How to Introduce Cats Fast Quickest Timeline

The best way to introduce cats fast is to keep them separate.

Cats may fight, and this will prolong the introduction.

To introduce cats quickly, you can play with and feed the cats at the closed door. This will help the cats associate each other with a positive experience.

Exchange scents and introduce them gradually.

Here’s exactly how to introduce cats fast:

1. Put your new cat in a closed spare room
2. Feed your cats at the closed door
3. Play with your cats at the closed door
4. Slowly introduce cats by exchanging scents
5. Switch the cats quickly so they can explore
6. Supervise direct contact between cats
7. Let the cats free

Note: Every cat is an individual. You’ll have to adjust these timelines based on your cats’ needs.

Disclaimer: I earn a commission if you purchase through affiliate links below. No additional cost to you. 

1. Put your new cat in a closed spare room

Cats are protective of their territory. So you will have to keep your cats separate first.

Your current cats will want to protect their territory (your home).

And they probably won’t accept the new cat quickly.

Keep your new cat in a closed-off room.

Put all cat essentials in this room for your new cat:

• Litter box supplies. Shop on Amazon: US, CA, UK.
• Food and water bowls. Buy on Amazon, Chewy, or Tuft + Paw for a modern look.
• Scratching post
• Comfy beds. Buy on Amazon, Etsy, or Tuft + Paw for a modern look.
• Cat trees

This room will be your new cat’s home while you take baby steps to introduce her to your other cats.

Starting your new cat off with her own cat supplies will make her feel at home.

This will also put your scent and her scent on the cat furniture.

Leave your new cat in the spare, closed room for at least a few days while you continue through this guide.

This separation is crucial. Your new and current cats will be aware of each other but not by direct contact.

Direct contact right away can lead to fights. This will trigger unwanted behavioral issues in the long run.

2. Feed your cats at the closed door

The next step to introducing cats is feeding them at the closed door.

You want your cats to be aware of each other during stimulating situations. This will help them relate to each other positively.

• Cats will associate each other with mealtime
• It helps cats smell each other without direct contact
• Cats know their way around based on scents

Do this for a few days while you continue down this guide.

Feeding your cats by the closed door will allow them to smell each other. They will associate the scent of the new cat with a positive and enjoyable experience.

3. Play with your cats at the closed door

A fun idea on how to introduce cats fast is with play. Get your cats active near the closed door so they are aware of each other.

This is helpful because they will get to know each other without being in direct contact.

• Cats love to play
• Exercise is crucial for indoor cats
• Mental stimulation is important
• Play keeps cats busy and makes them feel good
• Cats are curious creatures and might even paw around under the door trying to catch the other toy
• Eliminating direct contact eliminates the opportunity to fight

Check out my lazy cat toy guide and my video on how I get my cat to play with me every day.

All cats are natural-born hunters that love to play.

You should buy new toys for your new cat. This will allow her to mark them as her territory.

I’ve found that cats prefer toys made with natural materials. Therefore, I prefer buying cat toys on Etsy.

However, you can still find good-quality toys on Amazon below.

You may also use some of your current cat toys. This will help your new cat adjust to your current cats’ smells. Your scent will be on the toys too which is an added bonus.

Again, do this for a few days while you work down this guide.

Playing simulates the hunting experience for indoor cats. This provides mental stimulation. Positive stimulation will help your cats adjust fast.

4. Slowly introduce cats by exchanging scents

Using scents to introduce cats is very effective. Cats are keen on smells. They love to sniff.

Cats sniff to get to know you. They want to do the same with other animals.

• Leave socks or shirts with your new cat and your current cats
• Switch clothing and toys between rooms
• This will allow the cats to sniff and get to know each other without direct contact
• The clothing and toys will also have your scent on them which is a bonus

You may do all 3 steps at the same time for a few days.

For example, all feeding times should be at the closed door. Have multiple play sessions daily at the closed door.

Then, after a few days, exchange scents and continue to feed and play at the closed door.

Your current cats will recognize your scent and associate the new cat’s smell with you. This will help your cats adjust quicker.

5. Switch the cats quickly so they can explore

Switching the cats will allow them to explore each other’s scents safely.

• Move your new cat to the bathroom and close the door
• Put your current cats into the new cat’s closed-off room and close the door
• Release your new cat to the rest of your home area
• Let them sniff around and inspect

Your current cats will be interested to see why you’ve closed off this room from them.

And your new cat hasn’t seen the rest of your home yet.

I think a good timeline here would be to switch the cats after 4-5 days of doing all steps above.

It’s important to avoid direct contact during this step.

Have someone help you or use another room to close off the new cat while you exchange the others.

For example, put your new cat in the bathroom and close the door.

Open the spare room for your current cats to explore.

Once they’re all in the spare room, close the door and let your new cat out of the bathroom.

Do this switch for a few days. Pay attention to your cat’s behavior.

Are your cats sniffing around curiously and expressing positive cat tail language?

Or are your cats hissing and growling at the bathroom door?

If your cats seem curious and happy, you can move on to the next step.

If your cats seem agitated and angry, take it more slowly.

This will get the cats used to each other without coming in direct contact. This will avoid fights and behavioral issues in the long run.

6. Supervise direct contact between cats

Now, finally, here’s how to introduce cats with direct contact.

After about a week of exchanging smells and sharing positive experiences, we can try to introduce them with direct contact.

A safe way to do this is with the Door Buddy on Amazon (US, CA, UK) and Chewy.

This will let your cats see each other safely without too much physical contact.

• Adjustable latch that goes on the door and frame
• Props the door open at a controlled space
• Cats cannot open the door more than you allow
• Start off with a small width of space

Based on how well this goes, you can decide to open the door a little more.

Continue this for another few days based on your cat’s behavior.

You should continue feeding them and playing with them at the slightly open door.

Buy the Door Buddy on Amazon and Chewy.

Make sure you are aware of your cats’ body language.

Cats use body language to communicate with other cats. Pay close attention to their actions.

• Raised fur, hissing, and growling is a sign of anger
• Cats lick their mouths a lot when they are nervous
• A low and curled under tail means cats are scared

These are defense mechanisms that cats use when they feel threatened.

Raised fur makes cats appear larger and thus more threatening.

7. Let the cats free

You will have to decide when your cats are ready to roam free based on their behavior with the steps above.

If your cats’ tails are sticking straight up this means they are happy and confident. A straight-up tail is cat language for respect and comfortability.

If you have multiple cats, put one of your current cats in the spare room with your new cat.

Introduce one cat at a time because you don’t want your current cats to gang up on the new cat.

If you only have the new cat and one other cat, you may try letting your new cat free.

• Supervise this with multiple people
• Return your new cat to the closed room if a fight breaks out
• Use favorite toys to distract them
• Offer healthy treats as praise

You may need to return your new cat to the spare room if your cats aren’t ready.

Don’t rush this process.

Cats are reluctant to change, and they are territorial.

It will pay off in the long run if you take your time now.

Take it slow and return your new cat to the spare room if you notice any signs of stress. Repeat the steps above until your cats are comfortable with each other.

FAQ

How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?

Every cat is an individual so this timeline will vary. However, your cats are more likely to get used to each other quickly if you follow a gradual introduction plan. Additionally, cats are most comfortable in their territory when they have proper enrichment, lots of play, a clean litter box, and a healthy diet.

What happens if you introduce cats too quickly?

If you introduce cats too quickly, they may break out in a fight. This can cause harm and stress and prolong the introduction process. Cats are territorial creatures that don’t like change. Respect your cat’s needs and introduce cats slowly.

Is hissing normal when introducing cats?

Cats typically hiss as a warning sign in response to a threat. It is a normal defense mechanism. But you don’t want your cats to hiss when you introduce them. Keep them separate and take it more slowly if your cats hiss when you introduce them.

How do you get two cats to bond?

You can get two cats to bond by introducing them properly. Provide proper enrichment, mental stimulation, lots of play, a healthy diet, and private areas. Cats are territorial and prefer to have things they can call their own. Give your cats the option to be separate, and this will make them comfortable. Being comfortable in their territory is more likely to result in bonding.

What about introducing cats and dogs?

Cats and dogs can become friends if you take it slowly! You can use the same introduction guidelines to introduce cats and dogs to each other.

If you’re introducing a dog to your cat, use the same methods above.

I’d suggest having the doggie in a crate during the first direct contact so your cat can inspect safely.

• Dogs show their excitement much differently
• Your cat may feel threatened because of the dog’s size

The Door Buddy latch and door stopper combo come in handy for cat and dog siblings.

• Prevents dogs from getting into the cat’s food and litter box
• The stopper keeps the door open just enough for your cat to pass through
• Much easier to install than a door flap, especially if you rent your home

Buy the Door Buddy latch and door combo on Amazon and Chewy.

Final thoughts on how to introduce cats fast

It’s wonderful when your animal friends get along.

But you need to introduce cats properly if you want them to be friends.

Take it slow. Respect your cat’s boundaries.

Cats are territorial and need things done on their terms.

You will save a lot of time, fights, and behavioral issues in the long run if you take your time and follow these steps.

Remember to adjust based on your cats’ individual needs.

Cats will play with each other, groom each other, and cuddle. But only when you introduce the cats the right way

Need help staying consistent with everything to keep your cats happy? Check out daily cat routines for cat happiness next!