How to Introduce Cats to Each Other — The Jackson Galaxy Method

Bringing a new cat home is exciting — but your resident cat might not agree. Cats are territorial, and a sudden introduction can lead to hissing, fighting, and long-term tension. The key is patience and a structured approach.

Step 1: Set Up a Base Camp — Before the new cat arrives, prepare a separate room (the 'base camp') with everything they need: litter box, food, water, scratching post, and hiding spots. This room is the new cat's safe territory while they adjust.

Step 2: Scent Exchange — Cats communicate primarily through scent. Swap bedding between the two cats so they can get used to each other's smell without the stress of a face-to-face meeting. You can also use a clean sock to rub each cat's cheeks and leave it near the other cat.

Step 3: Feed on Opposite Sides of the Door — Place food bowls on either side of the closed base camp door. This creates a positive association — the cats learn that good things (food!) happen when the other cat is nearby.

Step 4: Sight Introduction — Once both cats are calm near the door, use a baby gate or crack the door slightly so they can see each other. Keep sessions short and positive. If either cat hisses or shows stress, slow down and go back a step.

Step 5: Supervised Face-to-Face — When the cats seem comfortable with sight, allow short supervised meetings in a neutral space. Have treats and toys ready to create positive associations. End each session on a good note — better too short than too long.

Step 6: Gradually Increase Time Together — Slowly extend the time the cats spend together. Watch their body language: relaxed ears, normal tail position, and slow blinks are good signs. Puffed tails, flattened ears, and growling mean you need to slow down.

The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Every cat is different, and rushing it almost always makes things worse. As Jackson Galaxy says: 'The cat decides the timeline, not you.'

If you're a cat sitter on CatChat caring for multiple cats, understanding these dynamics is essential. Our Cat Approved quiz tests your knowledge of cat behaviour — including how to handle multi-cat households.