How do I introduce a new cat to my home?

Introducing a new cat to a resident cat is one of the situations where patience is most essential and most often skipped. Cats are territorial and do not naturally welcome strangers into their space. A rushed introduction can result in lasting conflict that is extremely difficult to reverse. A slow introduction takes 2–4 weeks but produces cats that coexist peacefully — often for life.

Phase 1: Separation (Days 1–7)

The new cat goes into a separate room with their own food, water, litter box, and sleeping areas. The resident cat has no visual access. They can smell each other under the door — this is the beginning of introduction.

- Feed both cats near the closed door so they associate each other's smell with something positive (food)
- Swap bedding between cats daily so they continue scent exchange
- Do not rush this phase — a cat that is settled and calm in their new room is ready for the next step

Phase 2: Scent exchange (Days 5–10)

- Swap the cats' rooms temporarily — let each cat explore the other's territory while the other cat is elsewhere. This is a significant scent introduction.
- Continue swapping bedding
- Watch for signs of relaxation: eating normally, grooming, playing. Signs of high stress (not eating, hiding continuously, overgrooming) mean slow down.

Phase 3: Visual introduction (Days 7–14)

- Open the door a crack with a baby gate or mesh screen so they can see each other without contact
- Or use a slightly open door with a door stopper that allows sight but prevents access
- Feed both cats near the barrier — the goal is positive association during visual exposure
- Hissing at the gate is normal. Cats running away or becoming extremely agitated means the barrier is too close.

Phase 4: Supervised face-to-face (Days 14–28)

- Open the room door during supervised sessions in a large neutral space
- Have high-value treats ready
- Interrupt any escalating tension (before actual chasing or fighting) by redirecting attention with a toy or sound
- Keep initial sessions short (5–10 minutes) and increase gradually

Resources in a multi-cat household

Conflict is often about resource scarcity. Ensure: one litter box per cat plus one extra, one feeding station per cat, multiple high perches (cats resolve conflict through vertical space), multiple water sources.

Flovvi tip

Log each introduction phase milestone in Flovvi along with stress indicators (eating, litter box use, grooming). This diary helps you decide when to progress each phase.