Articles

Cat Behavior

Socialization

Cats like stability, so an environmental or social change may have a pronounced effect on their behavior. Your cat will adapt, but it may take some time.

Tips for Introducing a New Cat to Your Old One
Chances are your cat will react to a newcomer by distancing herself. She may hide for a few days, refusing to acknowledge the newcomer, or she may act up in an attempt to persuade the newcomer to retreat. Here are a few tips to ease the transition:

• Give your new cat an area where she can retreat if she becomes threatened.
• Putting her in a spare room with the door closed for the first few days will give both cats the chance to adjust to each other’s scents without hurting each other.
• Give your newcomer a litter box in her area along with food and water.

Selecting a New Cat
A kitten is an ideal choice, but should you want to introduce an adult cat, try to find one that has lived with other cats. A cat that is similar in age and sex to the resident cat will be accepted more readily.

Learn More About Multiple Cat Households

<< Back to articles main page