will help you to introduce a new family member safely and without causing stress to your long-standing friend.

Pay attention to the cat's character

Cats are very different – some are more likely to socialise with other animals, especially if they have been used to it from a young age. The first four weeks of a cat's life are often considered to be the most important for ensuring a positive attitude towards other cats. However, if a cat is not used to others, it just means that more time and patience will be needed to help it get used to its new owner.

Patience is the most important thing

Never rush to reunite a long-standing friend with a new companion. Take your time and allow them to sniff each other at a safe distance, for example through a safety fence, which can be purchased at an affordable price.

It is important to prepare a room or space where the new pet feels safe. For example, you may want to give him a place in the bedroom while the cat stays in other areas of the house. Here are some tips for setting up your new cat's space:

Buy a new water bowl, bed, litter box, teether and toys. Your existing cat's belongings may be off-putting to a newcomer because of their smell.
A newcomer may be helped to get used to an item they have already used – a toy, a pad or a bed. Place it in the cat's space.
Provide a place where a frightened newcomer can hide. Make sure he does not injure himself there.
Remember that the current cat's food may not be suitable for a newcomer. Quality cat food will help you to find the right option, for example you can choose products tailored to individual needs (e.g. for those with sensitive intestines). The variety of foods makes it easy to find the right option for your cat's taste and health.
Allocate separate spaces for both new and existing residents. Remember that a new cat is under a lot of stress. A new home, a new owner, and an unfamiliar cat (or other pet).

“Exchange

After a few days of living apart, you can take one item from the newcomer's space and put it in your long-time friend's room. Do the same with the old cat item in the newcomer's space. This will help them get to know each other's scent. You can do the same with the food bowl – this will help associate the other cat's smell with a pleasurable activity (eating!).

Introduce from a distance

If you have a safety fence, allow cats to sniff at a distance. It is important not to squeeze the cats or force them too close together. Leave the door open and wait for the cat to present itself out of curiosity. If you see signs of aggression, separate the cats immediately and let them calm down. Repeat this process until the cats' reactions are less aggressive and there is no obvious aggression.

When you finally bring them together, remove the protective barrier. Keep an eye on the pets at all times and separate them again if necessary. You probably shouldn't expect cats to become best friends right away. Sniffing and hissing are likely. Even if the cats don't get along at first, it doesn't mean that the situation is hopeless. The important thing is to move slowly, take into account the cats' personalities and make both pets feel safe.