Bringing Home a New Cat
How to Introduce Your Two Pets
Cats love to explore and are very curious creatures. Most peoples’ first instinct is to cuddle their new pet and follow it wherever it may go. However, the best introduction should to be planned. This way your new pet feels secure in its new environment. You want your newest member of the family to feel safe and happy while also avoiding any neglect your current kitty could experience.
You will not be the only one in this new relationship that will experience excitement and curiosity. It's time for your new kitty to run, smell and bond with you and its new home.
One on One Time
To make this a smooth transition for the current cat in your life, plan an introduction for the two pets based on each cat's temperament.
- First off before you bring the new addition to your family home make a temporary home for the current cat in your life. Preferably somewhere the cat spends a lot of time so they can feel safe and unpunished.
- Then bring your new cat home. Allow him or her to run freely. This time will allow your new family member to familiarize themself with their new home and all its smells. A cat’s nose is very sensitive and he or she will sniff every nook and cranny of your home. They need to feel at ease and have their own smell throughout their new home.
- Also making the cat familiar with the sounds and objects in your home will help your new kitty relax. Don't creep around while your kitty is exploring. Run the dishwasher and turn on your music just like any other day!
Getting Ready to Meet
Now it is time for your own cat to smell its new playmate (fingers crossed, don’t be surprised if either or both cat hisses).
- First, let your cat back out into the home, meanwhile putting your new pet in the room you used to first separate them. This will allow both pets to smell his or her new family member. You can judge the time of separation based on your own interactions with both cats and how fast you think they will adjust. For example, if your new kitty appears skittish allow both cats a day or more alone before the introduction takes place.
- Give the cat of the home lots of love, and maybe a few extra treats during this time to add comfort.
Time for the Kitties to BondT
There is no set time on how long it can take for your two friendly critters to co-exist.
- Each cat has its own temperament. Don’t get discouraged if your pets do not cuddle up and sleep together right away (or ever).
- If this is your Kitty's first home, allow him or her time to adjust.According to Kim Campbell Thornton’s book Your New Cat, “Indeed, this new relationship can be compared to a marriage. As a kitten becomes a cat, he learns the ins and outs of living with a human family” (1).
Becoming a Happy Cat Family
- Make sure you provide each cat with equal attention and love. Your current ‘king of the castle’ may feel threatened in the beginning so it is best to keep daily routines the same. In time the two cats may play, sleep and eat together. Or you may find them to be more independent of each other. Either way love them both!
Reference:
- Thornton, Campbell Kim. (2004). Your New Cat: An Expert Answers Your Every Question. Virginia: Capital Books,Inc.
Putters and Sam
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