|
|
INTRODUCTIONS
The fact is that our kitties aren’t social creatures although they are intelligent and learn to adapt easily though. So although many don’t mind living in limited space, overcrowded households with other cats, pets and even humans others do as they prefer their own company and that of their human carer only (for the obvious reasons).
That’s why it is important to have realistic expectations when introducing a new cat to resident cats or other pets. Some cats are getting along with other cats or even dogs better than other cats. For example, an eight-year-old cat that has never been around other animals may never learn to share her territory (and her people) with other pets in the household. However, an eight-week-old kitten separated from her mom and littermates for the first time, might prefer to have a cat or dog companion.
One thing that every cat carer should always keep in mind is that cats are territorial and they need to be introduced to other animals very slowly in order to give them time to get used to each other before there is a face-to-face confrontation. Slow introductions can prevent fearful and aggressive problems from developing.
There are a few ‘steps’ that any carer should take when introducing a new cat to the household to make the introduction go smoothly:
- Confinement: You need to confine the new cat in her own room which will become her comfort zone for the next few weeks along with her litter box, food, water and a bed, scratching post, hiding places and of course toys. Living her there for a while to explore the new environment on her own, while at the same time you can start feeding your resident cats (pets) and the newcomer on each side of the door to this room. This will help all of them to associate something enjoyable (eating!) with each other's smells without putting food too close to the door that the animals are too upset by each other’s presence to eat. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until your pets can eat calmly, directly on either side of the door. Next, use two doorstops to prop open the door just enough to allow the animals to see each other, and repeat the whole process.
- The next step is the swapping of scents...switch sleeping blankets or rub a towel on one animal and place it somewhere in the room where the other can sniff it. You should do this with each animal in the house.
-
Following by Switching Living Areas: Once your new cat is using her litter box and eating regularly while confined, let her explore the house while allowing the other pets (always start with the more easy going one) to the new cat’s room. This switch provides another way for the animals to experience each other's scents without a face-to-face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with her new surroundings without being frightened by the other animals.
- You should Avoid Fearful And Aggressive Face To Face Meetings
Try to avoid any interactions between your pets that result in either fearful or aggressive behaviour as such behaviours are difficult to change if they are allowed to become a habit. ,. It's better to introduce your pets to each other so gradually that neither animal becomes afraid or aggressive. You can expect mild forms of these behaviours, but don't allow to intensify. If either animal becomes fearful or aggressive, separate them, and start over with the introduction process in more gradual steps as before.
Precautions
If one of your pets has a medical problem or is injured, this could delay the introduction process. You'll also want to have at least one litter box per cat, and you’ll probably need to clean all of the litter boxes more frequently. Make sure that none of the cats are being "ambushed" by another while trying to use the litter box. Try to keep your resident pets’ schedule as close as possible to what it was before the newcomer’s appearance. And expect some growling, hissing occasionally.
|
