When you decide to add a new pet to your home, it is more exciting for you and your family than it is for the cat you already have. Naturally, some cats can tolerate any new pet; yet, others can be very territorial and predominant not to accept any new additions. It takes hard work, patience, and a lot of effort to introduce your cat to a new pet.
It is essential that you succeed in this quest else you may have to expect these attitudes:
Stalking the new pet
Peeing on the furniture
Hissing at the new pet
Attacking the new pet
How then can you introduce your current cat to a new pet? Follow these three basic steps!
STEP 1 – SET UP A SEPARATE ROOM FOR THE NEW PET
The first step is to set up a separate room for your new pet. It may be temporary but it is important to do so as it will be beneficial in the long run. Best guess, your current cat is likely to be angry that a new pet is coming into her home. As territorial animals, she can express her aggression. This is only normal and the best way to respond is to make her feel comfortable and assured that the home is still hers. Creating a separate room for the new pet while your own cat freely walks around your home makes her feel in charge.
STEP 2 – IGNORE ANY SILLY BEHAVIOR
If your current cat howls or hisses when he sees the new furbaby, try to ignore it. This will serve as a punishment for his silly behavior. However, if he starts to behave and act calm when the new pet is near, you should praise him with lots of treats. This will send a message to your cat that the new furbaby must be welcomed.
STEP 3 – INTRODUCTION
At this point, your current cat is already aware of the new pet and awaits the time for an introduction. The introduction process may sound easy but it is somewhat technical and requires strategies and patience. Start by using a piece of cloth to introduce their smell to each other. Rub these on the nose, face or any part of your current cat and the new pet. After which, swap the two pieces of cloth and carefully introduce each to the other. Toys can also be used for introduction as well.
You have to be patient with both your resident cat and the new furbaby to be familiar with each other’s smell. After a few days or weeks (depending on how successful you are), you can now bring them to meet from a far distance. The first introduction should be brief, taking a few minutes. As time goes on, you will have to extend the length of their stay.
NOTE
During the period of introduction, don’t neglect your resident cat. Make sure you spend as much time as you have always to allay jealousy.
Remember, changes take time. Have patience and eventually your two furbabies will love one another as much as you love them.
Keep purring,
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