Introducing a new pet to your existing pets

Always have the new pet checked by your veterinarian to ensure she has a clean bill of health and that it is safe to introduce her to your pets.

Cats are territorial animals and need to be introduced to other animals very slowly. Any fearful or aggressive behavior from either the new or existing pet or pets should be interrupted (don’t attempt to pick up a frightened or aggressive cat, use a squirt of water or throw a pillow to break up a cat fight). Introductions should proceed more slowly to avoid any interactions that result in fear or aggression.

Confine your new cat to a medium sized room with her litter box, food, water and bed. Using food rewards, treat your existing pets by the closed door so they can associate good things happening (food) with the smell of the new cat. If everyone is calm, try propping the door open with two doorstops so there is a small gap through which they can see each other and repeat the treat process. Letting them eat on either side of a glass or screen door can also help (as long as they are all inside).

Swap scents by either switching sleeping blankets or taking a towel on one animal and placing it under the food dish of the other. Switching living areas and letting the pets investigate is another method that helps the new pet check out the house without the resident pets being present.

Cats and Dogs

Even if your dog has been around cats before (or vice versa) it is still better to have control over the first few meetings to see how these two particular pets get along. In addition to the tips above, keep your dog on leash at first, until you see his response to the new cat. If he lunges or tries to chase, you can control him and encourage him to sit for treats. Hopefully your dog will know basic commands, but if not, it is better to teach him before bringing a cat home.

Do not physically restrain the cat! Cats need to be able to leave. Place your cat up on the back of a sofa or table, with an exit route open. Allow the cat freedom to explore the dog at her own pace. Try to encourage the dog to remain calm by rewarding a down or sit stay. Don’t punish your dog for bad behavior – we don’t want him to think that “cats = punishment,” therefore cats are bad. Use distractions with treats and reward your dog for looking at you and lying down etc. If he is getting too excited simply remove him for calm down time and try again later. Keep them separated when you aren’t home until you are sure they get along.

Because kittens are so fragile – always supervise when they are around your dog and until fully grown, separate the kitten when you are gone. Puppies can also be hurt by a cat claw and should be supervised and separated.

If introductions continue to result in aggressive or fearful behavior, seek professional help immediately as often solutions can be found