Introducing two cats

[VespurrKitty]

Hi, I just decided to foster-to-adopt a new kitty while already having a resident cat. I brought the new cat in in a covered carrier and immediately put her in my second bedroom with the underside of the door blocked off with a blanket. Resident cat seems OK, she hid under the bed for a bit but is now walking around, eating, etc. However new kitty starts growling any time she smells resident kitty on me… is this match doomed to fail? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[VespurrKitty]

Hi, I just decided to foster-to-adopt a new kitty while already having a resident cat. I brought the new cat in in a covered carrier and immediately put her in my second bedroom with the underside of the door blocked off with a blanket. Resident cat seems OK, she hid under the bed for a bit but is now walking around, eating, etc. However new kitty starts growling any time she smells resident kitty on me… is this match doomed to fail? Any advice? Thanks!

This is my first time introducing two cats, and it’s the first night… I might be too nervous, but the new cat seems aggressive to other cats!

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi. This is all new to both cats, so there is going to be some trepidation on both of their parts. I think you can benefit from reading these TCS article to help you devise a plan. Getting the newbie adapted to your home is step one. Then you can move on to introducing them. Patience is the primary key!
How To Help A New Cat Adjust To Your Home - TheCatSite
How To Successfully Introduce Cats [The Ultimate Guide] - TheCatSite

 

[VespurrKitty]

Thank you! This is a great guide. Hopefully the growling is temporary and they will get used to each other over time

 

[FeebysOwner]

Let us know how things go, and ask any/all questions that you need to!!!

 

[Kris107]

New kitty will likely be more on edge than resident kitty. Resident kitty is used to his home and is confident. Not doomed necessarily. Sure, there are some really laid back cats who adapt to things easy, and then the whole spectrum to the other side. It just will take some time and work to see how things are.

 

[VespurrKitty]

Update: scent swapping was delayed a bit as new kitty had to be treated for parasites… we are now a few days into scent swap and new kitty doesn’t care much about resident kitty scent anymore (small wins). However, resident kitty is still hissing/growling at new kitty’s smell. I have tried brushing them both with the same brush (suggested by one website to create a “mutual scent?”) and feeding treats to resident kitty while she sniffs new kitty smell… any other suggestions? Should I try swapping rooms at this point?

 

[VespurrKitty]

Also, new kitty is in a second bedroom and unfortunately The setup is such that there is only one door between cats and my resident kitty is getting to see flashes of new kitty through the door… could this be causing a setback?