When we wonder how our present cats will react to the prospective new cat, we can be forgiven for entertaining the prospect of taking our cats to the shelter and letting them help.

But of course they can’t do that.

We can, however, use them to “get a reading” on the possibles we are considering.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

We take a pack of tissues to the shelter, and use them to gently rub the cheeks of the cats or kittens we are considering. It’s best to be subtle about it, so as not to alarm the cat; or the staff!

Stuff the tissue into our hand, and when we pet with the Fist of Friendship, let the tissue pick up their scent.

If the cat is a little skittish, contact anywhere will do. We can also sit and see if the cat comes to our fist, held in a relaxed position near the floor. If the shelter does not have a room for interaction, don’t stick our fingers through the cages. This is intruding on the cat’s territory, and looks threatening.

But we can see if the cat will reach a paw out to our fist, or rub the tissue on the cage bars to pick some up that way. Cats in shelters can often be seen rubbing their heads on their bars, in an attempt to mark their cage and feel in control of their situation.

Mark the tissue with some fine tipped sharpies if we have a couple of cats who interest us. The question is, how will our cats at home react?

We place the tissues on the floor, spaced apart, and walk around them, showing interest. The cats will come and see what has made us so intent.

Then we simply watch the cats’ reactions.

A cat’s scent markers, which show up on their cheeks and head, but also on their paws, are how other cats announce their Presence in their territory. This is why cats rub us and the corners of the furniture; they are saying This is mine.

These scent markers are a calling card that tells other cats a lot about them. Just as we put on perfume to send a signal and define ourselves to other humans, cats pick up hints about the other cat from their scent.

We are hoping for a calm reaction, or even a friendly one. But a cat’s first reaction is usually skepticism; don’t be surprised if someone gives you the What are you up to now? look, or backs away, or hisses.

This gives us an index of how the different cats will react to a new cat. Some will be apprehensive, others will be curious. Look for the cats who sniff the tissue intently, or even hang their jaw open to get more of the scent into their Jacobson’s organ, which is deep in their nose. Letting their mouth open lets the scent hit this organ from both sides.

We’ve given the cats something to think about.

After a while, we can pick up the tissues and put them away in separate baggies or envelopes, and if they have questions, we should be honest. Yes, we are thinking of another cat; for them! A playmate, a buddy, another cat to share the chores of taking care of us.

We are happy about it.

A few hours later, after this information has sunk to varying depths, depending on the cat, we make a fuss about opening the envelopes and letting them smell it again. Some will pretend they don’t care, but some will be glad to hear more about our mad plan.

The more curious and calm the cat is about this process; the more we can count on this cat in the weeks ahead. The more nervous another cat might be is our clue that this cat will need extra reassurance. By linking our words to actual scents for pondering, we have signaled the cats about our intentions.

This is useful in and of itself, since cats hate surprises.

It’s a good gauge to have a few tissues, even if we have a favorite. That way we can more easily tell if the cat’s reaction is the same for all the tissues, or if it varies.

If we do have a favorite, say so! Describe the cat, discuss why we feel this is the right cat for the house, and make a point of listening to what the cats have to say about the different scents.

The cat’s reactions to particular tissues should not be our last word on the subject; there are other variables we must consider. But the Tissue Test opens a dialogue. It lets us see if a cat’s first reaction continues unchanged, or if it mellows with time and consideration.

We want the cats to be open about acceptance and willing to work with us. By making the Tissue Test the first step in the new cat’s existence in the present cat’s minds, we have already started our introduction process, before we have even brought the new cat home.

So when New Cat shows up, they are that much less New.

Got here from a Link or Search?
There’s more to choosing a cat with The Way of Cats than the article you are reading now. See my CHOOSING A CAT.