Introducing the new cat!
Tips on how to ensure that your cats get along right away. Although it might be straightforward to adopt several kittens at once and raise them together to determine whether they get along, this isn’t always feasible. Sometimes you fall in love with a new cat and think they would be the perfect addition to your cat family, which is made up of adult cats that have made your home their own. What steps can you take to ensure that your cats get along and avoid conflict? You may build a solid bond with your new cats by using the following suggestions to introduce them to your family in the proper manner.
Confinement
One thing you should avoid doing is introducing your new cat and your present cat(s) in the same room. Your cats may immediately begin acting aggressively and fighting as a result. This poor initial impression could lead to a poor long-term relationship between your cats. Since first impressions are so important when it comes to cats, you must command the first meeting.
At first, only let the cats to hear and smell each other; don’t actually allow them to touch or see one another. You can accomplish this by securing the door to your new cat’s room and leaving it unattended. So that the cats can sense one another when they feed together and learn that nice things happen when they are all peaceful, place the food and water bowls for each cat next to the door. If they behave nicely and are close to the door, you may even give them snacks.
You can rearrange the furnishings in the rooms or even the cats after a few days. Giving them ample time to get to know one another’s aroma is crucial once more. Let them interact and get to know one another more through scents without ever meeting. Furthermore, this allows your new cat a chance to explore his home without being teased.
Crossing a Barrier to Get to Know Each Other
When you’re ready to allow your cats to socialize, you should still erect a barrier in the entryway separating your resident cats from the visitor, such as a few baby gates stacked one on top of the other. Even better, use a doorstopper to gently prop open the door so that they may view one another without tussling.
Giving them treats and lots of praise for good conduct are excellent first steps. On one side of the barrier, their feeding bowls can eventually be put next to one another so they can eat side by side without bothering one another.
Having No Barriers in the Way of Knowing Each Other
Remove any barriers between your cats so that they can interact organically as the following stage. You have to pay close attention to this stage. Additionally, as your cats will typically be less energized and perhaps more relaxed after eating or playing with them, it is advised to carry out this procedure following those activities. If they start fighting, have a squirt bottle nearby so you can break it up safely. First meetings should be quick, especially if you notice any hostility or aggression between the animals. Once everyone is free to explore, progressively lengthen the sessions.
During the introduction procedure, keep an eye on your cats and only allow interaction while you are present. They won’t hurt each other, and the meeting will proceed without incident. The second crucial point to keep in mind is that this process takes time, so you must be patient and spend time with your cats to help them acclimate to this common change as comfortably as you can.
