Food & NutritionWhat's the next step to introduce a stray cat to my other cats?
Many thanks for adopting a stray! If you haven't yet, before you introduce Pumpkin to the rest of your household, I strongly recommend you take him in to see your vet for a check up as well as vaccinations. In addition, he should be checked for the feline viral diseases including feline leukemia and feline AIDS, since he could transmit these to your cats. If all checks out well, start by bringing him into the house (making sure the other cats can't see him) and getting him comfortable in his own room with food, water, toys, a litter box, etc. Spend plenty of time with him there every day, making sure that you also give plenty of attention to your other cats. After a couple of weeks, when everyone had gotten used to everyone's scent, you can try a controlled introduction, perhaps with Pumpkin in a carrier. If all goes well there, allow them to share space but make sure they are monitored and make sure there is a way for everyone to get their own space - a cat tree is perfect for this - until they are comfortable together.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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