Introducing a New Cat to Your Household

Bringing a new cat into your home is usually a joyous experience for people! However, the felines and canines in residence often find the presence of a new family member somewhat stressful.

By following a few simple steps, you can greatly increase the likelihood of a successful introduction.

Separate pets at first for several days. Allow your existing pets to become acclimated to the sounds and scents of your new furry friend before asking them to great face to face. Close your new cat in a bedroom or bathroom and allow your new pet and current pets to sniff each other through the doorway. After a day or two, exchange bedding. This allows each pet to have even greater contact with the other pets scent. If you have other cats in the household, take two small toys and tie them together, one on each end, of a 1 foot piece of yarn. Place one toy on each side of the door. Your cats will be able to play together without actually making physical contact.

Set yourself up for successful greetings. When it is time to actually introduce your pets, remove anything that could be considered a resource, including food and water dishes, treats and highly favored toys. Be sure to remove dog toys as well – your dog may not realize that your cat has no interest in his soggy rawhide! Allow your cats to have access to perches and hiding spots and be sure to keep any dogs in the home leashed.

Don’t force the issue. Your introduction may not end with love at first sight. Take your time, returning your new cat to a separate room if necessary. Given enough time, most animals can acclimate to one another.

Seek additional help if: Your new cat and your existing pet cannot be in the same room without injuring one another; your cat(s) begin having elimination issues (urinating or defecating outside of the litterbox).