Introducing Your Pets

Are you considering getting a second, third, or maybe even a fourth or fifth pet? The introduction process is critical, especially for cats—it can mean the difference between a lifetime of love versus a lifetime of loathing!

Here's some helpful advice you'll want to follow to make the pet introduction process successful:

Introducing Cat to Cat
This is extremely important! If cats are not introduced well, it may take months—or even years—to make amends.

• Before you bring your new cat home, set up a separate room for him—away from your current cat's favorite spot.
  
• When bringing your new cat home, leave new kitty in the carrier in the car for a second while you run inside and put your current cat in a room and close the door. Then bring new kitty inside, directly to his own room. Or, have a friend bring in new kitty to his room. If your current cat sees you bring in new kitty, you become the “traitor.”
  
• Cats should be kept separated for the first few days; but allowed to sniff and play with each other under a doorway (which they may not do—they may instead hiss at each other, which is normal).
  
• During the first few days, take towels or strips of paper from new kitty's room and set out for current kitty to smell; and vice versa. Cats react better to each other if they are first introduced by smell.
  
• When hissing has minimized, place new kitty in his carrier and allow current kitty to enter the new kitty's room. Current kitty will sniff everything out—and may ignore new kitty. Let current kitty proceed at her own pace. Repeat this a few times until current kitty seems to recognize new kitty.
  
• Use treats as a reward for good behavior to both cats.
  
• After they've had a few protected introductions, try letting both kitties roam free at the same time, but be sure to monitor them. If hissing is kept to a minimum and there appears to be no serious threat of a fight, things should be on the right track to a healthy friendship. Confine pets at night and when left unattended until you are sure they are amicable together.
  
• Keep both kitties' food and litterboxes separate for a few weeks until you notice both are using both areas. Then you can go back to having one food area, but be sure to keep at least 2 litterboxes for them—in fact, it is recommended you have one litterbox per cat, plus one. Cats are particular about where they relieve themselves, and it's best to avoid litterbox problems by providing at least two.
  
• Please note that this process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks—it all depends on the personalities of your cats. But over time, it tends to work out. With patience, your kitties should become great buddies, playmates and companions!
  

Introducing Dog to Dog

• Introduce dogs on leash in neutral environment. This should be done at least twice.
  
• Introduce dogs on leash in their yard and then the house.
  
• Feed dogs separately and be cautious with rawhides and toys.
  
• Keep dogs separated at night and when left unattended.
  

Introducing Dog to Cat

• Introduce the dog on a leash and the cat on a high surface, looking down on the dog.
  
• Do not allow the dog to chase the cat.
  
• Gate off the room or area with the litterbox to allow access only to the cat.
  
• Confine the pets at night and when left unattended.
  
  

Related Articles

The Importance of a Good Introduction
More detail about how to best introduce cat number two to cat number one.