How We Introduced a Second Cat Without Chaos (and How You Can Too!)

People who have read our first blog may already know that we decided to get a second cat to make our first cat happier and ease our own guilt about leaving him alone while we’re at work.

As young "parents" who think of our pets as our own children, we wanted to do everything right—or at least as right as possible. So, before taking this step, we read every article we could find, spoke with veterinarians, consulted breeders, and still… we had a million questions.

• What if, because of us, they never get along?
• What if King hurts the smaller one?
• What if we regret this decision?

Now, two months later, our two cats have become best friends. Looking back, we realized just how overwhelming the process felt at first. That’s why we wanted to share our experience—because if you’re still deciding whether to get a second cat or have already made the decision but feel lost on where to start, we’ve been there too.

Step 1 – Choosing the Right Companion

The first thing we learned? Not every cat will be a good fit for your current one.

Our first cat, King, is a Bengal—an extremely active, playful, and very demanding breed. We were warned multiple times:
"Do NOT get a slow, calm, and lazy cat."

Why? Because King always wants to play. If the new cat wasn’t as energetic, he could overwhelm them, making them stressed, anxious, or even aggressive.

At the same time, two hyperactive cats of the same gender might not be the best match either—play can turn into competition, and competition can turn into fights. We weren’t looking for chaos; we were looking for balance.

After a lot of research, the best suggestion we received was to get a female Abyssinian. This breed is also very playful and energetic, but they’re more easygoing and adaptable. And, let’s be honest—our first cat’s name is King. He clearly needed a more humble but equally playful companion.

At the end of the day, choosing a second cat is like choosing a roommate—you don’t need them to be identical, but they should have a compatible personality.

Step 2 – Preparing Before Bringing the Kitten Home

Once we chose our kitten, we made sure to prepare everything in advance. We wanted her arrival to be as stress-free as possible.

Key things to prepare:

1. A separate litter box
2. Separate food and water bowls
3. A cozy sleeping spot
4. A separate room, if possible

Why separate everything? Because from the moment they arrive, your new kitten needs a safe space where they can get used to their surroundings without feeling threatened. This prevents unnecessary stress and helps build confidence before the big introduction.

Step 3 – Slow & Careful Introduction

This was the most important part. We’ve seen so many people rush introductions, assuming their cats will just “figure it out.” But that can lead to long-term tension or even fights.

The first few days are critical for setting the foundation of their relationship.

First Days:

• The new kitten stays in their own room—no contact with the first cat yet. Let them adjust to the space first.
• The best way to bond is through food, so we gave her treats directly from our hands to build trust.
• Play as much as possible! But not just with any toys—use interactive ones that require your involvement.
• Toys that just lay around can teach a kitten that everything lying around is a toy (which later means your work documents, phone chargers, or even socks might become fair game).

First Nights:

We slept in separate rooms the first few nights—one with our new kitten, one with our older cat—to ensure they both got proper rest. Without supervision, stress can escalate into aggression, making future bonding harder. Plus, the growling and hissing would’ve kept us up all night!

Spend as much time as possible with both cats.

The first days are the most important, so we even took time off work to monitor their interactions and control the situation. This helped us understand their comfort levels and prevent unnecessary stress or fights.

Give attention to your first cat!

Don’t make them feel replaced—show them that this little creature behind the door isn’t a threat, but actually a good thing. More attention, more treats, more playtime.

Scent Swapping is Key

Every day, we switched their blankets, toys, or even gently rubbed a towel on one cat and placed it near the other. This way, their scents became familiar before they even met.

Step 4 – First Face-to-Face Meetings

We were terrified of this step. What if King got aggressive? What if he jumped on the kitten and hurt her?

To ease the tension, we started by placing King on top of his scratching post with plenty of treats, while the kitten was free to explore the room. This way, King could see her, but she couldn’t see him.

This approach worked perfectly—he was curious, watching her closely, but there was no tension, no chasing, and no negative reactions. We were ready to catch him at any moment if things escalated, but thankfully, it never came to that.

Other things we learned:

• Long staring is NOT good—in cat language, it’s a competition. It can lead to sudden pouncing or a fight.
• Instead of direct contact, we held the kitten in our hands and allowed our first cat to observe. This way, the older cat could see the kitten, and the kitten could get a glimpse of the rest of the house without feeling too exposed.

Patience, patience, patience. Every cat adjusts at their own pace. If your new kitten is still scared, don’t rush things. Extend their separation time if needed. The goal isn’t speed—it’s a smooth transition.

Monitor Their Sleep & Relaxation

If you notice that neither cat is able to fully relax or sleep when they are in the same room (which happened to us), it’s better to let them interact for 2-3 hours and then separate them again.

This gives each cat time to rest, eat, go to the toilet, and spend time with their humans—so they know they are loved no matter who else is in their territory.

The Moment It All Clicked

Now, two months later, we find them cuddled up together, chasing each other around the house, and even sharing their food bowls (which we were told would never happen).

Seeing them so happy makes every moment of planning, waiting, and worrying completely worth it.

Final Thoughts: Is Getting a Second Cat Worth It?

For us, it was absolutely worth it. Seeing King and Chanel play, nap, and explore together has been one of the most rewarding experiences.

If you’re thinking about getting a second cat, just remember—every cat is different. Some take days to adjust. Others take weeks. The process takes time, but when done right, it’s one of the best decisions you can make.

Have you introduced a second cat before? How did it go? Share your experience in the comments!