Bringing a New Cat Home? How to Introduce Them the Right Way
Thinking about adding a second cat to your home but not sure how to make it go smoothly? You’re not alone. Whether you're introducing two playful kittens or hoping your senior cat will accept a new roommate, getting the timing and process right makes all the difference.
Introducing cats isn’t about letting them “work it out.” It’s about going slow, respecting boundaries, and managing stress—for both pets and people. In this guide, we’ll break down what actually works, what to avoid, and how to tailor your approach depending on your cats’ ages and personalities.
Start Slow and Set the Tone
When it comes to cat introductions, slower is always better. Whether you’re introducing a kitten to another kitten, an adult to a senior, or anything in between, the first few days (and weeks) should be about scent, separation, and safe exploration—not face-to-face meetings.
Here’s what to do early on:
Set up a dedicated space for the new cat: litter box, food, water, bedding, and hiding spots
Let both cats get used to each other’s scent through towel or bedding swaps
Feed near opposite sides of the door so they associate the other’s presence with something positive
Limit visual contact at first—no eye contact, no lingering stares
Watch body language: curious sniffing is good; growling, tail flicking, or crouching are all signs to take things slower
Pro Tip: A successful introduction isn’t about speed. It’s about comfort, confidence, and preventing setbacks. Most cats don’t make best friends overnight—but they can learn to share space without conflict.
What Not to Do (Even If It Feels Like the Right Move)
Even well-meaning cat parents make moves that accidentally blow things up.
Here's what to avoid if you want to keep the peace:
Rushing the face-to-face - Throwing two cats into the same room and hoping they’ll get along is a recipe for fear, chasing, and long-term tension.
Ignoring stress signs - Hissing, hiding, and refusal to eat are all red flags. Brushing those off can turn a mild dislike into full-blown territory war.
Punishing hissing or swatting - It’s communication—not “bad behavior.” Punishing it can create fear and make the new cat seem even more threatening.
Free-feeding both cats from a shared bowl - It’s best to feed separately at first. Resource competition is a fast way to escalate tension.
Make sure to keep interactions short, supervised, and low-stakes. Use wand toys to create distance and reduce tension while letting them “play in parallel.”
Kitten to Kitten: Fastest Route to Friendship (Usually)
Kittens are more adaptable and less territorial by nature. When you're introducing two young cats, you can usually go a little faster—but don’t skip structure completely.
Tips for smoother kitten intros:
Let them sniff each other through a gate or carrier first
Use interactive toys to help them burn energy before introductions
Don’t be alarmed by light wrestling or chasing—as long as both are taking turns and nobody’s hiding, it’s probably play
Be prepared for short scuffles—it’s normal as long as both bounce back quickly
Pro Tip: Make sure both kittens are healthy, dewormed, and up to date on vaccines before sharing litter boxes or food bowls.
Kitten to Adult/Senior: Go Slow, Be Respectful
This combo often fails when people underestimate how annoying kittens can be to older cats. A senior who’s used to a calm routine doesn’t want a bouncing gremlin in their face—and they shouldn’t have to tolerate that right away.
How to set both cats up for success:
Keep the kitten in a playpen or closed room at first, with short, supervised visits
Tire the kitten out before allowing interactions
Give the older cat full access to high spaces, alone time, and consistent routines
Reward the older cat for calmly observing, even if they don’t engage
Your adult cat doesn’t need to “like” the kitten. Peaceful coexisting is the goal—and a win.
Adult/Senior to Adult/Senior: Expect a Longer Timeline
This is the toughest pairing, especially if one or both cats have never lived with another before. Adult cats are territorial, sensitive to scent, and don’t easily tolerate change. It can absolutely work but it takes time, patience, and boundaries.
For this pairing:
Stick to a structured “site swap” routine: let them explore each other’s rooms without seeing each other
Use Feliway diffusers or calming treats if tension is high
Don’t push visual intros until both are comfortable sharing scent
Accept that it might take weeks—or months—for them to fully relax around each other
Don’t skip vet checks before intros—undiagnosed pain is a common reason cats lash out
Worth knowing: Some adult cats will never be cuddly roommates as much as you want them to be, but with slow work and space, many will learn to share territory peacefully.
Some Cats Just Don’t Want a Friend
Even with the right setup, the best timing, and all your patience, not every cat wants a companion. Some are simply happier on their own—and trying to push a bond that isn’t there can lead to long-term stress for everyone involved.
You can do everything right and still end up with two cats who tolerate each other but don’t interact much. That’s still a success.
Final Thoughts
Introducing cats isn’t about luck—it’s about structure, safety, and giving everyone room to feel secure. The goal isn’t to force a friendship. It’s to create the conditions where one might grow or at the very least, where peace is possible.
Be patient, pay attention to body language, and always go slower than you think you need to!
