If you're going away and your cat likes being around people
Some cats like being left to their own devices, while others enjoy being around people. If your cat likes a bit of company, it's good to make sure they aren't left on their own too much.
If you're off on holiday, make sure you have someone to take care of your cat. That could be friends, family or a house sitter, but the main thing is that it's someone responsible who you can trust and who your cat gets on with!
Read our guide on what to do when you go on holiday and leave your pet at home.
Introducing cats to other animals
When introducing animals to each other (cat/cat or cat/dog) we always recommend that scents are swapped first, before the new pet comes home. The below info is important for anybody who is getting a new cat and introducing them to either an existing cat. Read our advice if you're looking for more information on introducing cats and dogs.
Share an item of your current cat or dog with that of the new cat while they are still at the rescue centre or breeders – this could be some bedding or a toy. Alternatively, take two cloths and stroke your current cat or dog with one and your new cat with the other.
Only collect scent when the animals are happy and relaxed, otherwise their stress will be present in their scent. Next, swap the cloths over – leaving one with your new cat and taking the other home to allow your current pets to sniff and explore. It is almost like us seeing photographs of someone before we meet them.
If you're getting a new cat
If you do want to get another cat, you'll need to introduce them patiently and carefully. The whole process may take a week to several months. Here’s our five-step guide.
Step one: set up a ‘cat-safe’ room
Access to the whole house can be a bit overwhelming for your new cat at first. Their own cat-safe room can help them gradually acclimatise to their new surroundings while helping you manage introductions between your cats. The room should have water and food, a litter tray (away from the food area), a sleeping place, toys, a scratching post, a familiar smelling item (from where they previously lived) and, ideally, a window they can look out of. Cat pheromone sprays can help cats feel more settled – try plugging in a diffuser at least 24 hours before they arrive. Hang a toy or offer tasty food on both sides of the door so all cats create positive associations with the room.
Step two: exchange scents
Swap the bedding of your new cat with that of your existing cat(s), in core areas such as near food bowls. Swap rooms, for example, briefly allow resident cats to explore the cat-safe room and give the new cat access to the rest of the house.
Step three: allow visual contact
Once you’re sure there are no signs of any aggression around the door that separates the new arrival, let the new and existing cat(s) see each other while keeping them physically separated. Try a transparent or netted door, or keeping one cat inside a crate. If you use a crate, make sure it’s a positive experience and by first placing it in a core area and adding treats, toys and a hiding place.
Step four: allow supervised, physical contact
After a period of positive visual contact, allow the cats to physically interact for a short time, in a restricted space (such as one room) and under your supervision. Use special treats and toys. Interact with the cats to stop them from staring at one another or to disperse any tension.
Step five: give free unsupervised access
Once the cats are happy, give them free unsupervised access for short periods (a few minutes) as frequently as possible. If they show friendly behaviour – for example playing, grooming or rubbing against each other – they can be kept together for longer periods. Provide multiple resources including litter trays, hiding places, food and water so they don’t have to share. With time, if things are going well, keep the separate room open and give all the cats freedom to come and go as they please.
Bear in mind that not all pets will get along. Cats who aren't friendly with each other don't like sharing food, water, litter trays or beds, so make sure they have enough space to avoid each other at all times.
And finally...
Whether it's another cat, a dog or a person, it's important not to force your cat to interact with people or animals they don't like. As always, if you notice your cat's behaviour becoming difficult, speak to your vet for advice.