Friends Educational Information

Introducing a New Cat to Existing Cats

Cats and dogs can be territorial and sometimes jealous, but the proper introduction procedures, your new family member with end up being best buddies with everyone else in your home.

1.    Ensure that the new family member (cat) has been to the vet and has had a combo test (for feline aids and feline leukemia), the first set of vaccinations, ear check for mites, skin check for fleas, and fecal check for worms.

2.   Select a room in your home where your new kitty can spend at least a few days alone before meeting the rest of the household  (if you have adopted a stray, they often need some extended rest time to recover from the hardships of being in the wild).  This will require food, water, and litter in the room with a closed door.  The new kitty and "old" kitties will get to know each other under the door.

3.   After a few days, exchange places without letting them confront each other.  This will allow your new kitty to explore your home in an unthreatening environment and allow your old kitty to get really familiar with the scent of the newcomer.  This should be for at least a day.

4.    For a little extra insurance, make sure that both kitties have had their claws trimmed.

5.    When you finally do a face-to-face introduction, give each a small plate of "people" tuna to make it a pleasurable experience.  Put the cats on either end of your kitchen so they are not nose-to-nose initially.  Back off and intervene only if World War III breaks out.  Expect a few days of hissing, etc.  If you are really worried about the safety of one or both, repeat these process steps allowing more time for each step.

6.    The danger of biting is very minimal, but should a cat (or you) get bitten, watch for immediate swelling and consult a veterinarian / doctor quickly for antibiotics.

For any questions, please contact the shelter.   For additional information, download our Cat Introductions information sheet.

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Page Last modified October 03, 2009
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2661 Greenfield, Dearborn, MI 48120, 313-943-2697, friends@dearborn-animals.com,  www.dearborn-animals.com