Introducing a Third Cat into a Household

Three can be a Crowd if Care isn't Taken

Jun 3, 2009

Introducing a third cat into a household can be a territorial battle. Diminish the likelihood of feline fighting by following simple and respectful guidelines.

Cats are highly territorial creatures. Over a short period of time, they will determine where they like to sleep, eat, go to the bathroom and who they prefer to cuddle with. First impressions, in a cat's case, can have lasting effects. When deciding to introduce a third cat to a household, it's important to make preparations. If one follows these guidelines, then within a week, the third cat, especially if it's a kitten, will be tentatively accepted into the household, and then, hopefully, warmly welcomed over the years.

Bringing the Third Cat Home

While a kitten requires more energy to take care of and train, it may fit into a home much more readily than an older cat, especially if one already has several others. It is more flexible and malleable to learning routine and the pre-existing conditions and rules of the environment.

The important thing is diminish the likelihood of arousing jealousy. Bring the new cat into the house in a carrier when the other cats are outside or in a room with the door closed. Put the new cat in another room.

A Week of Separation

Keep the new cat in the other room for at least a week. Make sure it has water, food, a litter box and a comfortable bed. The other cats will sniff under the door and perhaps hiss or claw beneath. This is normal. Visit the new cat regularly, but continue to pay attention to the other cats, petting them and giving them treats.

After a week during which time hissing and other potentially aggressive behavior has diminished, open the door and let the other cats in after putting the new cat in the carrier. They will usually sniff around and might ignore the new cat. Eventually they will grow accustomed to the scent of the other feline.

Continue to keep their food and toileting areas separate for at least another few weeks. It is recommended that each cat has his or her own litter box. Keep them apart at night too or when leaving the house until the threat of fighting has been lessened.

It will be easier to introduce a male cat to female cats than vice versa. Cats of the same gender are often combative. Of course, it also depends on personality. Some cats are much more accepting of other felines, with others prefer their solitude. However, with time and respect, all the cats should get along well, or at least endure each other's territorial boundaries!

The copyright of the article Introducing a Third Cat into a Household in Cat Care is owned by Catherine Owen. Permission to republish Introducing a Third Cat into a Household in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.