I usually have a two cat family at all times.  But once my sweet Alli passed away, two years ago, I decided I was just going to have Chloe and that she would be it. Until Mandi found me, she was a stray that just happened upon our 4th of July party.

I knew better than to just let her in the house, I needed to make sure she was healthy before she had any contact with my other cat.  Plus I didn’t know if she just roamed away from her home.  So we talked with the neighbors, checked websites and newspapers, no one was missing a kitten.  We decided to keep her in our building that we have on our property until another week went by.

I brought her into the clinic and got the clean bill of health.  Now it was time for introductions.  I made sure I spent time down at the shop playing with her, so her scent was already attached to my clothes.  I would come to the house and then play with Chloe and she could smell this “other” cat.  Then I made Mandi her own room in the office, with her food, water, and litter box.  I only let her out when we were around to watch and make sure there was no issues.  After about a week, I put a baby gate up on the room and let her have the roam of the house.  She knows that is her room, so when she gets overwhelmed or wants to be alone, she will jump over the gate and hang out in her room.

Chloe is getting use to her.  Putting up with her is more the case.  It will take some time, but the best advice is to slowly introduce the pets.  They will either get along or put up with each other.