Welcome Home! With today's busy lifestyles, many pet owners find that their loyal dog or adorable kitty is left alone at home a great deal. And, many have found that a second (or third) pet helps alleviate some of the stress associated with the alone-at-home scenario.
If you've decided to add a new pet to your household, here are some tips for smoothing the introduction. In all cases, your first stop with your new pet should be the veterinarian. Have the newcomer screened for possible parasites, vaccinated and have nails (or claws) trimmed. You may also want to make an appointment for spaying or neutering. Spaying and neutering results in a healthier pet, but more importantly, reduces territorial behavior.
Cats Put your new cat or kitten in a closed room. Provide her with food, water and a litter box. Allow your resident cat and the new family member to "meet" from either side of a closed door. After a day or two, open the door and supervise the first meeting. Remember that a certain amount of hissing and growling is normal. This is their way of establishing who is the dominant cat. They will work it out without your help. Screaming and violent behavior is not normal. The two should be separated and given more time to adjust through the closed door. Remember, don't put your hands, or any other body parts, between two fighting cats. Under those circumstances, they won't recognize you as a non-involved bystander!
During the entire "getting-to-know-you" period, shower you resident cat with lots of attention and affection. Reassurance is the name of the game. It has even been suggested that you may want to have someone else carry the new cat (in her carrier) into the house and place her in the designated room. This may reduce your resident pet's jealousy.
If you're introducing a new cat to a resident dog, the dog can see you bring the cat (in carrier) into the house. Dogs are pack animals and you are the leader of the pack. They'll be more likely to accept your decisions! Do be sure to lavish your dog with affection during the acceptance period. Learn about training your cat.
One word of caution concerning dogs and cats. Be sure that your dog does not regard cats as prey! If you're not sure of his attitude, coordinate a visit to your vet's office. With him safely leashed, you and the veterinarian can supervise your pet's exposure to cats and monitor his reactions.
Dogs As with cats, keep the new dog or puppy confined in an area away from existing pets. In a day or two, with the newcomer placed in his crate (or "den"), allow the resident into the area. Monitor the meeting and repeat the encounter over a few more days. Finally, when you sense there is some acceptance between the two, allow the meeting to take place with the newcomer out of his crate. In all cases, you should behave in a reassuring manner. Your confidence in the situation will be communicated to your pets.
If you are introducing a new dog or puppy into a home where there are existing canine pets, remember that you are the "alpha" dog. It is important that you set the tone for the newcomer. For instance, allow your resident dog to eat first. This sets the dominance order and helps establish respect levels. Another helpful "ordering" activity is to have every family member give the newcomer a tummy rub every day. The newcomer is assuming a submissive position during this enjoyable bonding activity.
Following these introduction guidelines and exercising patience help assure a successful pairing of your new pet with your old. Learn about training your puppy. And, once their friendship solidifies, you'll find both pets and owner, too, will enjoy the new living arrangements and companionship. |