The first step in developing consistency in between your new cat and the existing cats in your household is to pick the best possible new cat for your household and lifestyle. All cats are individuals, and some may merge into your home much better than others.
Choosing a New Cat
Cats who previously lived with another cat are most likely to get together with other cats than a cat who was an “just child.” Consider the important things that the cats currently in your home like to do. If they want to play, getting another lively cat is probably a smart idea. If your cats choose to depend on the sun all the time, you’re most likely much better off adopting a cat who has comparable routines. A young kitty or teen is most likely not a good concept for a household with an older or grumpy cat.
Decreasing the Probability of Problems
Even if the cat you are embracing readies with other cats, there is always the possibility of issues when presenting complete strangers to each other. There are numerous steps that you can require to lower the possibility of problems. Prior to bringing your new cat home, develop a different “area” for her. This area should be geared up with food, water, a scratching post, a litter box, access to natural sunshine, and comfy resting locations.
Your other cats ought to have their own separate territory. Make certain that both areas (the area for the new cat and the space for the other cats) contain multiple hiding places so the cats can easily pull back if necessary. Large cardboard boxes with holes cut in two sides make excellent hiding places. The 2nd hole enables the cat to get away if cornered by another cat. The boxes will come into play as soon as you begin enabling the cats to engage directly, but it can be valuable to present the boxes first, so that the cats become accustomed to using them. Remember that cats prefer to hide in high places, so remove vulnerable items from racks or block access to the racks.
Position your new cat in her area as quickly as she arrives home, and spend a minimum of one hour with her (and the other cats in the family) daily. Have fun with them routinely and see them closely for signs of stress or anxiety, such as hiding, aggressive habits, decreased cravings, and/or excessive vocalization. If you see any of these signs, your cat might be suffering from stress. If the signs continue for more than a number of days and/or if your cat stops eating, talk to your veterinarian.
If any cat is revealing moderate signs of stress, offer them time to accustom to the new scenario. If all the cats appear comfortable in their spaces, put the new cat in a various space (geared up with the very same amenities) after two days, and permit your other cats to enter the new cat’s original area. This will enable each cat to end up being familiar with each other’s aroma in a non-threatening way. Permit the cats to acclimate to their new areas for one day.
Cat Pheromones
Here’s another way to present cats to each other’s aroma: Cats have glands in their cheeks that produce scent. When your cat rubs her cheek versus a wall, chair, or your leg, she produces pheromones, which are chemical compounds that can assist to relieve anxiety and offer info about the cat who is producing those scents. Exposing each cat to towels that were carefully rubbed on the new cat’s cheeks may be a good way to present them. Some cats respond extremely well to an artificial pheromone (a spray or diffuser), an item that can be purchased online or in pet supply stores.
Next, you can start allowing the cats more detailed access to each other by putting them on either side of a closed door so that they can smell each other straight. The next action is to permit them to see each other through a baby gate or a door that is propped open two inches. If the cats are interested in each other and appear comfy, permit them to fulfill. Open the door to the rooms between the cats and observe them closely.
If any cat reveals signs of substantial stress or hostility, separate them once again and present them more slowly. As soon as the cats have adapted to being enabled to sniff each other through a door, bring each cat into a large space, on opposite sides. If you have a prepared helper, each person ought to play, family pet and/or offer food treats to among the cats. If you do not have a helper, place the more comfortable cat in a cat provider with a bowl of canned cat food to keep him inhabited and have fun with the other cat. Over multiple sessions, gradually bring the cats closer to each other. This exercise teaches the cats that they get unique benefits in each other’s presence, and that nothing bad is taking place. With time, the cats will discover that they are not a severe danger to each other.
Creating a Happy Home for Cats
Remember, a distressed cat is far more most likely to act aggressively than a cat who is comfortable and unwinded. If you use patience in the initial stages of the introduction procedure, you will probably increase your chances of a harmonious family.
The above suggestions are standards to increase the likelihood that your new cat will get along with the existing cat(s) in your home. If you have tried these techniques and your cats are still not getting along, please seek the help of your veterinarian or a behaviorist.
