When introducing a second cat to your resident cat, your chances
of success are greater if the process is gradual. I’ve written
about the introduction process in earlier blog posts, but I
wanted to focus on one little trick that can make a difference in
the acceptance process…a sock. Yes, an ordinary sock.
Scent is one of the most valuable communication tools used by cats. In fact, cats who are familiar with one another will recognize each other by scent before anything else. When doing a cat-to-cat introduction you can use scent to your advantage. The cats need to gradually become familiar with each other but putting them together will most likely result in hissing, growling, fighting, and fur-flying. A safer way to do begin is with a sock. Put a clean sock over your hand and gently pet the newcomer around the face to collect the cat’s facial pheromones (scent chemicals). Facial pheromones are considered the “friendly” ones because cats facially rub where they feel comfortable. Once you’ve collected the pheromones on the sock, spray it with a quick spritz of Feliway. This is a product you can get at pet supply stores that contains a synthetic version of feline facial pheromones.
The reason for using Feliway in addition to the pheromones of the new cat is because Feliway spray has a generic pheromone effect in that any cat who sniffs the sock will think it’s his own pheromones. He’ll think he facially rubbed on that sock and since cats tend to only facially rub where they feel comfortable he’ll hopefully assume the scent of the unfamiliar cat isn’t so threatening.
Place the sock in your resident cat’s area. Place it in a
general area and not where your cat eats, sleeps, or near the
litter box. Don’t point the sock out to your cat or force him to go
over to investigate. Let him do it in his own time.
Your resident cat’s reaction to the sock can vary. He may sniff it and think it’s no big deal, or he may hiss at it. Any reaction is normal. The point of the sock placement is for him to start to become familiar with the new kitty’s scent without having an actual confrontation.
Do the same sock technique for the newcomer by taking the mate of that sock and gently petting your resident cat around the face. Spritz the sock with Feliway and then place it in the newcomer’s area. Again, not close to where he eats, sleeps, or near the litter box.
You can get several pairs of socks and do the sock exchange several times a day for a few days before beginning the actual introduction.
Once you’re ready for the introduction, you can find information
in my previous blog, as well as on our website. There are also
step-by-step instructions in the book, Cat vs. Cat.
Pam Johnson-Bennett is a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant and owner of Cat Behavior Associates, LLC.
NOTE: Behavior problems are case-specific and can have underlying medical problems. If your cat is experiencing a change in behavior, contact your veterinarian. The information in this blog should not be used as a diagnosis or as a substitute for appropriate veterinary care.
