My cat is scared of new cat. Why won't he play or use scratcher?

Question

Hi, I recently brought home a new cat, 3 days ago to be exact. Our new cat has adjusted to our new home and wants to become friends with my first cat but he's scared about it. He doesn't play with his toys anymore and doesn't use the scratching post. Is something wrong and what can we do to fix it? Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 2 years and 7 months old

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS · Accepted Answer

Congrats on your new cat! I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the new cat, and put her in her own room with her 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 cat 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 the second cat 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 her room, and see how she interacts with the other cat. 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 her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

My cat is scared of new cat. Why won't he play or use scratcher?

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