Introducing Cats

Creating a calm, successful feline friendship.

Download This Guide as a PDF

Getting Ready

Before introductions begin, preparation is key.

Bringing a new cat into your home is exciting — and a little stressful for everyone involved. Proper introductions are critical to preventing fear, conflict, and long-term tension between cats. This guide walks you through a slow, proven approach that helps cats feel safe, confident, and comfortable with one another..

  1. Why slow introductions matter for long-term success

  2. How to set up your home before cats meet

  3. Step-by-step instructions for safe introductions

  4. What’s normal (and what’s not) during the process

  5. When to slow down or ask for help

In This Guide You’ll Learn:

Why this Matters

Cats are territorial by nature. Introducing a new cat too quickly can trigger fear-based behaviors that are difficult to undo later. Taking a gradual, structured approach helps:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Prevent fighting or long-term hostility

  • Build positive associations between cats

  • Set your household up for long-term harmony

There is no universal timeline. Some cats adjust in days, others need weeks. Let the cats — not the calendar — determine the pace.

Set Up a Home Base for the New Cat

Choose a quiet, enclosed space such as a bathroom, large closet, or spare bedroom.

This space should include:

  • Food and water

  • Litter box

  • Scratching post

  • Toys

  • Comfortable bed or hiding spot

Tip from The Rescue Crew

If possible, place food bowls near the door separating the cats. This helps them associate each other’s presence with positive experiences.

Step-by-Step Guide

Number one inside a gray-blue circular button.

Step 1 — Scent Introductions

Before cats see each other, allow them to get used to each other’s scent.

  • Swap blankets, towels, or beds between cats

  • Place items with the resident cat’s scent in the new cat’s room, and vice versa

This step helps reduce fear and makes future interactions feel familiar.

Tip from The Rescue Crew

If possible, start with the same food, litter type, and daily routine your cat is familiar with. You can transition later, but keeping things stable now reduces stress.

Number 2 in a white font on a dark gray circular button.

Step 2 — Swap Spaces

Once both cats appear relaxed:

  • Confine the resident cat

  • Allow the new cat to explore shared areas

  • Ensure both cats always have access to litter, food, and water

Gradually increase the space the new cat can access over time.

A circular button with the number 3 in the center

Step 3 — Visual Introductions

When both cats are eating, drinking, and using the litter box normally:

  • Open the door separating them

  • Use a baby gate or screen to prevent physical contact

  • Feed cats on opposite sides of the barrier

Some cats can jump gates — stacking two gates is often more effective.

Tip from The Rescue Crew

Number 4 inside a dark gray circle

Step 4 — Supervised Meetings

When both cats remain calm with visual contact:

  • Allow brief, supervised interactions without barriers

  • Keep initial meetings short

  • Expect mild hissing or swatting — this is normal

Positive signs include ignoring each other, calm observation, or relaxed movement.

Step 5 — Gradual Independence

At first, separate cats when you’re not home. As interactions remain consistently calm, you can slowly allow unsupervised time together.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Hissing or growling:
Normal early on. Slow down if it escalates.

One cat hiding constantly:
Return to an earlier step and ensure adequate safe spaces.

Chasing or fighting:
Separate immediately and restart the process more slowly.

Additional Resources

You may also find these guides helpful:

Download This Guide as a PDF