When introducing a new cat to your existing pets, it's important to do so gradually to minimize stress and potential conflicts. Here are some steps you can follow:
Isolate the new cat: Keep the new cat in a separate room with essentials like food, water, litter box, and a cozy hiding spot. This allows the pets to get used to each other's scent without direct contact.
Exchange scents: Swap bedding or toys between the new cat and existing pets to help them become familiar with each other's scent.
Supervised visitation: After a few days, allow short and supervised interactions between the new cat and existing pets. Keep the initial meetings calm and positive.
Gradual introductions: Gradually increase the amount of time the pets spend together under supervision. Watch for signs of aggression or stress and intervene if needed.
Provide separate resources: Make sure each pet has their own food bowls, litter boxes, and resting areas to prevent resource guarding.
Be patient: It may take time for the pets to adjust to each other, so be patient and continue with the introductions at a pace that is comfortable for everyone involved.