5 Steps to Peacefully Merge Two Feline Kingdoms

by Rita Reimers, Multi Cat Behavior Expert

Merging Cat Households can be scary. You’re moving in with your partner, roommate, or bestie—and they have a cat (or two).

Meanwhile, your own feline overlords have ruled your home with an iron paw for years. Now, these furry monarchs must coexist under one roof.

What could possibly go wrong?

Well… a lot—if you don’t do it right. Cats aren’t exactly known for their “love at first sight” attitudes, and an abrupt introduction can lead to hissing, swatting, and a long-term feline feud. But don’t worry! With the right strategy, you can turn Cat House Wars into Happily Ever After (with fur).

Recipe for Merging Two Cat Groups

Here’s how I successfully added kitties to my cat clowder, often more than one at at time as I introduced siblings and bonded pairs to my existing cats. I did it, and you can do it too. You can make the transition as smooth as a cat’s head bump, in just 5 Steps.

Step 1: The “Not-So-Grand” Introduction

When Merging Cat Households: DON’T just throw them in a room together and hope for the best.

That’s a recipe for fur flying and lifelong grudges. We hear from our clients often that their (misinformed) friends tell them to just let the cats “work it out” themselves. That very rarely works out, and could result in bloodshed. We recommend a slower approach toward integration, as we desensitize them to one another.

Try This Approach Instead

🐾 Start with scent swapping. Before they even see each other, get them familiar with each other’s smell. Swap blankets, beds, or rub a cloth on one cat and place it near the other’s favorite spot. This way, they start associating the new scent with home.(it does help if you’ve moved into a brand new space where none of the cats have territorial ownership yet.)

🐾 Set up separate territories. Each cat should have their own space at first—separate rooms with their own litter box, food, water, and safe hiding spots. Continue to swap scents between the two sets of cats.

🐾 Feed them near the door. Placing their food bowls on opposite sides of a closed door helps them associate each other’s presence with something positive (and yummy!).

PRO TIP: Place a small rug over the threshold and close the door, feeding each cat on their part of the rug. Turn it the next day so they now have each other’s feeding spot to achieve scent swapping.

Step 2: The First Meeting (Through a Barrier!)

Once they’ve gotten used to each other’s scent, it’s time for a visual introduction—but with a safety net!

🐾 Use a baby gate or cracked door. Let them see each other from a safe distance. Expect some staring, maybe a little hissing. As long as no one is lunging or full-on attacking, you’re making progress. We love this Cat Proof Screen Door, because it’s inexpensive and has a special cat-proof screen, and no drilling is required to set it up!

🐾 Keep interactions short and sweet. Don’t force them to interact for too long—think of this as speed dating, not moving in on the first night. Those first few interactions may last mere seconds, but it’s important to build up the length of time they see one another slowly.

🐾 Reward calm behavior. THIS IS IMPORTANT! Treats, playtime, and praise when they stay chill help them associate good things with their new housemate. Rewarding calm behave when they see one another will help each cat associate good things with one another. This stage could last a few days or weeks; it’s important not to rush it.

Step 3: Supervised Playdates

When they seem comfortable seeing each other from a distance and no one is jumping at that screen door or hissing, then it’s time for supervised meetings in a common area, like the living room.

🐾 Keep sessions short and positive. A few minutes at a time, gradually increasing as long as they’re getting along (or at least tolerating each other).

🐾 Distraction is key! Play with wand toys, offer treats, or engage them in activities that keep their minds off territorial disputes.

🐾 Watch for body language. Ears back, puffy tails, growling? Time to separate and try again later. Slow blinks and curiosity? You’re on the right track!

PRO TIP: If one of the cats consistently tries to bully the other(s), it may help to harness-train the chaser. Then you can use the harness to have more control over the playdate. Review Pawfun’s comprehensive guide about selecting the right harness and leashes: 7 Best Cat Harness and Leashes

Step 4: Merging Territories

Once the cats can share space without hostility, you can start blending their territories.

🐾 Multiple resources prevent drama. More litter boxes, food stations, and cozy napping spots mean less competition. (The rule: one per cat, plus one extra!).

Also, be sure each cat gets his or her own food bowl. I have 18 of the sanctuary cats here, so I put down 18 bowls plus 3 extra since some of my cats like to taste each bowl of food!

🐾 Vertical space = more peace. Cat trees, wall shelves, and window perches help them carve out their own zones. Even cats that get along well need places to get away from the noise of the household and each other.

🐾 Rescue Remedy can help. A little calming action never hurts when emotions run high.

Rita’s Experience with Rescue Remedy: I moved 17 cats in a RAV-4, driving from Los Angeles to Charlotte. It was a 4-day drive with motel stays, and without Rescue Remedy, it would have been a very stressful trip for us all. But every night, the cats were calm even in the motel rooms, because I used Rescue Remedy on them during the drive.

Step 5: Accept That They May Never Be BFFs (and That’s OK!)

Not all cats will become cuddle buddies, and that’s completely normal. Some may end up as nap partners, while others just agree to ignore each other.

The goal isn’t necessarily friendship—it’s peaceful coexistence. You may observe shifts in hierarchy and see new friendships form once the cats are more comfortable with one another.

Merging 2 cat groups: If you are merging two groups of cats, at first the cats may stick to their own group. But it won’t take too long for them all to form bonds with one another.

Signs you need professional help from a Cat Behaviorist or Veterinarian:

• Constant fights (not just occasional spats)
• One cat refusing to eat, use the litter box, or come out of hiding
• Persistent stress-related behaviors (over-grooming, aggression, or fear)

Final Thoughts: Love, Patience, and Cat Diplomacy

Blending two cat households takes time, patience, and the occasional bribe (aka treats). Go at their pace, watch their cues, and before you know it, you’ll have a harmonious—or at least functional—feline family.

Are you ready to achieve peace?

Rita is always here to help! Book a Cat Behavior Session, and she’ll guide you through the process so you can go from cat chaos to PURRfect peace.