In our last post we talked about making the transition into your home easier for your new cat. Today we will be discussing the process of introducing a new cat to your current pets. At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we care about your pets as much as you do. That’s why we want to provide you with all the information you need to ensure that all of your pets stay healthy and happy during this exciting transition.
Initial Steps
Before you allow your new cat to meet your current pets face to face, here are some things you can do to make sure the introductions go smoothly. Keep in mind that a slow introduction process can help prevent aggressive behavior from developing.
- Feed your new cat and your current pets on either side of the closed door to the cat’s room. This will help all of them to associate each other with something positive— food! Gradually move the dishes closer to the door, until your pets can eat calmly on either side of the door from each other.
- Swap blankets or beds between your new cat and your resident animals. This will give them a chance to become used to each other’s scent. Additionally, rub a towel on your new cat and put it under your current pet’s food dish—and vice versa. If you have multiple resident pets, you should do this with each animal in the house.
- Let your new cat have some time to roam freely in the house, while confining your other animals to the new cat’s room. Make sure you wait until after your new cat is using her litter box and eating regularly while confined in her room. Switching their spaces gives each of the animals time to get used to each others’ scents before a face-to-face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with her new home without being frightened by the other animals.
Next Steps
Check out this video for some additional tips on how to make sure this the process of introducing a new cat to your current pets goes as smoothly as possible. After your new cat has been confined for a few days to a week and is showing signs of wanting to take on more territory (meowing or scratching at the door), you can begin the process of face-to-face introductions. We will discuss this more in-depth in our next blog post. At Anasazi Animal Clinic in Gilbert, we know this process can be challenging, so please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. And congratulations on the new addition to your family!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/25/2019) Pixaby