Introducing a new cat to an existing cat household requires a structured multi-week protocol that allows gradual familiarization without forced contact that causes welfare harm to both cats.
Cat introductions are welfare-critical events that are routinely conducted too quickly, creating inter-cat relationships that cause chronic stress for one or both cats. Forced premature contact — throwing cats together and hoping they work it out — generates fear responses that cement negative associations between the cats. These negative associations are difficult to reverse and may cause chronic avoidance, conflict, or litter box avoidance for years. The structured introduction protocol — scent exchange, room rotation, visual contact through a barrier, then supervised direct contact — takes weeks rather than days and protects the welfare of both resident and new cat by allowing genuine familiarization at each cat's pace.