How do I introduce a new cat to my old cat without them fighting?

Question

they are both 5-7 years old.

Answer 1

You will not avoid fighting.

If they fight for a few weeks/months, get rid of the new cat.  

Answer 2

When you first bring the new cat in, leave him in the kennel just long enough to let the other cat sniff him and see if they have any interest in each other. Hissing is expected. Then let the new cat out. If one chases the other then seperate them for a short time so no one gets hurt. You can't force them to like each other but if you let them have their space and adjust on their own time it will help!

Answer 3

when I introduced my kitten to my 10 year old cat I simply left the kitten in his cage so my older one could sniff and familiarize himself, then after a couple hours I left the cage open and gradually the cats came together on their own terms while giving the kitten a safe haven.

There is going to be minor fights and probably some marking of territory (both were males and both were fixed but they still had the need to show who was alfa and this is done sadly by marking their property. Gladly mine only peed all over their own objects like the cage, their beds and posts!) after a month all the territory and macho-ism of my little critters ended and they were very happy together. Now and then they would get into a squabble but that is normal-humans do it too when they are annoyed!

When my older cat died a couple years later the 'kitten' was very lonely and definatly missed his friend. When the older was around the kitten was a mischief and devil to him, seemed like he was always picking on him and trying to annoy him but he knew when the older was sick and would snuggle up to him when they slept and would bring him toys when he was laying around. They ended up bonding very well. They had a love hate relationship that our kitten took hard when it ended :(  Funny enough the kitten started to hate my guts when the older died and migrated to my father. Now my father can not move without the cat tripping him and here I am the real owner having to beg to get him to let me pet him!

Answer 4

FIGHTING WILL HAPPEN...

They have to establish who is Alfa cat.

It will take a while and then will cool off... and there will be flair ups from time to time.

good luck