Why Cats Need Reintroduction After Staying Apart– A Message from Our Behaviourist
At The Cat Vet , we often see multi-cat households where relationships between feline companions break down suddenly. It could be after something as routine as a vet visit or a stay at a grooming salon. It can be distressing for owners when cats who previously got along well begin to hiss, hide, or fight. In most cases, the issue isn’t about a sudden personality change—it’s about scent.
As a behaviourist working alongside the team here at the clinic, I want to highlight a simple but essential step that can make all the difference: reintroducing cats properly after any time spent apart.
Cats Know Each Other by Smell
Unlike humans, who primarily rely on sight, cats recognise one another through scent. Their social bonds are built around a shared group scent—a sort of invisible identity card. When one cat leaves the home and returns smelling different (due to medications, other animals, or even just the clinic environment), their housemates may not recognise them as familiar. In fact, they may treat them as a complete stranger—or even a threat.
This is why it’s not uncommon for cats to return from a vet visit or grooming appointment only to be greeted with aggression or fear by their feline housemates.
When to Reintroduce
It’s important to consider reintroduction any time one cat in a household has been:
Even short separations can alter a cat’s scent enough to cause confusion.
How to Reintroduce Cats After Separation
To help preserve your cats’ relationship and reduce stress for everyone involved, follow these steps:
Set up a quiet room for your returning cat with food, water, and a litter tray. Allow them to decompress and settle without immediate contact with other pets.
Swap scents between your cats by gently rubbing a soft cloth on one, then the other. This helps re-establish the group scent and aids in mutual recognition.
Start with short, supervised sessions where the cats can see and smell each other without pressure. Use treats or interactive play to create positive associations.
Look out for signs of tension, such as stiff body posture, staring, or growling. If these occur, take a step back and give them more time.
Why This Matters
Without proper reintroduction, a once-strong feline friendship can be damaged—sometimes permanently. Cats that feel threatened or unsure may become defensive, which can spiral into ongoing conflict. In severe cases, such behaviour can lead to long-term stress, injury, or the need for separation or rehoming.
By taking just a little extra time to reintroduce your cats after any time apart, you’re protecting the bond they share and helping them continue to live peacefully together.
If you’re unsure how to go about the process, or if you’re already noticing tension between your cats, our team is here to help. Speak with a member of the veterinary team, or ask for a referral to our in-house behaviourist for tailored advice.
Your pets’ wellbeing—emotional and physical—is always our priority.
