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Step 1
Keep your new cat or kitten apart from your other pets for at least the first day or two. A week is even better. Keeping your new adopted pet separate makes your other pals curious. Additionally, it is always wise to make sure you aren't importing any problems like fleas or mites to other pets. I like to create a safe area where the new arrival can be with me or at least near so we can bond.
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Step 2
MAKE SURE YOU GIVE EXTRA ATTENTION TO YOUR OTHER PETS! Giving everyone lots of love will take a lot of time so try to bring in a new pet on a weekend or during a period you will have time to devote to the project. You need to give the new arrival lots of security, yet no one else should be made to feel less important, resentful or neglected. The more positive the initial experiences, the better the acceptance is likely to be.
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Step 3
Remove your other pets occasionally to let your new feline explore each room uninterrupted. This is especially good for allowing the cat to find safe places.
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Step 4
Expose your pets a little at a time so they can check each other out safely, preferably through a gate, fence or screen. Let them become familiar and curious while separate.
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Step 5
Once again, give your other pets extra attention.
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Step 6
If you see discomfort or aggression, intervene. Speak gently and calmly. Let everyone know this is a peaceful meeting. You might want to give a dog some favorite treats to make the association with the new cat something positive and pleasant. Other cats are less easy and most offended cats will require time to accept a new feline if bonds are not made in the first few days. Rarely, however, do cats seriously threaten a newcomer so long as the newcomer keeps his/or her distance. And most animals, dogs and cats alike seem to intrinsically know when it's a youngster and prefer to discipline rather than attack.
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Step 7
To be sure, never leave your new kitty unsupervised with your other pets until you are sure the are safe together.
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Step 8
Keep all claws clipped on other cats to avoid serious scratches should there be an argument.
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Step 9
Most animals either bond or come to a point of tolerance with newcomers before too long. Each animal is different so there are no hard and fast rules. If you bring home a new cat, I hope some of these guidelines help make the transition a little easier for you and your pets.
Comments
MIghtyDreamer said
on 10/11/2008 What an adorable pic ture. Great resources too. Absolutely wonderful tips. I really like helping to make the other pets curious and being more attentive to the others as a transition. What fun pictures to click on and see up close. They are too-ooo cute.