Maybe Pumpkin has been acting bored and lethargic, and you think she needs a playmate. Perhaps your sister’s cat had kittens, or you have fallen in love with the stray that lives behind the dumpster. Whatever the reason, you’ve decided to bring home another cat. But wait! Cats are territorial animals, and if you just bring home another cat and plop it down in Pumpkin’s bed, you’re asking for trouble. A little advance planning is critical to smoothly adding this new addition to your family.

Is This Home Big Enough for the Both of Them?

You know you have room in your heart for another cat, but do you have room in your home? Most people think space isn’t an important consideration when getting a cat. But if you plan to have more than one, you need to have two of almost everything, because cats rarely like to share. Do you have a place for two litter boxes, beds, scratching posts, and window perches? You must also consider the possibility that your beloved pets might not love each other. Try to picture your home divided into two kitty territories, with plenty of places for each cat to hide or get away.

Plan Ahead

Before you rush out and bring home your new cat, it pays to get set up ahead of time. The minimum new supplies you will need to buy are:

• Litter box
• Cat bed
• Scratching post
• Food and water dish
• Cat toys

Choose a room that you can keep closed off for a few days, and set up your new cat’s temporary digs. Sure, in a crunch you could just throw the two cats together and hope for the best, but why take the chance? Let your current kitty get used to this room being off limits for a day or so before she has to get used to the new kid on the block.

The First Day

The day you bring your new addition home will be stressful enough for her. There is no need to compound this stress by forcing her to confront her hissing new roommate. Bring the new cat in her carrier straight into the room you have set aside and keep the door closed. Allow her time to explore the room and get used to your scent. Place an old towel in the cat bed or carrier. You will use it to help introduce the two cats later. Visit whenever you get a chance, and don’t forget to keep up her food, water, and litter. Give her a full day (or preferably more) to settle down.