The more cats the merrier, right? After all, they’re affectionate and loyal creatures! Yet part of being a responsible owner is knowing how to introduce new arrivals not only to your home but to your other furry friends.
In preparation for some animal diplomacy, we’ve laid out our best practices for adding more cats to your family!
Physical space: Step one in Operation New Kitty is physically separating the resident cats from the new arrival, at least in the beginning. It’s common for people to use a screen door or baby gate to allow the felines to see each other. With enough sniffing and pawing, over time the curiosity will transform into positive interactions.
Bathroom privacy: Similar to physical distance, another important part of this is choosing the right room for the new cat’s litter tray. Our Classic selection of sepiolite-based litter uses ultra-absorbent and fragrance-free minerals which will surely help the new cat acclimate!
Separate feeding area: It’s highly recommended to give the new cat its own feeding area away from the veterans. This should only be necessary for a few weeks but crucial to avoid initial territorial brawls. Be patient. Some sources say that it takes between eight to twelve months for new cats to truly bond.
Accept initial hissing: Don’t be alarmed by the hissing. This is a natural behaviour for cats when they encounter something new and unfamiliar. If it doesn’t cease after one to two minutes, it’s advisable to separate the cats for a while longer. Keep in mind that adopting a feral cat will take more time and effort.
Read the signs: You’ll know when the cat chemistry begins to settle when you see behaviours such as grooming, snoozing, nose pecking, or even an occasional friendly brawl. Remember that softly head-butting is a sign of affection!
Remember, with more cats, nature will call a bit more often. Luckily, our clumping and plant-based cat litter can always keep the odours at bay.