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Scent and Sense of Smell When Introducing a New Cat

A cat’s sense of smell is crucial, as it is much stronger than that of humans. Cats use their sense of smell to navigate, find food, and communicate with other cats.

Scent plays an important role in a cat’s sense of security, as they recognize their own and other cats' scents. They can also detect pheromones, which provide information about other cats, such as whether they are in heat or how they are feeling.

When introducing a new cat to an existing group, scent can be a valuable tool in making the transition smoother. Here are some methods we use:

1. Scent Exchange

Before allowing the cats to meet face-to-face, help them get used to each other’s scent. Use a towel or cloth to gently rub the new cat and let the existing cat smell it – and vice versa.

Another method is to send blankets or bedding to the breeder in advance, allowing the kitten to sleep on them for a few weeks before coming home. Once you receive the blankets, place them on the floor with some treats on top. This way, the cats can associate the new kitten's scent with a positive experience.

2. Use Your Clothes

Your own clothing can also help. If you wear clothes that carry the scent of the new cat, let the existing cat sniff them – and vice versa. This can create a sense of familiarity between the cats before they physically meet.

3. Pheromone Products

Pheromone sprays or diffusers mimic natural feline pheromones and can help create a sense of security. These should be used in the introduction area, ideally one to two weeks before the kitten arrives.

4. Safe Introduction Through a Door or Barrier

When the cats are in separate rooms, allow them to get accustomed to each other’s scent through a closed door. You can also use a barrier, such as a baby gate, pet gate, or even a simple compost fence, so they can see and sniff each other before meeting face-to-face.

5. Gradual Room Swapping

Initially, keep the new cat in a separate room. After a few days, swap rooms between the cats without letting them physically meet. This allows them to explore each other’s scent at their own pace, making the eventual meeting less stressful.

Patience is Key

Many people introduce a new cat too quickly, which can lead to stress and conflicts. There are still about two weeks until Jonatan arrives, and we have already sent two blankets to the breeder for the kittens to sleep on. At home, we have also placed blankets in the baskets used by Kasper and Jesper. Now it’s all about gathering scents—here, there, and everywhere!

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