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You can speak to your veterinarian about prescription medication that will definitely have a strong calming effect on each cat. It’s ideal to not have to go to this level because it will be more costly and less healthy. Pellicano suggests reassuring your long-time cats by playing with them and giving them positive reinforcement with the new toys and tasty, vet-approved food. Keep them in secure enclosures with paw-proof door latches, and consider preventing the cat's access to the enclosure when you aren't present. Place bird cages out of reach, and provide hiding places in mammals' enclosures.
The goal in this step is to show the cats that good things happen when they see each other, to create positive associations. Do not move on to any further steps until both the new and the resident cat are showing calm and relaxed behavior. The new cat should be confidently exploring their room and showing social behavior with the people in the home.
Preparing to Introduce a New Cat to Your Home
It takes time for older cats to get used to a new companion. Rushing the introductions can lead to frustration and problems in the future, so patience is key. Try to time the interactions to when the cats are relaxed and playful. You can always speak to your vet or a behaviorist for some advice. Never force your cats together, as this will only create problems.
Ringworm, a zoonotic fungal infection, may also be found. If a fecal test discloses worms , you will be given medication to rid the cat of worms. In the case of tapeworms, you will be given advice on treating fleas with a bath and/or a topical flea control product. Franny Syufy is a cat expert with over two decades of experience writing about feline anatomy and medical conditions. She is a professional member of the Cat Writers' Association, won the prestigious PurinaOne Health Award for her writing.
Tips on Bringing a New Cat Home to Another Cat
But what we do know is that there are a number of distinct patterns of involved with cat aggression. These can be broken into a series of situation-oriented categories that are not mutually exclusive.Play aggression happens when cats take play too far. If the cats won't eat, or become aggressive, they are probably too close together. Introductions can take weeks, or they can take months. The important thing to remember is to go at the cats' pace.
Both cats should still have their own space, toys, bedding, and litter trays, as well as their own food bowls and water bowls to avoid problems with competition. Some cats may exhibit personality changes after moving to a new home. Cats are territorial by nature so a shift in location could increase their stress levels. Create A safe space for your cat at the new house. It can take days, and sometimes weeks or months for a cat to settle in , but with time, it will happen. Your circumstances, for example, if you have children or a dog and the cat has not been around either in the past, can also affect the new cat.
Keep Calm
The ingredients usually include L-theanine, Phellodendron, magnolia, whey or milk proteins, and other natural ingredients shown to be safe and effective for pets. Pheromones are useful for creating a calm environment for any cat. The weeks before the arrival of a new kitten is a great time to make use of them.
They may be seriously injured or even killed from being shut inside of a dryer while it is running. Welcoming a cat or kitten into your home is like bringing home a curious toddler. Animals can easily transmit parasites or diseases to one another. To prevent this from happening as much as possible, make sure your resident pets are up to date on their vaccinations before introducing a new cat or kitten to your home. Purchase a sturdy pet carrier to take your cat home. Bringing home a new cat or kitten can be an exciting time for you and your family.
How do I prepare my cat for moving when traveling by plane?
The cat who seemed affectionate while in a cage may suddenly become shy, withdrawn, or even aggressive. Careful pre-planning will help avoid many inherent problems. As any cat parent will tell you, felines are experts at getting into mischief. That means cat-proofing your home should be high on your “bringing a new cat home” to-do list. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 94,309 times. Stay in the room when introducing your pets, so you can be close by if a problem arises.
That’s not an ideal way to start a relationship, but that’s the reality with cats. By following these guidelines, your new cat is likely to be accepted by your current cat and there will at least be peaceful coexistence and, ideally, bonding. Healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian. Get practical pet health tips, articles, and insights from our veterinary community delivered weekly to your inbox. Above all, remember to be patient—introducing cats to kittens is a delicate process, and it can’t be rushed.
Resources include food, water, litter boxes, prime perching spots, and you. There should be a litter box for each cat PLUS an additional litter box, and these boxes should be distributed throughout the house. Cats typically do not want to cross paths with another cat when attempting to access a resource, so keep this in mind when placing resources throughout the house. When both cats seem to be comfortable with the situation, it's time to let them see each other without full contact. Or prop open the door to the “cat room” just enough to let them see each other and put a paw through.
If you allow him to hide and emerge on his own when he’s ready, you’re setting the stage for a wonderful relationship with your cat. You’re showing him that he’s in control in the new environment, which boosts his confidence level and increases the bond between you and your cat. Regarding use of the litter box, cats can find the box on their own and, at first, will likely use it while you’re asleep. The chance to learn one another's personal odors will help your cats adjust to one another, and you can help the “scent introductions” in several ways.
Cats always have reasons for their behaviors — they don’t happen in a vacuum, Marilyn says. Do not force her to stay near you if you wish to pet her. Instead, coax her to you by playing with her using an interactive toy or staying near her food bowl while she is eating. Once she realizes that this stranger provides all good things, she will start to trust you.
“They’re probably going to hide for a couple weeks, unless you've got an exceptional cat that's very extroverted,” says Dr. Nelson. While some cats may be happy to sleep on other furniture in the house, they will feel more secure and comfortable if they have their own bed. Be cautious about this with very young kittens or elderly cats. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Contain, limit, or restrict them if there is aggression.
I gave them each a treat on the floor, far enough apart to prevent potential arguing. This creates a positive experience while the cats are in close proximity to one another. Switch the cats’ places next by letting the new cat have the run of the house while you spend time with your senior cat in the bedroom. Let her check out things for a few hours and get used to the smells as you praise her and reinforce her calmly.
Plus, without a heat cycle, lady cats tend to be more relaxed and not inflamed by their instinctual needs. Urine is more than an elimination product for cats. In their pee, felines tell other cats many things, like what belongs to them, when they were there, and even when they’ll return, according to the ASPCA. United Airlines has suspended its PetSafe travel program until further notice. While airlines stress safe handling practices, those experienced in travel have concerns.
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