September 14, 2020

Every household has its own way of running and for that reason, there is no exact science to introducing a new cat to your other pets.  Cats all have different personalities and temperaments, so it can be hard to make sure you are creating a positive introduction.  However, there are things you can do to help the process run as smoothly as possible for everyone and every pet involved. 

Many cats don't appreciate change...

When introducing your new cat to your home, it is important to think about how they must be feeling.  Many cats don’t appreciate change, and being brought into a new environment is scary and stressful for them.  They aren’t used to you, the new home, or the other people or animals who already live there.  For that reason, it is important to give your new kitty plenty of time to feel safe and acclimated.  Allow them to have a cozy area to themselves for a while.  Give them somewhere to hide, a soft spot to sleep, food, water, and their own litter box.  Slowly introduce your current pet’s scent to the new cat by placing a blanket or towel your pet has been laying on near the new cat’s food.  This will help your new cat to associate your current pet’s smells with something positive.  You can do the same for your current pets with the new cat’s scent. 

Think about how your current pets are feeling, too

Your current pets may not be too accepting to change, either.  Cats can sometimes use aggression or bad behavior as a response to a new animal in the house.  To help ease their stress, allow each animal to take their time adjusting.  Some hissing is to be expected.  If you see more aggressive behavior, like crouching or flattened ears, distract them with a loud noise or herd them away from each other until they can calmly try again.  Some may feel at home quicker than others!  If your new cat and your other pets meet each other without incident, let them continue to be around each other.  Eventually, your cats will get used to each other and establish their new normal.  If your current cats are becoming more aggressive, feel free to reach out to Galloway Village Veterinary to help you with more tactics to help your pets live together happily.  

Adopting a new cat

We don’t always get to choose the new cat that is coming home with us.  When you adopt the stray kitten that is wandering around your neighborhood or take one in from a family member or friend, many times you get the cat you get.  You are providing it with a home because it needs one.  If you are able to adopt a cat in a shelter setting, you can try to avoid a lot of personality clashes by carefully choosing one with the right temperament fit for your home.  For example, if the pets you currently have at home enjoy playing, it might be a good idea to get a playful cat.  If your pets enjoy sleeping and relaxing, you may want to find a more mellow or older cat.  Trying to match your new pet's personality with the personalities of your other furry family members can help them live cohesively.

Finding the right fit

It’s not only about finding the right fit for your other pets, but it’s also about finding the right fit for you and your lifestyle.  If you have kids, other pets, or you travel a lot, you’ll want to find a cat who is compatible with those things.  Doing your homework before making a choice like this can make the introduction a lot easier on you, your pets, and your new cat.  In addition to finding the right personality, make sure you are bringing a cat home that is up to date on all of its vaccinations.  And be sure your current pets’ vaccinations are up to date as well.  

Getting a new pet is always so exciting!  Acclimating a new cat can be tricky, but our goal for you is to make it as smooth as possible.  Although at first your new cat and current pets may not get along, that’s totally normal.  Some pets may meet and immediately enjoy each other’s company and that’s okay, too.  Not all situations will be the same.  Just remember you have resources to help if your pets are having a harder time adjusting to one another.  The doctors and technicians at GVV can always offer solutions to help ease your pets into their new normal.

- From Your Friends at GVV

Meet Lily!  She is an approximately 1-year-old domestic short hair, and is looking for her forever home!  Lily came to us on June 3rd after a staff member found her as a stray.  At the time, she was pregnant with six kittens, malnourished, covered in fleas, had intestinal parasites, and had an ear infection.  She, unfortunately, lost all her kittens due to a miscarriage.  Here she is, three months later, healthy as can be!  She has been spayed, dewormed, is up to date on vaccines,  current on flea/tick/heartworm prevention, and is FeLV/FIV negative.  Lily is very affectionate and loves to cuddle, but also loves to run around playing and pouncing!  She would do best in a house all by herself, but she has shown that she will warm up to other pets if introduced properly and given time.  If you are interested in adopting Lily, please give us a call at (417) 866-6681.