Cats normally are generally tranquil, cool and collected creatures but adding a new cat into one's home can produce a number of consequences. As territorial critters that don't welcome change, cats endure a seismic shift when either placed into an alien environment or experiencing the addition of a new cat to their home. Consequently, it's wise to develop a good understanding of cats and how they may respond to this nerve-racking situation as a way to lessen the probability of a painful introduction process. So, let's take a quick look at the tendencies of cats and a few techniques that can be used to prevent a disastrous introduction.
Use Common Sense
Before you begin, it's imperative that you step back and formulate some reasonable expectations about the introduction of a new cat into your home. To start, every pet owner must basically realize that they cannot force their pets to like one another no matter how much they'd like then to to. Sure, we constantly hold out the hope that a new pet introduction will be simple, but it simply isn't. Of course, as humans we don't always like everyone we encounter either and the same applies to cats. Nevertheless to improve the likelihood of an effortless transition, picking an animal that has comparable personality and exercise levels as the current pet should give you a solid start. No matter what, owners must be practical when introducing two cats.
Differences in Sociability
One of the many considerations that can have a significant result on how well a brand new cat can be included in a new home, each cat's degree of sociability should be considered before putting them together. The term sociability indicates the cat's ability and preference to socialize with other cats. Usually many cats are generally social, but this is not always the case. Some pets which may have had limited exposure to other animals are often less open to interacting with other pets, while younger cats and kittens tend to be more likely to be open to routine engagement. Subsequently, a systematic process is required to minimize the prospect of a contentious experience.
Go Slowly
Because of differences in cats' levels of sociability, it's vital that you introduce them gradually to prevent any fearful or aggressive responses. To start, when bringing a new cat into the house it's better to place them into a confined space or room with their own litter box, food and water. After the new cat has taken some time to become accustomed to its new environment, it's then wise to gradually expose each cat to the other through several means. First, get each acquainted with the scent of the other by swapping bedding or toys. Second, while keeping the current cat confined in a separate room permit the new cat to explore its new environment several rooms at a time to help allay any anxiety. Lastly, slowly introduce the cats over multiple days by permitting them to first see each other and then finally meeting each other. Certainly using a slow, methodical process is among the best things you can do to ensure an introduction that is as smooth as possible.
Frequently Seen Habits
When the new and existing cats have already been introduced, a number of various kinds of behavior are exhibited. Having slowly introduced the cats, the best scenario is the careful acceptance of the other with no undue fear or aggression. Cats that are well adjusted will exhibit calm behavior, sometimes smelling each other and in some especially fortunate scenarios each grooming the other. However, some aggressive or fearful behavior is frequently seen too; staring at each other, hissing and growling or simple avoidance is often seen. Moreover in extreme conditions the confrontation becomes violent including both scratching and fighting which should be broken up through the use of a squirt bottle full of water. Eventually, regardless of what happens each cat must have its own "safe place" as each animal negotiate the tricky world of introductions.
Despite the tricky behaviors exhibited by cats in the introduction process, owners can effectively work out this process. Utilize these tips to avoid major mistakes and reduce how much time it may take for a new cat to be merged into your family.
Use Common Sense
Before you begin, it's imperative that you step back and formulate some reasonable expectations about the introduction of a new cat into your home. To start, every pet owner must basically realize that they cannot force their pets to like one another no matter how much they'd like then to to. Sure, we constantly hold out the hope that a new pet introduction will be simple, but it simply isn't. Of course, as humans we don't always like everyone we encounter either and the same applies to cats. Nevertheless to improve the likelihood of an effortless transition, picking an animal that has comparable personality and exercise levels as the current pet should give you a solid start. No matter what, owners must be practical when introducing two cats.
Differences in Sociability
One of the many considerations that can have a significant result on how well a brand new cat can be included in a new home, each cat's degree of sociability should be considered before putting them together. The term sociability indicates the cat's ability and preference to socialize with other cats. Usually many cats are generally social, but this is not always the case. Some pets which may have had limited exposure to other animals are often less open to interacting with other pets, while younger cats and kittens tend to be more likely to be open to routine engagement. Subsequently, a systematic process is required to minimize the prospect of a contentious experience.
Go Slowly
Because of differences in cats' levels of sociability, it's vital that you introduce them gradually to prevent any fearful or aggressive responses. To start, when bringing a new cat into the house it's better to place them into a confined space or room with their own litter box, food and water. After the new cat has taken some time to become accustomed to its new environment, it's then wise to gradually expose each cat to the other through several means. First, get each acquainted with the scent of the other by swapping bedding or toys. Second, while keeping the current cat confined in a separate room permit the new cat to explore its new environment several rooms at a time to help allay any anxiety. Lastly, slowly introduce the cats over multiple days by permitting them to first see each other and then finally meeting each other. Certainly using a slow, methodical process is among the best things you can do to ensure an introduction that is as smooth as possible.
Frequently Seen Habits
When the new and existing cats have already been introduced, a number of various kinds of behavior are exhibited. Having slowly introduced the cats, the best scenario is the careful acceptance of the other with no undue fear or aggression. Cats that are well adjusted will exhibit calm behavior, sometimes smelling each other and in some especially fortunate scenarios each grooming the other. However, some aggressive or fearful behavior is frequently seen too; staring at each other, hissing and growling or simple avoidance is often seen. Moreover in extreme conditions the confrontation becomes violent including both scratching and fighting which should be broken up through the use of a squirt bottle full of water. Eventually, regardless of what happens each cat must have its own "safe place" as each animal negotiate the tricky world of introductions.
Despite the tricky behaviors exhibited by cats in the introduction process, owners can effectively work out this process. Utilize these tips to avoid major mistakes and reduce how much time it may take for a new cat to be merged into your family.
About the Author:
Regina T. Roby is experienced in the care of companion animals and endorses cat insurance anytime she can. Although she enjoys dogs, cats are her preferred pet and she safeguards them with a cat insurance policy.
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