How to introduce a new cat to an existing cat that won't accept him?

Question

We adopted a male Maine Coon, only 2 years old. The problem is our female 8 year old female brown Tabby is not accepting him, how can we help them get along. Pet's info: Cat | Ocicat | Female | spayed | 20 lbs

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Congrats on your new cat! It's common that existing cats will take time to accept a new cat, and I can give you a method to help them get along. I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the new cat, and put him in his own room with his own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let Gizmo in the new cat's room while the new cat is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove Gizmo from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the new cat out of his room, and see how he interacts with Gizmo. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the new cat in his room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

How to introduce a new cat to an existing cat that won't accept him?

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