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Should I get a new cat before or after moving with my current cat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Already have a cat, moving into a new home. Want another cat. Should we wait until our old cat has adapted before adopting a new cat or let them adapt to the new house together at the same time?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 25th, 2017

Personally, I would wait on the new cat until your older cat has gotten used to the house. A move is a very stressful event, and adding a new cat to the mix may be even MORE stressful for Jazzy, which could lead to behavioral or health issues. Once used to the new house, you can then try introducing a new cat. Having some things such as extra litter, food, water, bedding and places to hide as well as pheromone diffusers that diffuse calming pheromones can help ease the transition once you do add a new cat.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 26th, 2017
Great question! I would have Beau get used to his new home first before adding in another cat. Moving into a new home is stressful for a cat, so it's best to avoid adding additional stress to him. I will give you a method to introduce the new cat to him so it will be a less stressful as possible to both when you do get your new cat:

I would slowly introduce them to each other. Take the kitten, and put her in her own room with her own food, water, and litter box. Keep the door closed, and for a few days, feed them both treats on other side of door so they associate each other's smell with a good experience. Then let Beau in the kitten's room while the kitten is in a cat carrier. They can smell each other, but not be in contact. If either becomes upset or show signs of aggression, remove Beau from the room, and try again later. Praise them when they interact appropriately. When they are interacting well with each other through the carrier, you can let the kitten out of her room, and see how she interacts with Beau. Praise them when they interact appropriately, and separate them with any sign of aggression or upset. I would get a cat tree with lots of shelves to give the cats vertical space to get away from each other. I would keep the kitten in her room when you go out until they are comfortable with each other.

Hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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