Introducing a New Pet
Education+Patience =Happy, Permanent Adoptions
Our aim is to connect people with animal companions who commit to each other through thick and thin, without automatically throwing in the towel after the first sign of "bad behavior" from either party. (There are some situations that occur like unforeseen allergies, but most of the time there are alternative things you can try before giving up.)
The last thing we want for an adopted animal?
Uselessness
To be cast out
Dumped or abandoned along a country road
Dropped off (again) at a shelter as a stray that was mysteriously "found"
Shoved off through a "Free to Good Home" ad in the classifieds because it "just didn't work out" - after 2 days
Reminder:Kelly’s Kitten Rescue-adopted animals are required to be returned to Kelly’s Kitten Rescue.
We think better education up front for the new owner can also help the
animal as they make the transition together into the home (with or
without existing animals).
Introducing New Pets to Existing Animals at Home
The reasons which initially motivate people to adopt a new animal are many:
The excitement of a new family member; helping a kitten grow into an adult; the chance to give and receive unconditional love. In some situations though, perhaps too much attention is focused on simply finding and getting the new pet, buying new toys, treats, collars, a cushy bed, getting the Vet check up, etc.
Another very important consideration in the adoption process must recognize the temperaments and pending reaction of any existing animals in the home. Current animals may have absolutely no interest in accepting a new "intruder", even though the benevolent intent of their owner was to "get someone for you to play with while I'm gone".
An owner's understanding, patience, and consistency are important ingredients for success. Pet adoptions sometimes "fail" quickly due to owners’ preconceived and flawed notions about how multiple animals should, could, or WILL get along together under one roof. They often "fail" within the first month, after loud exchanges between the two (or more) sides in the ensuing battles. Human definitions of "companionship", "togetherness", or "peace and harmony" don't necessarily blend well with primitive drives instilled within our animals, who are strongly influenced
by the "pack" concept and their own relative place within that hidden, but established, hierarchy.
Unrecognized by most owners, they themselves are probably already part of the existing animals' pack - a system which balances dominant/submissive personalities, male/female and physical size differences, and protective/permissive behaviors. The effects of intrusions which shake this balance should be considered before all the animals are simply put together with the owner somewhere nearby like a boxing match with a referee.
If you are looking for a friend for an existing cat your best bet would be to get a kitten. Due to the fact that kittens can “bounce” back from all the fussing your older cat may direct towards the new arrival. It also makes the older cat feel that his/her area is threatened as much as if you would get a adult cat. But there are cases that you can get an older cat and introduce them to your existing cat and not have a whole bunch of problems.
When you introduce the new kitten/cat to the family make sure that you area ready for the old cat to get fussy and upset but usually with in a month or two the “fighting” will subside. Just make sure that you pay just as much attention to your old cat as you do the new kitty so the old cat does not feel like he/she is being replaced!
Several short introductions (5 – 10 minutes) after a few days of acclimation to the new home are best.
Confine one or both cats and then swap spaces for a little while to get them used to each other’s scents. If one cat is to be confined, it should be the new cat. Rubbing one cat with a towel, and then rubbing the other with the same towel is another way to get them used to each other’s scents.This needs to be done at minimum daily. One rub of the towel won’t do it. Or if a towel causes static electricity use cat nip or the gravy out of a can of cat food and rub it on their head, chest, the back of theirback legs, tail, and middle of the back
Make sure that whatever space is used for confinement is comfortable, and has all that kitty needs. It is also probably not a good idea to confine the new cat in the resident cat’s favorite territory. For example if your resident cat spends all day and half the night in your bedroom, put the new cat in the bathroom, or a spare room.
Another trick, especially in the early introductory phase, is to put the new cat in a carrier, and let them sniff each other.
Never leave new pets alone with each other. Always supervise the interactions until you are sure they are getting along.
Introductions are best done during meal or treat times so that there is a positive association with the newcomer. Use food treats to reward good behavior, but do not “punish” bad behavior. If growling and aggression occur, go back to the previous step for a few days, and then try again.
Hissing is usually okay, as long as it doesn’t progress to growling. It usually means back off, I need more space.
If a fight should break out, be very careful. Pet guardians (doesn’t that sound better than “owner”) have been bitten while trying to separate fighting cats. Use a broom to get between them, or throw a towel or water over them. A wet floor is better than a trip to the emergency room for you, and a trip to the vet for the cats.
After they have calmed down, examine each one to be sure there are no bite wounds or severe scratches. Sometimes if cats are having a very hard time adjusting, your vet may prescribe medication or herbal remedies to calm them during this acclimation period. Also, a product called “Feliway”, which is a spray with natural pheromones can have a calming influence on the cats.
Again remember that patience is the key. It may take weeks or even months for cats to acclimate to each other. For some lucky souls, the cats will get along right from the start. However, most of us need to work at getting our feline friends comfortable with each other. Some cats will never like each other, but most will come to a state of peaceful coexistence if they are allowed to acclimate in their own time and their own way.