Introducing a New Cat

First impressions can make a lasting impression, especially for cats. Cats and dogs naturally scent mark by way of introduction and they prefer this slower acquaintance to the chance encounter. That means if you want animals to share turf with each other, a gradual introduction is necessary. Here’s how to do it:

• Give the new animal a room of his own for a few days. Exchange the bedding of the newcomer and the residential animal so they can become acquainted through smell, before they see each other.
• Next, rotate rooms. Let the new animal explore the rest of the house while the resident spends some time in the newcomer’s room.
• Then, crack open the door of the new animal’s room so they can see each other, but can’t push the door open. Give them treats on both sides of the door!
• Join two small toys with several inches of string to encourage them to play opposite each other.
• Let the new animal out for a few minutes when they are calm after seeing each other.  Increase the length of the visits each day.
• Do not let them get into a fight, because the memory of that will be harder to overcome. A little bit of tension will not be harmful, but don’t let it escalate.
• Give special attention to the residential animal, because it is her territory that’s being invaded and she will need reassurance. Until they’re friends, don’t give the new animal too much attention in front of the resident animal.
• Return the newcomer to his room and close the door if they start acting hostile or afraid. Any time a problem develops, back up to the last stage of the process for a while. There’s all the time in the world to invest in developing a good friendship.