The most important thing to remember when introducing your new cat to the resident cat(s) is not to hurry the procedure. Follow our suggestions for how to make sure that the introduction runs as smoothly as you can.
The introduction of the cats to each rapidly could create an unforgiving first impression that is not easily overturned. Many people think that if their cat had a relationship with a cat previously, it would be reasonable when an additional cat is introduced. It’s not often the case, especially when you’ve lost one of a close couple of cats in the last six months.
How to Introduce Cats
Step One – Prep: Scheduled Meals and Basecamp
Before you welcome your new pet home, there are essential steps that will give you a substantial advantage over the rest of the procedure:
Do not feed your cat free: Ensure that you’ve switched your current cat to a schedule of feeding her meals instead of feeding her for free. This is the premise of my approach, and no time is this more crucial than when you are introducing your new cat. Once the meal times scheduled are in place and established, it sets the stage for your cat, an existing pet, and your new pet to have a shared ritualistic manner of living. They eat simultaneously and at x-number times throughout the day. (More specifics on the shared meal times in the next few minutes.)
THE INTRODUCTION PROCESS
If you take the time to plan and do time, your odds of success when it comes to introducing cats are higher. If you are rushing into things and trying to “force” a relationship, you could end up sabotaging the relationship that might be otherwise successful. Here are six tips to aid you in making the success of your introduction
Create a separate space
Particular cats can be placed in an area in the middle of their new home and quickly adapt; everything will work between the kittens. But, this method could also result in catastrophe and injuries or even an unsuccessful adoption. When you are bringing your cat home, we advise that you:
Choose a quiet area within your home (a bathroom or bedroom) from which your cat can be away from your cat for some time.
Be sure that there is a space in which the cat’s resident is, and that it is accessible to everyone in the human family to play and socialize and is equipped with water, food litter, toys, and beds with soft cushions.
Pick a room with one or two inches of space below the doorway for introductions to felines.
Are These Cats a Match?
Before thinking about the best way to introduce your pets to one another, it’s essential to look objectively at each cat to determine if the idea of introducing them is an appropriate choice. Think about these things:
Breed: Certain breeds of cats are more social than others. Please find out about your cat’s breed to discover the likelihood that your pets will get along and the amount of training they’re likely to take to train them to live peacefully together.
Size: When one cat is more than the others, there could be a higher chance of being bullied or injured. There are certain exceptions, naturally, but the size is a significant aspect to consider when the safety of introducing furry friends.
History of socialization: If your cat is amiable and gets along with other animals calmly, they’ll likely behave similarly to the new pet you bring into your home. If your pet is afraid or hasn’t been exposed to animals previously the move, a new pet could cause fear in the cat, which could lead to aggression.
Prior interactions In case your cat experiences a frightening or traumatizing encounter with another feline or a pet; it might be afraid of a new feline in your home.
The level of energy is essential. A hyperactive kitten might not be the right choice for a home with a cat that isn’t energetic, for example, and vice versa.
Make the Face-to-Face Introduction
After your cats have become peaceful around one another, allow your new cat to go out of the area. Let them meet by themselves. “Don’t worry if the cats completely ignore each other or hiss a bit and then walk away,” says Jane Harrell, long-time cat foster mom. “It will take some time for your cats to learn that the other is a friend, not a foe.” Keep an eye on the cats and allow them to proceed at their own pace, as long as nobody is beginning to harass or bully each other.
You must be able to discern the direction of the game. The stalking and chasing of some kind are typical. If a fight occurs, shake your hands and shout to stop it without physical intervention. Please do not leave them unsupervised until they’re comfortable with one another. When you leave the house or retire to bed, Place your new pet back in its safe space.
Find Cat-Friendly Apartments With Southern Management
If you’re in search of an apartment with a cat-friendly layout within the Washington, D.C., or Baltimore metropolitan regions, Southern Management can help. Southern Management offers a great selection of pet-friendly properties in this region. Contact us today to find out more about our apartments for rent. We are eager to welcome furry friends to your new home!
Finally, Introduce Your Cats
Relax and let your cat loose to play with your cat from the family for a couple of minutes. Create an environment that is positive by giving them lots of snacks. While some aggressive or defensive behavior is normal and expected, if they get more anxious or start to fight, use towels to distract them and break them up.
Could you continue to Take It Slow?
Particular cats can quickly become friends within a matter of days or weeks. Others may take months or years to get used to the presence of each other (if they ever will). Keep in mind that the usual process is complicated for some cats.