How to introduce your shy new cat to a resident cat not good with others?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female
We got a new 1yr old female cat from the pound yesterday and we have a 6yr old female cat already living with us (have had her since she was 2.5 months old) our resident 6yr old is not great with other cats but we are hoping to change that, the new cat is majorly shy and is in our bathroom and isn’t moving from small cat tower we put in there & seems scared and isn’t eating much.. they haven’t met yet as we’ve been told to leave that for 3 days. My question is did we make the wrong choice???
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 11th, 2018
No, I don't think you've made the the wrong choice. It takes time for a new cat to adjust to the new home, and since she is shy, I would recommend keeping them separated for longer than three days. I will give you a method for introducing them. 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!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on March 13th, 2017
That is so lovely of you to want to take in this kitty! Yes, she can adjust to her new home, and I will give you a method that will help ease her transition. I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the 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 all treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let the other cats 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 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 the new cat out of her room, and see how she 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 the new cat in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 27th, 2018
If you are bringing an outside cat inside I would recommend doing it slowly. I would first take the stray to the veterinarian to make sure she is healthy. I would then confine this cat with a littler box, food and water in a bathroom or room and swap out blankets and bowls with your other cats for them to get used to the smell of each other. I would also recommend putting the new cat in a carrier in the room with your other cats to let them see each other and smell each other. I would make it a slow gradual process. Typically cats do really well with the litter box. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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