INTRODUCING A CAT: TO CATS
INTRODUCING A CAT: TO CATS RSPCA KNOWLEDGEBASE
By planning ahead and taking things slowly, your chances of success when introducing cats are much greater. If you rush into things and attempt to “force” a relationship, you might inadvertently sabotage a relationship that could have otherwise worked out. Here are six steps that can help you ensure a successful introduction:
STEP ONE:
START BY TRADING SCENTS Once you have selected a potential new cat, ask the shelter or breeder if you can take home a blanket the cat has slept on to give to your resident kitty. Also ask if it would be possible to bring a blanket from home that your resident kitty has slept on, to give to your new cat. In some cases, this will not be possible — especially with kittens — due to disease concerns. But if you can exchange the cats’ scents with one another, you will be introducing a very important identification and communication signal right off the bat.
STEP TWO:
PREPARE A SEPARATE ROOM Some cats can be dropped into the middle of a new home and adapt just fine, with everything working out between the kitties. However, such an approach can also end in disaster, injuries or a failed adoption. Before bringing your new cat home, we recommend that you: Find a quiet room in your house (a bedroom or bathroom) where you can keep her safely separated from the resident cat for a few days. Make sure it is a room where the resident cat has been, that it can be easily accessed by all human family members for social interactions and playtime, and that it is set up with food, water, litter, toys and soft beds. Choose a room that has an inch or two of space under the door for feline introductions.
STEP THREE:
FEED THEM ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE DOOR Place both cats’ dishes close to the door, on their respective sides. If one of the cats refuses to eat, you can feed her elsewhere, but still place dishes of tuna or some other tasty snack on either side of the door. By having both cats experience something positive (a meal or yummy snack) while they are nearby, they can learn to form positive associations with each other. If either cat is growling or hissing at the other through the door, don’t put them together anytime soon; take things very slowly and continue feeding this way. If the problems continue for several days, it is likely the match is not going to work out.
STEP FOUR:
EXCHANGE SCENTS AROUND THE HOUSE If both cats are eating well, and appear calm and relaxed on their respective sides of the door, then it’s time for the big scent exchange: The resident cat should now be confined in the room, while the new cat is allowed to roam the house. Each cat should use the other cat’s (scooped!) litter box, food and water dishes, beds and toys, so the only thing being exchanged is the cats themselves. Continue to feed both cats close to their respective sides of the door. While the new cat is exploring your home, you may want to close bedroom and bathroom doors at first so she does not feel overwhelmed. Over the course of a few days, open a door or two at a time and increase the amount of space the new cat has access to. If either cat appears stressed, nervous or fearful, you might want to do the exchange described above multiple times, for example: The new cat spends a few days in the room, then a few in the house, then back in the room — while the resident cat is in the opposite location. This can help ensure lots of scent exchange and desensitization.
STEP FIVE:
LET THEM MAKE VISUAL CONTACT If everything seems to be going well, and everyone is acting, eating and using the litter box normally, you’re doing great! The next step is to open the separating door, but keep a gate of some sort across it so they can see, smell and have contact with each other. The gate should prevent complete access. (A baby gate is perfect, but usually not high enough for cats, so you may need to stack two on top of each other.) Continue feeding both cats on their respective sides of the door, and continue switching them back and forth.
STEP SIX:
ALLOW THEM TO MEET If everything seems fine, and everyone is acting, eating and using the litter box normally, then it’s time to take down the gates. There may be some hissing or swatting, but cats often will work things out by themselves. If there is a fight in which one of the cats is traumatized or injured (and you have followed all of the above steps), then the match will likely not work out. If the cats seem to tolerate, ignore, enjoy or interact with each other – that’s great news!
LEAVING CATS ALONE TOGETHER
It’s a good idea to separate the cats at first when you will not be around to supervise them. You want to ensure that you see all their interactions and know exactly what is going on. After you feel that the cats are getting along, you can ease up on this step. Getting another cat will have a big impact on your resident cat, so considering your decision carefully and introducing them properly is the right thing to do. Good luck!
By planning ahead and taking things slowly, your chances of success when introducing cats are much greater. If you rush into things and attempt to “force” a relationship, you might inadvertently sabotage a relationship that could have otherwise worked out. Here are six steps that can help you ensure a successful introduction:
STEP ONE:
START BY TRADING SCENTS Once you have selected a potential new cat, ask the shelter or breeder if you can take home a blanket the cat has slept on to give to your resident kitty. Also ask if it would be possible to bring a blanket from home that your resident kitty has slept on, to give to your new cat. In some cases, this will not be possible — especially with kittens — due to disease concerns. But if you can exchange the cats’ scents with one another, you will be introducing a very important identification and communication signal right off the bat.
STEP TWO:
PREPARE A SEPARATE ROOM Some cats can be dropped into the middle of a new home and adapt just fine, with everything working out between the kitties. However, such an approach can also end in disaster, injuries or a failed adoption. Before bringing your new cat home, we recommend that you: Find a quiet room in your house (a bedroom or bathroom) where you can keep her safely separated from the resident cat for a few days. Make sure it is a room where the resident cat has been, that it can be easily accessed by all human family members for social interactions and playtime, and that it is set up with food, water, litter, toys and soft beds. Choose a room that has an inch or two of space under the door for feline introductions.
STEP THREE:
FEED THEM ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE DOOR Place both cats’ dishes close to the door, on their respective sides. If one of the cats refuses to eat, you can feed her elsewhere, but still place dishes of tuna or some other tasty snack on either side of the door. By having both cats experience something positive (a meal or yummy snack) while they are nearby, they can learn to form positive associations with each other. If either cat is growling or hissing at the other through the door, don’t put them together anytime soon; take things very slowly and continue feeding this way. If the problems continue for several days, it is likely the match is not going to work out.
STEP FOUR:
EXCHANGE SCENTS AROUND THE HOUSE If both cats are eating well, and appear calm and relaxed on their respective sides of the door, then it’s time for the big scent exchange: The resident cat should now be confined in the room, while the new cat is allowed to roam the house. Each cat should use the other cat’s (scooped!) litter box, food and water dishes, beds and toys, so the only thing being exchanged is the cats themselves. Continue to feed both cats close to their respective sides of the door. While the new cat is exploring your home, you may want to close bedroom and bathroom doors at first so she does not feel overwhelmed. Over the course of a few days, open a door or two at a time and increase the amount of space the new cat has access to. If either cat appears stressed, nervous or fearful, you might want to do the exchange described above multiple times, for example: The new cat spends a few days in the room, then a few in the house, then back in the room — while the resident cat is in the opposite location. This can help ensure lots of scent exchange and desensitization.
STEP FIVE:
LET THEM MAKE VISUAL CONTACT If everything seems to be going well, and everyone is acting, eating and using the litter box normally, you’re doing great! The next step is to open the separating door, but keep a gate of some sort across it so they can see, smell and have contact with each other. The gate should prevent complete access. (A baby gate is perfect, but usually not high enough for cats, so you may need to stack two on top of each other.) Continue feeding both cats on their respective sides of the door, and continue switching them back and forth.
STEP SIX:
ALLOW THEM TO MEET If everything seems fine, and everyone is acting, eating and using the litter box normally, then it’s time to take down the gates. There may be some hissing or swatting, but cats often will work things out by themselves. If there is a fight in which one of the cats is traumatized or injured (and you have followed all of the above steps), then the match will likely not work out. If the cats seem to tolerate, ignore, enjoy or interact with each other – that’s great news!
LEAVING CATS ALONE TOGETHER
It’s a good idea to separate the cats at first when you will not be around to supervise them. You want to ensure that you see all their interactions and know exactly what is going on. After you feel that the cats are getting along, you can ease up on this step. Getting another cat will have a big impact on your resident cat, so considering your decision carefully and introducing them properly is the right thing to do. Good luck!
INTRODUCING A CAT: TO DOGS RSPCA KNOWLEDGEBASE
HOW SHOULD I INTRODUCE MY NEW CAT OR KITTEN TO THE FAMILY DOG?
First consider if it would be safe and appropriate to have both a dog and cat as part of your family. While dogs and cats can live together in harmony and even become friends, in some cases individual dogs may not be compatible with cats. It is important that you manage the introduction to your family carefully and that your new cat/kitten and dog are always supervised until you are sure everyone is comfortable and safe. Introducing a new feline member to the family is a special and exciting time but can be a little overwhelming for all concerned. However, this can be managed with planning, so that everyone feels safe and there is minimal stress. Some cats will integrate into a family with existing pets better than others. Older cats are likely to be less energetic than young kittens; if you already have old pets you may wish to adopt a calm dog friendly adult cat. Once you have decided on a cat you will have to think about how best to introduce them to your existing pets to ensure that everything goes smoothly. This may be a stressful time for both animals and it is important that you are patient and prepared for the introduction to take place over at least a week but perhaps a few weeks. Before you bring your new cat or kitten home you should spend some time preparing your house and your existing pets for their arrival. In particular, it is important to ensure that there are plenty of high resting places where your new cat or kitten will be able to easily and safely retreat away from your dog if they want to. In addition, you’d want to make sure that your new cat has a private dog free area with everything they need in it (food, water, litter tray, bed, hiding place, elevated platforms etc.). This helps reduce stress and avoid problems with your cat being too afraid to eat/drink or use the litter tray. Ideally your dog should be crate trained. There are many benefits to this, but particularly in this situation, it will make the introductions easier and safer.
WHEN YOU FIRST BRING YOUR NEW CAT OR KITTEN HOME
Before introducing a kitten/cat to your dog, allow some time for your kitten/cat to settle in their new environment and become comfortable with you. Introduce them to the house slowly and provide a comfortable hiding place for your kitten/cat to retreat to in case they feel threatened at any time. It may take several days or even a couple of weeks before your kitten/cat is confident in their new home and closely bonded to you. During this time keep your kitten/cat separated from your dog. Once your kitten/cat is comfortable enough to start exploring the house, secure your dog in their favorite room with their bed, water, food and some favorite toys. Allow your cat to explore the house at their own pace and become familiar with your dog’s scent. Then allow them to return to their own room when they are ready, without letting your dog out. Repeat this over the next few days, allowing each animal their turn to have access to the whole house without ever confronting one another. In the meantime, work on reinforcing your dog’s basic training so that you have good control over them when it comes to introducing your new kitten/cat to your dog. By the time your kitten/cat is comfortable with their new home, your dog will have become aware of the presence of a new member to the household and hopefully will be getting used to the idea!
INTRODUCING YOUR NEW CAT OR KITTEN AND YOUR DOG
Ideally your dog or puppy should be crate trained. There are many benefits to this but, particularly in this situation, it will make the introductions easier and safer. When you are ready to introduce your new kitten/cat to your dog, do so when your dog is at their calmest. You may wish to take them for a long walk beforehand. For the first introduction, use a room in which your cat is easily able to escape to a safe place if they want to (for example, a room with a familiar and well-used high platform such as a multi-tiered cat scratching post) so the cat can escape from the situation and gain vertical height, as cats often like to be above the scene looking down and can feel safer that way. If your dog is in a crate you can give them a distracting toy and then bring your kitten/cat into the room. Never force any interactions but just give your kitten/cat a lot of attention and positive experiences such as grooming, playing, and treats while they are in the same room as your dog. Just let the kitten/cat get used to the dog being there and vice versa. Once your kitten/cat and dog seem relaxed in the room together, you can move onto having your dog on a leash out of the crate. If you are unable to use a crate for the introductions then start with this step. Keep your dog next to you on a secure leash while the kitten/cat is in the room and give them both praise and treats to reward calm behavior. It is helpful to have another person with you during this time if possible so each animal can be praised and rewarded at the same time. If your dog becomes highly excitable at any time during the introduction remove them from the room. Do this several times a day, keeping the meetings short so that stress is kept to a minimum. You should allow the kitten/cat to choose whether they approach the dog or not. They may hiss or growl but if no interaction is forced they are unlikely to advance and if they do you can protect your dog from any aggressive advance. Just make sure you have an inanimate safe object (like a large cushion) to place between you and the dog and the kitten/cat for the worst case scenario! Be patient, it will probably take a few weeks of having your dog on the leash with the kitten/cat around before everyone is sufficiently comfortable to try with the dog off-leash. These interactions should still be closely supervised. In the initial stages there may be some hissing and tail swishing but this should settle down after a few days. Keep a close eye on both animals and never punish either of them for aggressive behavior as this will be a negative experience associated with the presence of the other animal and counter-productive. If you have more than one dog, it is best to introduce each one individually, as your kitten/cat may be overwhelmed if they has to meet both dogs at the same time. Ensure your dog receives a lot of individual attention from you during the period of time over which you are introducing the kitten/cat. Do not leave your animals alone together until you are absolutely certain that they tolerate each other, the dog has been trained not to chase the kitten/cat and they are all safe. If you are not sure, continue to supervise directly when you are at home or physically separate them when you are not at home. The kitten/cat should ALWAYS have somewhere safe to which they can retreat (an area the dog cannot get to, such as high platforms), even when you do feel comfortable about leaving the two unsupervised together. Keep in mind that your pets may never be best friends. Hopefully, however, they will at least tolerate one another and learn to live happily in the same house. In situations where cats and dogs do not like each other in the long-term, they may still be able to co-exist in relative peace by seeking out their own space and spending most of their time apart. Pets often have the ability to find a balance and share their territory. Having access to different rooms so that they can choose to be alone can be a big help to making both animals feel secure and happy. Feeding the cat and dog separately is also important and ensuring that your cat has a private area to go to the toilet and a safe sleeping spot may assist. If your attempts at introduction are not going well, or either animals seem stressed or agitated, it may be wise to seek professional help through a trained behaviorist.