Multi-Cat Homes

AAFP's (American Association of Feline Practitioners) recommended 10-stage plan for introducing a new cat, letting resident and new cats gradually get used to each other to reduce conflict. There's no fixed timeline for each stage — adjust the pace based on your cats' reactions, and step back if things feel tense.

1. 1

   Set Up a Base Room

   Give the new cat their own resources: food, water, litter box, perch, hiding spot, scratcher, elevated bed

2. 2

   Pheromone Diffuser

   Plug it in 24–48 hours ahead so the environment's scent settles first

3. 3

   Bring Into the Base Room

   Carry the new cat in with a covered carrier and let them explore on their own time

4. 4

   Settle Into the Base Room

   Stay here until the new cat no longer hides all day and can explore comfortably

5. 5

   Scent Swapping

   Swap bedding and toys so both cats get used to each other's scent

6. 6

   Repeat Scent Familiarization

   Keep swapping until neither cat tenses up at the other's scent

7. 7

   Visible Scented Items

   Place scented items where the other cat can see them

8. 8

   Interaction Through a Door

   Let them interact through a closed door while feeding treats to build positive association

9. 9

   Contact Through a Barrier

   Use a transparent barrier for visual contact while keeping them physically separated

10. 10

    Formal Meeting

    Remove the barrier and let them meet formally once both cats are settled

Source: American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). For reference only — if aggressive behavior persists, consider consulting a cat behaviorist.