Sometimes when a new cat or cats are brought into the home, it can result in hissing, growling, scratching and fighting.
By nature, cats are quite solitary animals and, of course, they are very territorial.
Therefore, cats find it difficult to accept new comers.
That said, introducing a new cat to an already established pet is not impossible.
These simple steps should help you encourage peace and harmony among your animals.
1.
Before thrusting a new cat in with other cats, it is important for all the cats to get to know each other gradually.
Therefore, it is advisable to keep the 'old' and 'new' cats in separate rooms to start with.
They will be able to smell each other and possibly even see each other through the crack in the door.
Of course, all cats will need access to food water and litter boxes, so you may need to purchase fresh equipment for your new arrival.
2.
After a few days, try placing your new cat in a travel carrier and taking him, or her, into the room with the other cat/cats.
Hopefully, all parties should feel safe and not be threatened by the presence of other felines.
However, if there is any sign of aggression, take the new cat out of the room and try again another time.
It is best to keep these visits short, not least because it is unfair for the new cat to be in the carrier for too long.
3.
Once all of the cats are comfortable with the travel carrier arrangement, it is time to try letting your new cat out.
It is advisable to have some cat toys and a squirty water bottle (plant sprayer) handy.
When you first let the new cat out of the travel carrier, it is wise to choose a large room that has places to hide (if possible), as this will allow the cats to stay away from each other if that's what they choose to do.
Never force the cats to be in close proximity if they do not wish to be.
Obviously, it is very important to monitor this first meeting closely.
If there are any signs of aggression, such as hissing, use a cat toy to distract the cat in question.
If this is unsuccessful and a physical fight develops, use the water squirter to stop the fighting and quickly return the new cat to the carrier.
Then, take him, or her, out of the room; giving everybody a chance to calm down and then try again later.
4.
Eventually, you should be able to let your new cat out of the travel carrier without any fighting.
At this point, the new cat should be integrated into the family.
However, the work is not necessarily over.
Some cats become aggressive around food, so it may be necessary to separate your pets at dinner time.
It is wise to remember that cats will play fight, so some hissing and growling may be indicative of play rather than real aggression.
However, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on your cats for a few days when they are first integrated.
By following this advice, you should find that introducing a new cat into your home is as stress free as possible.
Of course, cats all differ and you may find that some of these steps are unnecessary or can be shortened if your current pet is very accepting of the new comer.
However, even if you are confident in your cat's laidback attitude towards life, it is advisable to err on the side of caution.