how to introduce cats to each other

Written By maryenriquedotson Wednesday, February 2, 2022 Add Comment Edit

After the cats begin to associate the other cats smell with food they are ready to have visual contact. The time has now come for them to see each other.

How To Introduce Cats Battersea Dogs Cats Home

To introduce cats quickly you can play with and feed the cats at the closed door.

. But with some planning and taking it in stages you can give them the best start. Its important to gradually introduce your cats to each other over a period of days and weeks using smell and sight before a physical hello. At first you can try feeding them on opposite sides of the same door.

Your best bet is to set up a tall baby gate or stack two short ones in the doorway of the confinement room. This will help the cats associate each other with a positive experience. Gradually move the bowls closer.

You can do this by simply cracking the door or setting up a screen door. Your pets feel safe when surrounded by their scent and they will start to learn about each other through smell. Then slowly allow the cats to see each other.

When you get home with your new cat make sure your dog isnt waiting at the door as your cat. The initial method doesnt matter. You may want to keep your dog on a leash and with you when your cat is free in the house during the introduction process.

Put both cats on opposite sides of a screen door pet gate window or anything that is transparent and feed them. Do this the first week. Introduce them before they meet by bringing something with your cats scent on it to the new cat while shes still at her current home such as a small blanket or toy.

Dont choose something that your current kitty considers a favorite. And cats who have already had a fight will have a harder time getting to know and trust each other. Feliway diffusers and Feliway sprays are specialist products that are made to ease stress in cats especially when moving home or introducing a kitten to an older cat.

Before your new cat arrives prepare a separate space eg a spare bedroom for her complete with a new litter box bed cat crate bowls and toys. Allow the cats to see each other even sniff and bat at each other without having full body contact. Now the two cats have become aware of the others scent.

For example continue feeding. Allow your cat to see your dog and approach if they want to. Many cats are returned to Cats Protection because they havent got on with the adopters other cat.

Keep the bowls well distanced at first and then gradually move them closer as. Before you introduce a new cat be aware you might need to feed them different diets. Try to keep your older cats schedule as normal as possible.

Just be sure that the cats cant physically access each other. If close enough to the door the cats will sense each other. Slowly introduce the cats to each other.

Setting up a sanctuary room - such as a spare bedroom - with everything a cat needs is a way to ensure your new cat has their own space and space to adapt to their new home. In this way you are creating a safe way for each other to know them. Give them both equal treats and love.

Here are some additional tips to make introducing your kitten and older cat go smoothly. Exchange scents and introduce them gradually. Once your new cat feels comfortable and safe in their room its time to make a first kitty introduction - through scent.

Youll also need a litter tray for each. Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Never immediately introduce two new kitties face-to-face without a period of adjustment.

It will be scary and surprising for both pets and wont be a good start to their relationship. Introducing the cats slowly and creating comfort levels for both gives you the best chance of creating a harmonious multi-cat home. Watch for body language and temperament.

Consider the effect that introducing a new cat may have on your family cat or dog. Install a pet gate into the doorway of the room where your new cat is staying then feed both cats simultaneously in locations where they can see each other. The best way to introduce cats fast is to keep them separate.

Here are Sherrys tips on how to introduce cats successfully to each other. When keeping the kitten in a different room make sure your senior cat can roam the house like he usually does so his. Put your dog on a lead behind a stair gate and have some tasty treats at the ready to reward them for calm and relaxed behaviour.

Cats may fight and this will prolong the introduction. Give them space in their own areas of the house. Once cats feel this way about each other it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.

After a couple days switch their rooms and see how they react to each others scent. Most cats like to spend time watching and will take their time to. How to introduce cats.

Install a baby gate so the pug and cat cannot interact upon the first viewing but know each exists. To make a scent introduction try swapping blankets or bedding from where each cat has been sleeping. Start with the bowls far enough apart so the cat can walk up eat and walk away with no incident.

If this isnt possible open the door a couple of inches and place door jams on either side of the door.

Introducing Cats To Each Other Best Friends Animal Society