Bringing a New Cat Home? Separate First, Snuggle Later.

Bringing a New Cat Home? Separate First, Snuggle Later.

Jun 27, 2025Finn Tian

Congratulations — you've added another feline overlord to your household.

Exciting? Yes. Adorable? Definitely.

A potential recipe for territorial chaos? Oh, 100%.

In multi-cat households, the moment you bring home a new cat, you're not just changing the vibe — you're rocking the social order. And trust us, your resident cat noticed immediately.

Before you let them “work it out,” here’s the truth bomb:

Cats are not natural extroverts. And throwing them together too soon is like dropping two strangers into a reality show house and saying, “Good luck!”

Spoiler alert: It ends in hissing.

🧠 Science Says: Go Slow, or Prepare for Cat-astrophe

According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners, sudden introductions between unfamiliar cats often lead to stress behaviors like hiding, aggression, inappropriate marking, and yes — late-night yowling concerts.

A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science showed that cats introduced gradually using visual barriers (like—you guessed it—a cat gate) displayed significantly lower aggression and adjusted better long-term than those who were just... tossed in together like salad.

Translation?

If you want peace in your home, start with separation.

🚪 Meet Your Best Ally: The Extra Tall Pet Gate

No, a regular baby gate won’t cut it. Cats can levitate when motivated.

That’s why we recommend the Unipaws Extra Tall Cat Pet Gate — tall enough to discourage even the most athletic tabby, and classy enough to blend in with your living room.

This extra tall pet gate creates a neutral zone where cats can see, smell, and observe each other without the claws-out chaos. Think of it like a feline dating app: they get to swipe (or sniff) safely, without immediate physical contact.

UniPawsStore2023_Unipaws Upgraded Extra Tall Cat Gate - More Sizes

🐾 How to Introduce a New Cat Without Causing a Feline Feud

  1. Start with Isolation:
  2. Your new cat needs a private space to decompress. Don’t rush it — they’re not emotionally available yet.
  3. Use a Cat Gate for Controlled Meetups:
  4. After a few days, let them see each other through the extra tall pet gate. Keep it brief and drama-free.
  5. Observe Body Language Like a Hawk:
  6. Flattened ears? Growling? Back to isolation.
  7. Calm curiosity? That’s your green light.
  8. Swap Scents Before Full Access:
  9. Switch bedding or toys between the two. Smell is cat currency.
  10. Short Supervised Sessions:
  11. When you're finally ready for a gate-free hangout, keep it brief and bring snacks. (For them, but hey — maybe for you too.)

TL,DR (Too Long, Didn’t Rub Bellies):

  • Cats aren’t into sudden roommate situations.
  • Science supports gradual intros.
  • Your secret weapon = a sturdy, stylish, extra tall pet gate.
  • Go slow now, cuddle more later.

PS:

Want a home where your cats coexist peacefully (or at least ignore each other in style)?

Start smart — with separation, boundaries, and the Unipaws Extra Tall Cat Pet Gate.

Because peace begins at the gate.



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