SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cat-intro-scent

Why swap bedding between a new cat and a resident cat?

Scent swapping helps cats get to know each other.

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  1. Cats read by sight only
  2. To clean the beds
  3. Cats use scent to recognize their social group ✔

Why: International Cat Care says cats use scent to recognize whether another cat is in their social group. Swapping a piece of bedding lets each cat get used to the other's scent.

Huh, didn't know that: International Cat Care recommends choosing a room the resident cat doesn't use for the newcomer.

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References

Answer: Cats use scent to recognize their social group. International Cat Care says cats use scent to recognize whether another cat is in their social group. Swapping a piece of bedding lets each cat get used to the other's scent.

  1. International Cat Care, Introducing cats icatcare.org/articles/introducing-cats
    Cats use the scent of individual cats to recognise whether they’re in the same social group or not.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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