Adding another animal to the household.
Q: We are thinking
about getting another cat, but we aren’t sure if our current cat will like the
idea. We also have a dog that loves
cats—sometimes too much! What’s the best
way to introduce a new cat?
A: Introducing animals to new things, people, or other animals can be tricky whether you are dealing with a cat or a dog. The key is to make the new addition the coolest thing in the world. Be sure to only feed and pay attention to existing animals in the presence of the new addition. This will make the new addition an important part of the family whose presence is required to get the resources needed to exist. Treats should “rain from heaven” every time the new addition comes around. Imagine how much you would want someone to be in the room if every time they entered $100 bills came out of the sky!
The following are some steps to help introductions go more smoothly.
1.
Set up a separate room for the new cat complete with a litter
box, food, and water. If possible, a
screen door on the room helps animals sniff each other safely, but it’s not
necessary.
2.
Allow the new cat to explore the separate area alone
with the door closed.
3.
Take the new cat out of the room and allow the current
cat and dog to explore the room and get to know the new cat’s scent. During this time the new cat can explore the
rest of the house.
4.
Feed the animals together (the dog may need to be in a
crate). Start at a distance, then
decrease the distance over time as everyone becomes more comfortable with each
other. Use plates instead of dishes so
the cats can see while they are eating.
5.
Have some short supervised time together—some hissing from
the cats is to be expected at first but this will eventually pass. Redirect any inappropriate or rough play—especially
from the dog.
6. Dogs should know the basic commands of sit, stay, and leave it. The dog may need to be kept on a leash in the beginning in order to prevent chasing. Once a dog finds out how much fun the chase is, it’s hard to stop this behavior. Prevention is the key.
7.
Never leave the animals alone together in the
beginning.
8.
Have one more cat boxes than number of cats around the house
so everyone has their privacy. Keep the
dog out of the cat box areas.
9. Put water dishes in areas that a cat can drink and see all around. Otherwise a cat may stop drinking out of fear that another cat or dog will sneak up from behind.
Eventually the animals will be able to spend more time
together without supervision. Some
become best friends, while others learn to tolerate each other. Either way, time spent planning and training
will help bring harmony to the household in no time when adding a new furry
companion.
