Ask a Paw

Bringing a playful kitten into a home with an established cat can be both exciting and delicate. Done right, it blossoms into a lifelong friendship; done poorly, it risks territory battles and stress. Leveraging behavior‑ist‑backed protocols and my own fostering experiences, here’s a phased approach to ensure your current cat welcomes the newcomer with minimal anxiety.

Phase 1: Scent Swapping

• Exchange Bedding: Swap blankets so each cat gets used to the other’s scent.

• Scent Trails: Rub a cloth on one cat’s cheeks and wipe on key areas of the other’s environment.

Phase 2: Visual Introduction

• Barrier Meetings: Use a baby gate or screen door for safe glimpses.

• Short Sessions: 5‑10 minutes daily, increasing as tension decreases.

Phase 3: Supervised Interaction

1. Neutral Space: First face‑to‑face meetings in a room unfamiliar to both.

2. Treat‑Based Associations: Reward calm behavior with high‑value treats.

3. Parallel Play: Engage both cats with separate toys in same space.

Phase 4: Full Integration

• Shared Resources: Once calm, merge feeding and litter zones gradually.

• Monitoring: Watch body language—flattened ears or hisses mean step back.

Common Pitfalls & Solutions

• Hissing & Swatting: Normal initial reaction—extend visual phase until tension eases.

• Resource Guarding: Provide multiple feeding stations and litter boxes.

Takeaway: Patience and positive reinforcement turn titled head bows into tail‑up greetings. By respecting each cat’s comfort threshold and following structured steps, you’ll nurture a harmonious multi‑cat household.