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Tips for introducing new cats to resident cats in a new home?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Hello i have a question about bringing new cats together. I have 2 cats of my own both aged 2 but have recently moved out of the house I had with my boyfriend and I'm back living with my mum. She has 3 cats aged 6 and one is 8 . to bring my cats into my mums would this be a bad idea? I really want them but I don't want to stress my mums cats . thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2017

I can give you a method for transitioning your cats into your mother's home. I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take your cats, and put them in their own room with their own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them all treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cats in your cats's room while your cats are in cat carriers. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If anyone becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the other cats 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 your cats out of their room, and see how they interact with the other cats. 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 your cats in their room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 27th, 2018

    There's no reason why it shouldn't work. I would start by getting bedding from the other cats, unwashed, and put it out in your current home. This will allow him to get used to the scents of the other cats. Do the same for the new cats with his bedding. Once you've moved in, keep him in your room and feed him near the door. Feed the other cats outside that door and allow them to sniff under the door. Once this is fairly uneventful, move on to using a child gate to allow them to see each other while they eat. Eventually, remove the child gate and allow them to interact with supervision. Make sure all cats have plenty of clean litter boxes in various locations to avoid any territorial issues, lots of places to perch, play, hide and look out the windows, things to scratch on and toys to play with. A calming pheromone diffuser in the rooms where they will interact can also be helpful, as well as calming treats. I've never had much trouble introducing new cats into my household, maybe I'm lucky but mine all seemed to get along or agree to ignore each other after a few days of creeping around with a few hisses and occasional swatting matches until they sort things out. I think your cat may end up enjoying the company.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 22nd, 2016

    I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take your boys, and put them in their own room with their 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 the other cats into your cat's room while your cats are in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If anyone becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove the other cats 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 your cats out of their room, and see how they interacts with the other cats. 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 your cats in their room when you go out until everyone is comfortable with each other.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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