Techniques in Introducing a New Cat
Cats, being territorial, are not very open to the idea of sharing their space. While some cats are contented to stay in a small area of the house, others are more dominating and want to make your entire house their territory. This behavior becomes a problem when you introduce a new cat to your home.
Introducing a new cat is not as easy as it seems. The territoriality of cats makes them less accommodating of newcomers. This is why certain techniques need to be done when you want to bring a new cat home.
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But first, you have to consider how the new cat will adjust to an unfamiliar environment. Some cats get frightened when they are taken to places they are not familiar with. It would help your new cat adjust if you carry it in a carrier that has holes in it so he can see what’s going on outside. Refrain from poking your fingers at the carrier’s holes. And don’t scare the cat off with loud music inside the car.
When you get home, do not let your new cat out of its carrier immediately. Doing this will invite conflict with your old cat. Instead, before bringing the new cat home, prepare an isolation room for it. This is where you will keep the new cat during its transition into your house.
Put a litter box, water, and bed for the new cat in the isolation room. Make sure these are clean. Putting some old stuff like toys from the cat’s previous home into the isolation room will ease the transition process; the cat will feel more comfortable once it catches its toys’ familiar scent.
The next step in introducing a new cat is to bring it, while still inside the carrier, in the isolation room. Leave the carrier open but allow the cat to go out on its own and explore its new surroundings. Do not force the cat out of the carrier. Once it comes out, let it roam around for a while. Direct it to the litter box so the cat will become familiar with it. Remove the carrier from the room and leave your new cat alone for about an hour, then return with some food and a lot of petting.
When introducing a new cat, it is important to let your old cat become acquainted with your new cat’s scent and vice versa before you can actually bring them face to face. Take your new cat’s carrier, bring it near your old cat, and allow your old cat to sniff it. Then take your old cat’s bed and put it in the isolation room for a few hours each day so your new cat can sniff it and become familiar with your old cat’s scent. Likewise, take your new cat’s bed and bring it outside for a few hours each day so your old cat can smell it. You can also take your old cat near the isolation room’s door so the cats can get acquainted with each other’s scent.
The next step in introducing a new cat is to have your cats exchange roles. Put your old cat in a separate room and let your new cat out of the isolation room. Let the new cat explore its surroundings and become comfortable in its new home. Do this for a few hours each day. When your cats are well acquainted with each other’s scents and your new cat seems comfortable in your home, it’s time for the last phase of introducing a new cat – letting them meet face to face.
Choose a room in the house where your new cat is most at ease. Bring your old cat there, then take your new cat in the same room. Allow them to familiarize themselves with each other on their own. This might take time, so don’t get frustrated if they don’t like each other immediately. If they break out into a fight, separate them using a water spray then remove your new cat from the room. Repeat this process for a few days until you are sure that you can leave them alone together without having them fight.
Give treats to your old cat when it displays good behavior. Also, give it lots of attention and do not make your old cat feel less loved because of the presence of the new cat. Introducing a new cat is a long process that can stretch up to two weeks. It requires a lot of patience from you. But doing it the right way will reward you with having your cats live peacefully with each other.