Meeting other cats in the home

Trying to force a new cat to make relationships with existing household cats who are not part of the social make-up as far any established cats are concerned is often disastrous. Accepting that your cats may, at best become distant but amicable in sharing the home is often wise.

Emotional impact
Resident cats also need tender loving care and probably de-stressing facilities as well. Once the newcomer has settled and you have provided extra hiding places and high refuges so all cats have escape areas, gradually allow them to adjust to each other. Cats always cope better when they can see, hear and eventually meet each other without undue pressure.

Simple steps to success
Don't rush into releasing your new cat into a multi-cat household, or into the main domain of a single cat. Keep the new cat in a safe and secure room and gradually introduce the cats using these simple steps:

1. Wipe each cat with a separate cloth and present this with food or play, gauging his reactions. Don't move forward with introductions until any negative responses have died down.
2. Then mix the cloths in a bag to produce a colony scent. Repeat the process allowing time for adjustment before the new-comer is let out to explore, when the other cats are outside or asleep in a closed room.
3. When your cats eventually meet, take care not to enforce things. Have lots of toys with which to distract them from each other and create a positive atmosphere.
4. Don't forget longer term to maintain separate feeding and living areas based on individual feline social groups, otherwise you could unwittingly cause distress.