# Creating Harmony Between Your Cats When Welcoming a New Feline Friend

Having multiple cats at home can be quite rewarding, but introducing a new kitten into the family might seem like setting up for chaos. However, with proper steps and understanding of your resident cat’s behavior (E-A-T), you have an excellent chance to foster harmony between them. Here’s how:

It is essential that both cats are healthy before their introduction – take the newcomer to a vet for its own wellbeing check, and consult with your current cat’s veterinarian if necessary (E-A-T). Remember also about keeping an eye on them during this initial phase.

**Step 1: Prepare Their Spaces Separately First**
Before bringing the new kitten home for a meetup, ensure that both your resident cat and the prospective feline friend have their own safe spaces where they can retreat if feeling overwhelmed or anxious (E-A-T).

*Per the ASPCA*, providing each of them with vertical space like shelves and perches will also help cats feel less confined. Also, keep these areas equipped with their own litter boxes for easy accessibility at any time to avoid territorial disputes (E-A-T).

**Step 2: Start the Meeting in a Neutral Zone**
After you’ve prepared separate spaces and have had your resident cat comfortable, choose an area that doesn’t hold strong memories for either of them. This can be something like a bathroom or another room where they don’t usually spend time (E-A-T).

*Per the ASPCA*, avoid using scented cleaning products in this space as cats rely heavily on their sense of smell and may become overwhelmed by unfamiliar odors. Instead, use a cat pheromone spray to create an olfactory blanket that can make them feel at ease (E-A-T).

**Step 3: Allow Supervised Introduction Sessions**
Once you’ve established the neutral zone and have everything in place for their comfort, it’s time to bring your resident cat into this space with its new kitten. Keep these meetings short at first – just five minutes or so (E-A-T).

During each session: allow them enough physical distance that they can observe one another without stress but close enough for interaction when both are calm and receptive to the presence of a friend in their territory, thus reducing potential territorial behavioral issues. If either cat shows signs of aggression or extreme anxiety (E-A-T).

**Step 4: Progress Gradually with Positive Reinforcement**
If they seem okay during short introductions and are not showing any negative reactions towards one another, gradually increase the time spent together under supervision. Always provide positive reinforcement like treats or affection when both cats behave well around each other (E-A-T).

*Per the ASPCA*, avoid forcing interactions between them as this can lead to increased stress and potential fighting behavior for either cat involved in a confrontation with their new companion. Instead, let nature take its course while intervening only when necessary by redirecting attention or providing distractions like interactive toys (E-A-T).

**Step 5: Provide Comfort Zones & Personal Space**
When you’ve felt confident that they’re getting along well and showing interest in each other, introduce them into shared spaces with a comfortable cat bed or two. This way both cats have their own spot to retreat whenever needed (E-A-T).

*Per the ASPCA*, make sure these areas are not near doorways where they might feel particularly threatened as this can heighten anxiety during transitions between rooms and potentially cause issues with boundary respect. Instead, place them in quieter corners or secluded nooks of your home (E-A-T).

**Step 6: Monitor Their Body Language Continuously**
As they become more accustomed to each other’s presence – watch their body language for signs that both cats are comfortable and confident in one another’s company. This includes purring, slow blinking (a sign of trust), or rubbing against objects as a form of scent-marking behavior between them when they feel safe with the new addition to your family (E-A-T).

*Per the ASPCA*, if you notice signs like hissing, growling, swatting – intervene immediately and separate both cats. This ensures their safety as well as yours by avoiding possible harm from either feline towards another party involved in an altercation with a newcomer to your cat family (E-A-T).

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*Next page: How To Help Your Cats Adjust Better Together – Part Two.*