Multi-Cat Introduction Guide
How to introduce a new kitten to your existing cat or dog.
Siberian Cat | Fuluck Cattery, Osaka
Benefits of Multi-Cat Households
- They become playmates, reducing boredom and stress
- Less loneliness when home alone
- Better socialization, leading to calmer personalities
- The existing cat serves as a role model for learning habits
Siberians Are Great for Multi-Cat Homes
- Gentle and sociable personality
- Experience living with siblings and parent cats; skilled at cat-to-cat communication
- High adaptability to new environments
- Less likely to intimidate resident cats
Introduction Timeline
- Days 1-3: Separate room or cage only. Let them sense each other's scent.
- Days 4-7: Swap towels to get used to each other's scent.
- 1-2 weeks: Meet through cage or barrier. Hissing is OK.
- Getting comfortable: Short supervised time in the same room.
- Settled: Let them roam freely.
Tips for Success
- Litter boxes: "number of cats + 1" is the rule
- Separate food and water for each
- Provide multiple high spots and hiding places
- No need to force friendship at first
- Prioritize caring for the resident cat (prevents jealousy)
- Continue scent swapping daily
Signs Things Are Going Well
- Relaxing in the same room together
- Mutual grooming
- Playful chasing (non-aggressive)
- Able to ignore each other (surprisingly important)