How to Introduce Cats in Your House

Sometimes people get frustrated when they bring a new cat into a home and it doesn't get along with the cat they already own. Here are a few tips you can use to try to get them to get along better and create more peace between the two of them.

Cat toys are a great way to bring cats together. A cat toy with a string or something they have to jump up in the air to catch is a good idea. Move the cat toy around in front of each of the cats. Show them the toy and let them both play with it at the same time. This helps them to interact with each other as well as have fun while being around each other.

Sometimes it's good to feed the cats together. Even if they are territorial and don't get along, feed them in the same room together. This will help them to bond better. If it gets too bad though and the cat refuses to eat, then it may be best to separate them while eating.

When I brought a new cat into the house, my female cat was very angry and would swat and hiss at the new cat. A few days went by and the female started getting a little calmer when the new cat was around. I started feeding her cat treats so every time she was around the new cat, she would associate it with a cat treat, and it would divert her attention.

A good idea may be to keep the new cat in a spare room for a few days. Let the cat get used to being in a new environment. It is hard enough for the cat to come into a new house and get acclimated, but when a cat that you already own is hissing and growling at it, the new cat may become fearful and stressed.

You could also put the new cat in a large dog cage if you don't have an extra room. Make sure to rub the new cat with a towel or a sweatshirt. Then bring the towel or sweatshirt over to your cat so it will get used to the scent of the new cat. Try to do this every day until you feel it is best to introduce the cats.

Talk very gently and loving to your cat when the new cat is around. Always make sure to give the cat that has already been living with you a lot of attention so he/she doesn't feel jealous or spiteful of the new cat. Give each cat attention.

Sometimes it takes a few days and sometimes it takes a few months for cats to be able to coexist with each other without constantly fighting and hissing. There may be nothing that will help the situation, even if you try. It all depends on the cats. These tips are just things that I've done and they've worked at helping my cats get along.