Table of Content
Especially if you see them sharing cat trees, scratching post, litter boxes, or even the food bowl, they may already be best buds. In most cases, this may take some time, so prepare separate toys and litter boxes until they get used to each other’s presence. If the introduction goes well and thereis no fighting, hissing or change in appetite or litter box use, then you cantake the last step and leave both cats alone together. Keep an eye on theirlitter and eating habits during the first few days or weeks together to ensureboth cats are staying healthy and feeling comfortable together. Remember that cats hate changes in their routine and are very territorial animals. How do you think your feline will take the arrival of a new cat if you don’t follow the right steps?
The next stage is to permit the cats to spend time together without a barrier between them. When you bring your cat home, you may need to make a few introductions to other cats, dogs, or children who live in the house. How these introductions go will depend partly on the personality and temperament of your new cat. Litter Box and Clumping Litter – Place the litter box in a somewhat private space that your cat can access easily.
Don’t start introductions right away.
It may take a few days and sometimes much longer for your new cat to become comfortable in your home, especially if you already have other animals. So be sure to give your new cat ample time to gradually get used to its new surroundings. With a toy in each hand , engage the cats in interactive play using a separate toy for each cat. Ideal toys are a fishing rod toy which has a rod with a long string and feathers attached or a cat laser light.
By providing a slow and steady introduction, the result can be rewarding for both your feline companions. Here are a few tips and precautionary steps to help make cat-cat introductions pleasant for everyone involved. Within seven days, normally, the hissing and aggravation in the presence of the other should calm. Of course, the best way to further reinforce the good transitional behaviors is through treats. Be sure and constantly reassure and reinforce the positive things when the two felines meet, which will quickly cement this new relationship.
Introducing a New Cat to Your Other Cats
It might even take a few weeks for your cat to feel fully comfortable in his new home, and that’s totally normal. This will allow further scent exchange and the opportunity for the cats to facial rub on top of the marks and create a communal scent. Getting the introduction right and taking extra time if necessary to carry it out could make a huge difference to their perceptions of each other. Not only do owners feel much better if their cats get on rather than disliking each other, but also the cats’ stress is reduced considerably. Cat Friendly Homes is powered by feline veterinarians, providing cat caregivers the information they need to provide the very best care for their cat.
But kittens are fireballs of energy which can sometimes vex an adult cat who’s already grown out of their kittenhood. International Cat Care does believe introducing a kitten to an older cat can be easier than introducing to fully-grown cats though. Like the litter pan, cats do well when they have their own designated bowl to eat from. But, as humans usually have a bowl or plate they prefer to eat from, cats can be the same. Maybe having two separate food bowls is a good idea as cats are all about territory and mealtime.
Separate Space
As another option, a pet transport service can handle all the details of getting your cat to her new location. Ask your veterinarian about a sedative If your cat is overly anxious, but chances are that once the flight is underway, she will sleep the trip away. Soon, both of you will feel comfortable in your new surroundings.
This ended the cats traditional solitude but didnt quite rid them of their territorial nature. Thats why many cats become aggressive or threatened when a new cat is plopped into the territory they once ruled over without interruption. Your gift today will give critical care to abandoned, injured and orphaned animals right now, in their time of need. Some cats will acclimate to kids quickly, while others may take a while to get used to the high energy and noise of children.
Be apart of the pet wellness revolution
You may also want to consider microchipping your feline friend. If you have a stray cat coming to your door, you should think about it carefully before you decide to keep them as your own. For a long trip, a crate that accommodates a small litter box offers more comfort.
Just remember to take things slow and give both cats plenty of time to get to know each other. If you’re thinking about getting a new cat, it’s important to know how to introduce them to your existing pet. Too often, people make the mistake of introducing them too quickly, which can lead to several problems.
If you have any issues or concerns, don't hesitate to talk with your vet or an animal behaviorist who can offer advice on your specific situation. Some cats will be completely comfortable right off the bat, acting as if they own the place the minute they step in the door. Just give them plenty of time to get acclimated and start exploring at their own pace. Some stray cats enjoy their independence and are looking for a quick meal rather than a new place to live. If the cat seems to be scared of you or shows signs of aggression, you should contact animal control or a local animal shelter for professional help in dealing with the situation.
Also, stopping the fighting habit can be hard once it starts. You should have sight blockers prepared for physical introductions. They can also help stop fights once they break out if one of the felines happens to get away. Basically, these sight blockers are simply something that the cat can’t see or get through, like a larger piece of cardboard.
For more information on the way cats communicate with each other using pheromones and scents, click here. These pheromones are available in both spray and diffuser forms, allowing you to choose a delivery method that works for you. In many cases, the stress reduction provided by pheromones may be enough to relax the cats and facilitate a smoother introduction.
Contact your vet who will be able to provide you with advice or refer you to a qualified behaviourist. Anytime a positive behavior or interaction occurs, offer treats, soft praise or an appropriate caress . From there, you can break down the door/gate barrier for mealtime and end the session by feeding the cats on the side of the room that they occupy.
Remember to reward all cats with calm behaviors with treats and praise in a soft voice. If all cats are comfortable, you can also mix the scents on one cloth, wiping first one cat, then the other. It’s important to closely monitor their behavior during the first introduction and be prepared to separate them if necessary. Most cats will eventually learn to get along with a little patience and supervision. Remember not to pick them up and force them to go near each other.
Unacceptable marking behaviors can arise if one of your cats is not pleased with litter box arrangements. And when a new cat saunters into the mix, everything about the litter pan changes in the eyes of your resident kitty. First impressions between pets are just as important as they are between people.
No comments:
Post a Comment