Of late, I have been approached for suggestions on how to introduce an adult feline into a household where there already lives a pet that “doesn’t like other cats.” While not always easy, if you are patient, it will work out.

I always encourage someone who is away from home a lot, either working long hours or traveling, to adopt at least two cats. Cats, by nature, are social animals, and crave companionship. So even if you think your cat wants to be an only child, think again.

In the wild, ferals form colonies of families and local strays by choice, and will eat together at feeding stations with no aggression.

Pet owners, who have multiple cats, will often find them sleeping together. They will also observe the cats grooming and rubbing (marking) each other. This is part of the colony mentality.

In my household, I am considered part of the colony, and often wake up with five furry bodies pressed against me from head to toe. There is a hierarchy in the layout, with the most alpha animal being closest to my head.

Your established pet may be very aggressive towards any newcomer in the beginning. As with people, it takes time to get used to someone new.

Also consider sex. If you already have a female, I suggest you adopt a male. If you have a male, either sex will do. Of course, all must be spayed/neutered, or the tendency towards aggression will always be present.

Trying to introduce two cats face-to-face is not a good idea. The resident animal will naturally be on the offense defending its territory.

The first rule is to introduce them by separation. This means that the new cat should be isolated for several days or a week. This gives each cat the opportunity to get used to the other’s smell through a closed door.

After a couple of days, you can initiate safe interactive playing with a toy under the door. You can also start feeding them both on each side of the closed door so they get used to eating together.

Give your established cat lots of love and attention, especially in the vicinity of the newcomer. Then “mark” the new animal with your combined scents by stroking it in turn. Return to pet the older cat again. This helps establish the new colony smell.

By the end of the first week, try stacking baby gates (floor to ceiling) in the doorway, or install a temporary locking screen door. This gives both cats even closer contact but still in a safe environment.

If all goes well, within a few days they will be dying to be closer and you can start letting them intermingle.

Keep a squirt bottle handy to break up any aggression. Do not try and separate them, should a fight break out. You could be bitten and scratched during the heat of battle.

There are many products on the market now that help with the transitional stages of “getting to know you.” They come in the form of diffusers, calming treats and sprays. I have not used the spray, but the others definitely help to calm things down.

The process of acceptance may take a couple of weeks, especially with older cats, but there are so many wonderful adult cats in our shelters, do not be afraid to give it a try.