It's a new environment for your new cat. Being curious by nature, he or she is bound to want to explore. Keep a few things in mind and the transition will be smooth.
Be patient. Some cats are outgoing, some more timid. Let your new cat adapt to your household at his own pace.
Start with silence. Give your cat a quiet place to settle in, free of areas where he could get stuck. Provide him with food, water, a litter box, a bed, toys and a scratching post.
Get down to his level. Sit on the floor and use cat toys to grab your cat 's interest. Allow him to come up and greet you.
Offer a safe place. When your cat appears relaxed and confident in his room, open the door and let him investigate, but keep his safe place to retreat to.
There's enough room for the both of them.
If there's already a cat-of-the-house, there might be a period of adjustment for everyone.
Separate quarters. cats should be able to smell and hear, but not see or touch each other.
Room service. Give your new cat his own room (fully equipped), then shut the door.
Make introductions. Let your cats sniff and play footsie under the door. Expect posturing and hissing, but they'll get used to each other's scent soon.
First face-to-face. When you think they're ready, open the door and let your new cat and your resident cat get acquainted.
Supervised visits. Supervise when the cats spend time together. And give them each their space, complete with hiding places to escape the “togetherness.”
Lots of litter. Provide at least one litter box per cat, plus one extra. Keep litter boxes, food and water in the open, so your cats won't feel trapped.
Adjustment period. It may take as long as a year for your cats to develop a friendship—or they may just learn to co-exist. Be patient, it will happen.
