Cat introductions are complicated and can take a long time. Depending on the specific dynamics of the cats you are trying to introduce (or reintroduce if things have already gone wrong), you might need to let one cat see the other, but not the other way around. In these cases, a moveable one way mirror will be your friend.
Mirrors are expensive (and there’s apparently good reason for the cost) so an actual one way mirror may set you back a bit. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to make your own. Once you have the supplies, it will take you about 5 minutes to make.
Supplies
The core supplies you’ll need to complete the DIY one way mirror are:
- A really large rectangular picture frame with any artwork removed
- One way mirror window cling film
- Scissors
- Sometimes required: large pieces of cardboard
You can probably find a few of these items at a thrift store in from a local exchange group like Buy Nothing. For anything else, they can usually be found at hardware stores, craft stores, or online.
Alternative Supplies
Depending on what things you have laying around, you can accomplish the same thing with a few swaps:
- Instead of a picture frame, an old window might work. A large piece of clear acrylic works, too!
- If you don’t already have a really tall pet gate, getting an acrylic full door height pet gate combines a few introduction needs in one. You might need to modify it a bit with cardboard so it’s still a one way viewer.
Important Precaution
Before we get to the assembly, an important precaution: be very careful with this project as broken glass could cause injury. If the glass seems at all cracked, has sharp edges, or you just feel off about anything, find a more study piece of clear material to use. Using a large piece of acrylic may be less likely to break if you feel uncomfortable using glass.
And (hopefully obviously) you are undertaking this at your own risk. I can’t control how you implement this so you are responsible for making sure nothing gets broken and it is used safely.
Assembly
You’ve got your supplies? Great! That was the hardest part of this. This next part should take you 5ish minutes.
- Remove the glass from the frame. Use a glass cleaner to wipe off any smudges.
- Line up the one way mirror film (without removing the backing yet) with the corners of glass and cut it to size. For more wiggle room, cut it slightly larger.
- Remove the backing on the static cling mirror film and attach it to the glass slowly and evenly across the entire film. As you do this, be careful to avoid bubbles as best you can so you don’t need to go back to smooth it over later.
- Put the glass back into the frame and secure it so it doesn’t fall out.
All done! You’re now ready to use it however you need to so only one of your cats can see the other one. Prop it up in the doorway between your cats with the mirrored side facing toward the more reactive cat. This prevents that cat from seeing the other one!
Problem Solving
While this really is a quick and easy thing to make, you may run into a few small issues. Here are some common ones and how to fix them.
Bubbles
If you end up with lots of bubbles as you’re adding the mirror film, the film is removable so you can start over. Try keeping the backing partially on and going really slowly. A squeegee may also make your life easier.
Film Not Sticking
This is a rare occurrence for me to say this, but the solution is a spray bottle: spray the glass with a small amount of water. It may stick better if the glass is warm, too. It doesn’t need to be hot, but don’t try this outside during the winter!
Just don’t use a spray bottle on your cat.
Side note/bonus tip: This also works for installing suction cup cat beds to windows. I’ve had one for almost 8 years and have only had two suction cups come detached the whole time. After reattaching them, they never had another problem. Using a hot blowdryer to warm the glass and installing the perch during the daytime can help during the winter.
Frame Not Fully Covering The Door
Cardboard. Cardboard is your friend. Add a bit on each side so your cat can’t peek around. If your cat chews or destroys the cardboard, something more solid like a piece of wood does the same thing.
Frame Not Steady Or Falling Over
You absolutely do not want this to fall over as the glass could break. Use two very heavy objects to prop the frame up with one on each side. Ideally they’d be heavy and tall enough that the frame won’t just flip over them. How tall and heavy really depends on the specific frame you’re using.
What could you use? Honestly, the easiest solution may be two jugs of cat litter that are completely full. If you need to use the litter inside, rinse them out after using them.Fill the now empty jugs with water, gravel, or really anything else that will add weight to it.
How To Use The One Way Mirror
So… Why did you make this? And how would you use it? Unfortunately, the answer depends on your specific situation. This isn’t meant to give one cat constant access to seeing the other cat as that isn’t enough to introduce the cats. I have clients use these most commonly in the following situations:
- One cat is extremely fearful of the other cat and will run away from them. The less fearful cat then chases the runner. We use this to help the runner feel more comfortable around the first cat so running is less likely. We can then do work with the chaser to help them be less likely to chase the other cat.
- One cat is very, very loud and upset about being separated from the rest of the home. If they are fine if they can see out, this gives you some control over most the interactions between the cats while still allowing the screamer to feel more secure.
I don’t recommend the one way mirror strategy for every situation, but it can be very effective if done cautiously the right time.. If you’re not sure if it’s right for you or how to use this technique, work with a professional who can give you specific advice.
