.....not Carnegie, Vanderbilt and Astor together could have raised enough money to
buy a quarter share in my little dog...Ernest Thompson Seaton (1860-1946) writer and
naturalist
Introducing Your New Cat to Your other Cat
When you finally bring the new cat home, set him up in a
separate room with his own food, water, toys and a litter
box. Keep him in a separate room for up to seven days.
This is very important. The current cat needs time to
become accustomed to the scent of the new cat before
seeing him. The new cat also needs time to acclimate in
his new environment. This is also a good time to assess
the health of the new cat without jeopardizing your current
cat's health.
Once you feel most of the tension has passed between the cats, allow them to see
each other through a screen or a small opening in the door. Continue to do this for a
few days. When the hissing has turned to interest it's time to introduce the cats face
to face.
Make sure you are home on the day you decide to introduce the cats. Don't leave
them alone together. Be sure to be calm and relaxed. You will be creating the
atmosphere in which your cats will be meeting for the first time. If you are nervous,
they will be too.
Do not restrain either cat in any way. This does not allow the cats to feel they have a
choice to run away or to stay. It may make them feel defensive and a fight could break
out. Instead, let the new cat out of isolation and let the cats encounter each other on
their own. Expect some hissing, growling, swatting, and general nastiness. You are
best not to interfere unless the cats are causing severe physical damage to each
other. At that point break up the cats by squirting water at them or throwing a pillow at
them. Do not punish either cat. They are doing what is normal for cats who are
strangers to one another. You also do not want them to associate punishment with
the other cat.
It is alright to leave the cats out and about when someone is home, but when they are
to be alone it is wise to separate them again. Be patient. It may be several weeks
before you feel comfortable to leave them alone together. The first time you do, leave
them alone for a very short period and gradually increase the time as they get along
better.
These cats may become best friends or they may learn to just tolerate each other.
Whatever happens, feel confident that your cats will work things out one way or
another. Be aware that even cats who are well bonded to each other will sleep
together, groom each other, and still have an occasional spat.
Signs of a big problem include litterbox lapses, severe fighting (in which blood is
drawn), lethargy, depression, and lack of appetite. If your cats show any of these
signs, or if you have a question, do not hesitate to call The Anti-Cruelty Society's
animal behavior specialist for advice.
Remember that good relationships do not happen over night. It sometimes takes
months for your animals to iron things out. Your patience and perseverance will pay
off in the long run.
Karen S. Okura
Animal Behavior Specialist/ResourceCenter Coordinator
The Anti-Cruelty Society
I 'm not sharing my fish dinner with that new cat!
Bringing Your New Kitty Home
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Cat (Cats)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Dog (Dogs
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Dog (Dogs)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Cat (Cats)
Cat Housebreaking Troubles
Dog Housebreaking Problems
Facts About Declawing Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Dog
Lead Training
Small Children and Puppies
Outdoor Dogs
Hot Weather Care For Pets
You Can't Find Good Homes For All of Them
Have You Walked Your Dog Today?
Dogs and the 4th of July
Does Your Dog Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck?
buy a quarter share in my little dog...Ernest Thompson Seaton (1860-1946) writer and
naturalist
Introducing Your New Cat to Your other Cat
When you finally bring the new cat home, set him up in a
separate room with his own food, water, toys and a litter
box. Keep him in a separate room for up to seven days.
This is very important. The current cat needs time to
become accustomed to the scent of the new cat before
seeing him. The new cat also needs time to acclimate in
his new environment. This is also a good time to assess
the health of the new cat without jeopardizing your current
cat's health.
Once you feel most of the tension has passed between the cats, allow them to see
each other through a screen or a small opening in the door. Continue to do this for a
few days. When the hissing has turned to interest it's time to introduce the cats face
to face.
Make sure you are home on the day you decide to introduce the cats. Don't leave
them alone together. Be sure to be calm and relaxed. You will be creating the
atmosphere in which your cats will be meeting for the first time. If you are nervous,
they will be too.
Do not restrain either cat in any way. This does not allow the cats to feel they have a
choice to run away or to stay. It may make them feel defensive and a fight could break
out. Instead, let the new cat out of isolation and let the cats encounter each other on
their own. Expect some hissing, growling, swatting, and general nastiness. You are
best not to interfere unless the cats are causing severe physical damage to each
other. At that point break up the cats by squirting water at them or throwing a pillow at
them. Do not punish either cat. They are doing what is normal for cats who are
strangers to one another. You also do not want them to associate punishment with
the other cat.
It is alright to leave the cats out and about when someone is home, but when they are
to be alone it is wise to separate them again. Be patient. It may be several weeks
before you feel comfortable to leave them alone together. The first time you do, leave
them alone for a very short period and gradually increase the time as they get along
better.
These cats may become best friends or they may learn to just tolerate each other.
Whatever happens, feel confident that your cats will work things out one way or
another. Be aware that even cats who are well bonded to each other will sleep
together, groom each other, and still have an occasional spat.
Signs of a big problem include litterbox lapses, severe fighting (in which blood is
drawn), lethargy, depression, and lack of appetite. If your cats show any of these
signs, or if you have a question, do not hesitate to call The Anti-Cruelty Society's
animal behavior specialist for advice.
Remember that good relationships do not happen over night. It sometimes takes
months for your animals to iron things out. Your patience and perseverance will pay
off in the long run.
Karen S. Okura
Animal Behavior Specialist/ResourceCenter Coordinator
The Anti-Cruelty Society
I 'm not sharing my fish dinner with that new cat!
Bringing Your New Kitty Home
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Cat (Cats)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Dog (Dogs
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Dog (Dogs)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Cat (Cats)
Cat Housebreaking Troubles
Dog Housebreaking Problems
Facts About Declawing Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Dog
Lead Training
Small Children and Puppies
Outdoor Dogs
Hot Weather Care For Pets
You Can't Find Good Homes For All of Them
Have You Walked Your Dog Today?
Dogs and the 4th of July
Does Your Dog Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck?
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