How To Introduce Cats To One Another?
Did you know it’s easier to introduce a dog to a cat than to introduce a cat to another cat? ! Cats don’t see dogs as competitors for resources. Introducing a cat to a new kitten is also easier and less difficult than an adult cat. Kittens’ body language and movements are less intimidating.
Most owners introduce cats by putting them together right away. While some cats adapt easily, the adaptation time for most cats can be difficult and stressful. There are several recommended methods, with certain basic principles:
Before You Start The Introductions, Plan Ahead.
Preparation is the key! Cats are territorial. Setting up your home for more than one cat before arrival will make the transition easier for the entire family. Schedule your kitten or cat to be picked up when you have enough time to settle down.
Set up a space that your house cat doesn’t use often and that you don’t need a lot of access to, with all the essential resources like food, water, a seating area, and a litter box.
These items should be new or belong to a new cat. Resident cat supplies are not recommended as this will smell like a resident cat and make your new cat uncomfortable.
Introduce your cat step by step.
The introduction should take place in several stages. It is vital that the resident cat does not feel threatened or robbed.
In the first stage, give the new cat some space.
Leave the new cat in her room for a few days to get used to her new environment and check her in from time to time to make sure she is eating, drinking, grooming, playing and toileting properly.
The next level involves an introduction to sight and smell. This is a critical period.
Smell is the most important aspect of cat group identification. The idea behind the scent switch is that both cats are comfortable in the presence of each other. Owners must bring bedding and toys from the house cat.
The owner then simulates the action of two cats rubbing against each other and changing their individual scents to create a collective scent by petting each cat in turn.
The next stage is to visually guide the cat (initially at a distance), and once fully relaxed, through a physical barrier (such as a bandage).
Owners should slowly increase the visual contact time between the two cats until they no longer need to be separated. This stage should only occur when the two cats relax by looking at each other through the obstacle.
Next, remove the barricade while both cats are supervised fun activities such as playing or feeding. Finally, free, unsupervised access is possible for short periods of time, as long as there is no negative or biased behavior between the two cats. Don’t rush the onboarding process. Be patient and caring.
