It can be difficult to introduce a new cat to an old one, so here are some tips to help make the transition easier!
Introducing a new cat into your home is always an adventure. But not all adventures are created equally. Some are exciting and go on without a hitch, but some can be disastrous. If you already have a cat in your home, they may be less than enthused to see a new cat coming into their home. There is no way of predicting if your old cat will get along with your new one, but there are certainly ways to help make the transition go a little smoother. Here are some tips for introducing your new cat to an old one.
Confinement
It is best to keep your new cat in a secluded room when you first bring them into your home. You should keep them confined in this room for several days up to a week. This gives the new cat time to adjust to their new surroundings and the old one time to adjust to the presence of a new animal. You should feed both pets on each side of the door to the newcomer’s room so that they both associate something positive with each other’s scent. You can even attach toys to both sides of the door so that your cats play with the toys while near each other.
Switching Scents
It’s a good idea to get both cats used to each other’s scent before they meet face-to-face. You can easily do this by switching out their beds or blankets. You can also let the new cat roam around the house and confine the existing cat to that same room so they can sniff around. This also gives the new cat a chance to roam the house without being frightened by the other. Once you’ve done this, you can prop the dividing door open just enough so that the cats can see one another.
Slow And Steady
The process of introducing a new cat is not always an easy one because cats can be territorial. You want to introduce them gradually and start by only putting them face-to-face for a short amount of time. The best case scenario is that your cats will sniff and groom each other, which is a good sign that they are okay with one another.
However, it is perfectly normal behavior for cats to hiss at each other and walk away or even show signs that they are about to fight. You want to carefully break them apart if this starts to happen and move them to their separate areas of the home. Repeat this process and make sure you are patient because even though they don’t get along at first, they may eventually come around. If your cats continue to fight even after numerous attempts, you may want to consult a professional for help or advice.
Catonsville Cat Clinic CAN HELP YOU INTRODUCE A NEW CAT INTO YOUR HOME
For 20 years, the Catonsville Cat Clinic has been providing quality veterinary care to the cats of Catonsville and beyond! Dr. Pam Nesbitt, who purchased the practice in July of 2011, runs the Catonsville Cat Clinic with compassion in mind. A team of professionals with an advanced level of veterinary medicine is at your service to make sure your cat is healthy and happy. So stop on by; we’d love to get to know you and your cat!
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