Although some debate if cats even need other cats, I’m in the process of slowly integrating my formerly feral Zorro into the rest of the clowder, and I’m trying to keep everybody happy. It’s my nature to want to keep everything in harmony, so that’s not a stretch for me. But sometimes my cats have ideas of their own. Introducing cats is different every time. These introductions vary depending upon the personalities of the cats involved and the physical environment I have to work with, among other things. Currently, Zorro is being introduced into a family of five other cats. Here’s what I’m trying:

1. Use the available space to your advantage when introducing cats

I have more space to work with for this introduction than I’ve had in the past. This is great because it means that possibly disgruntled cats (disgruntled about the newcomer) can spread out and occupy themselves. The newcomer doesn’t have to be in their face all the time, even if the newbie is behind a door. It’s great for cats to feel as if they have lots of escape possibilities and hiding places. If you can provide this, great. If you need to create escape places that will feel good for your new cat, consider the use of cat carriers.

2. I make sure that all cats get equal attention — and that the mainstays perhaps get a little more

I sometimes get so enamored with a newcomer (and Zorro is adorable, most would admit) that time can get thin and the attention given to others can be neglected. So I need to be really aware of that. Make sure that all your cats are getting lots of attention during this transition. You might really lay on the attention to the cats who are the most settled and have been around the longest. They’ve weathered a lot of change and they deserve our loyalty. Make a note to make sure that everyone gets attention, every day.

3. I’m creative with the cat introductions

Introducing cats is always a little different. In this case, I am learning that Zorro is extremely loving, calm, and not too aggressive (he does have the Ragdoll personality tendency), but with a bit of playfulness. (Zorro’s temporary home until he is completely introduced is in a second-floor loft, and I can hear him playing with his toys — hard— during the night.)

Given Zorro’s personality, I decided to introduce him first to Norton. Norton is young and easygoing, and doesn’t seem to hold a grudge. This also seems to keep everyone else happy, for now. And it also keeps Norton busy, because his energy is sometimes a bit much for the older cats.

What I’ve done is to take this introduction in increments. I first brought Norton into Zorro’s room with Norton enclosed in a carrier. I also knew that Zorro was starting to get lonely, so I thought the distraction would be good for both of them. I think if you choose right, everyone can benefit. In this case, Zorro got some company, Norton got a new experience to keep him busy, the rest get a break from Norton. (Zorro’s energy level probably most matches Norton’s, of all the cats.)

Gradually, as these two cats got used to each other, I began to let Norton out of the carrier in the room. Zorro was delighted, running up to rub against Norton. Norton grumbled a little, but Norton is not a seriously grumpy cat. Everyone else was happily napping downstairs, unconcerned with the introduction upstairs. I am hoping that subsequent intros will be even easier now that Norton has broken the ice.

4. Try to make introducing cats a fun thing

Rather than getting stressed about a new cat introduction, I try to make it fun. Playing seems to be the great equalizer. In this case, there’s a nice gap under the door to Zorro’s room. Now that Norton has gotten to know Zorro, I’ve seen them play paws under the door without growling or aggression. Again, it frees up the other cats to go about their business.

This particular door also has a semitransparent cat door installed in the door. I locked the cat door, but the cats can “see” each other through the opaque plastic. This is another way to keep everyone busy and happy.

If Zorro is lonely, I’ll play with him. I feel at this point, he’ll be with all the others, soon. If the others seem down, or disgruntled about the change, I’ll play with them, too.

Tell us: What are your hints for introducing cats? Share your ideas in the comments!

Thumbnail: Photography by By Okssi | Shutterstock. 

Read more about introducing cats on Catster.com:

• How to Introduce a Cat to a Baby and Prepare Your Cat for the Change
• Do Cats Need Other Cats or Would They Rather Be Alone?
• How Long After Your Cat Dies Should You Wait Before Getting a New Cat?

About Catherine Holm: Told that she is funny but doesn’t know it, accused of being an unintentional con artist by her husband, quiet, with frequent unannounced bursts into dancing liveliness, Cat Holm loves writing about, working for, and living with cats. She is the author of The Great Purr (cat fantasy novel out June 1), the cat-themed memoir Driving with Cats: Ours for a Short Time, the creator of Ann Catanzaro cat fantasy story gift books, and the author of two short story collections. She loves to dance, be outside whenever possible, read, play with cats, make music, do and teach yoga, and write. Cat lives in the woods, which she loves as much as really dark chocolate, and gets regular inspiration shots along with her double espresso shots from the city.