Introducing a new kitty!

Some cats love having a companion. However, some felines prefer to be the only ones at home. Understanding your cat is vital before introducing them to another. Slow and gradual introductions help the cats understand & accept each other & decide who will be the more dominant!

As feline parents, it is our responsibility to understand our cats' needs and interests in interacting with others, to provide them with positive mental and physical health. As we all know, cats do not open up easily; they require adequate time and space to adjust to their new surroundings. When acclimating our cats to one another, it is our responsibility to be gentle and consistent throughout the entire process.

Remember that it's simpler to interact with two cats that are the same age. Also, bear in mind that developing amiable and sociable behaviours in a kitten is far simpler than in an adult cat. Thus, be confident that we are presenting them to their compatible energy partner!

Once you have decided to introduce another cat to the household, whether a kitten, or a fully grown adult, be mindful of the diet it was eating beforehand. It is important to retain the same diet initially so that your cat does not have too many changes to cope with in one go, as this can be extremely stressful for them. If it is already on a raw diet, it is best to maintain this for the cat’s own longer-term health & well-being. However, if it is on a commercial wet or dry food and you wish to convert it to raw, ensure the correct transition is carried out.

Start by preparing your home so that both your current feline will feel comfortable throughout the introduction of a new buddy, and your new fur baby will settle in quickly. Cats should feel comfortable both inside and outside of the home (assuming they are not going to be purely indoor cats); therefore, devote adequate time and energy to doing so.

First things first, get the new cat's room ready. With the feline observing you, arrange new toys, a food bowl, litter, and bedding. Initially, any other cats should not have easy access to this room; keep it closed. They will be better able to embrace the new change with the aid of this stage.

Upon the arrival of the new addition, show kitty to their new environment right away. You should not allow them the opportunity to interact with other cats at this stage, because doing so could generate unexpected tension between both. As you keep the new one occupied within the room, let the incumbent cat know that there is a new family member.

It’s now time to swap scents. Allow the cats to investigate each other beneath the closed door. Then, gradually exchange their items such as beds, blankets, food bowls, and toys, to create a scent-swapping environment, so they can get used to the different smells. Please be aware of any unfavourable body language displayed by your cats (e.g. ears flattened against the head, rigid body posture, fur standing on end, bare teeth, dilated pupils). Make sure to reward their patience and behaviour with a healthy treat (Purrform, of course!).

If you are convinced that both cats are accustomed to each other's scent, they can be introduced progressively to each other during 15 minutes sessions. Again, show your appreciation for their acceptance by offering them their favourite treat or meal.

Later, expand their interaction time to 20 minutes and give them ample opportunity to become acquainted with each other in your presence.

If you feel it necessary, you can get them to interact with one another through a barrier, such as a mesh. If they appear to be comfortable with each other, remove the barrier for 5 minutes and gradually increase the time. Unfortunately, if they are hostile, keep them isolated from one another for a longer period, as they may need more time to get accustomed to each other.

Once all the preceding steps have been completed successfully, give them time to sniff and engage with one another fully. Keep track of their progress and gradually increase their time together.

Create a variety of play & grooming sessions for the cats under supervision, to foster a positive bond. Provide them with plenty of cuddles and attention, in exchange for their company.

Finally, let them roam freely and play unaccompanied. Some cats will become very attached to each other, whereas, some will remain rather aloof from each other. Either way, your new cat will accept the environment as its home, and both cats should accept seeing each other as a new normal in their lives!