Start with the new cat in a separate, fully equipped room. Let both cats settle, then introduce their scents before they see each other. Move to brief, controlled visual meetings and only then try a supervised face-to-face meeting. Go at the slower cat’s pace; introductions can take weeks, and some cats may never want to share close space.
Before the new cat arrives
Consider whether your resident cat is likely to welcome a housemate. A second cat is not automatically a cure for loneliness. Plan a quiet room the resident cat cannot enter, with food, water, a litter tray, a bed, hiding options and scratching space for the newcomer. Keep the resident cat’s usual routine and access to their favourite places as steady as you can.
Set up resources in different locations so one cat cannot block the other’s access. As a starting point, provide a litter tray, feeding place and resting option for each cat, plus a spare where practical. If you are setting up trays for the first time, see our newly adopted cat litter-tray guide.
Step 1: Exchange scents without a meeting
Once the newcomer is comfortable in their room, offer each cat a cloth carrying the other cat’s scent. Gently rub a separate cloth around each cat’s cheeks only if the cat accepts handling, then place the cloth where the other cat can choose to investigate or ignore it. Do not hold either cat beside the cloth. Repeat this stage until both seem relaxed around the scent.
Step 2: Allow short, protected visual contact
Let them see each other through a secure barrier before allowing physical contact. Check that neither cat can squeeze through or jump over it, especially if one is a kitten. Keep early sessions brief and allow each cat to move away. If either cat seems distressed, end the session and return to an earlier stage rather than pushing on.
Step 3: Supervise a face-to-face meeting
When barrier meetings are calm, allow a short supervised meeting in a space with clear escape routes and elevated places to retreat. Let the cats choose whether to approach. Do not place them nose to nose or hold one in place. You can offer play or treats separately to keep the experience low-pressure. Separate them again after the session and build up contact gradually.
What if the cats do not get along?
Watch for repeated staring, chasing or one cat blocking a doorway, litter tray or feeding area. These can be signs of tension even without a fight. Give them separate space again, increase access to resources in different areas and resume introductions more slowly. Do not put your hands between fighting cats.
If either cat stops eating, avoids the litter tray, is injured or remains distressed, contact a qualified veterinarian. Ask your vet about appropriate behavioural support if introductions repeatedly stall. Success may mean the cats can coexist comfortably at a distance rather than curl up together.
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