Bringing a New Cat Home

Cats can be just like children when it’s time to add the second pet to the family -- if not done properly, jealousy, resentment, and plain old hostility will take place.

When my sister was born, I can remember my mother always saying to me, “Someday your sister will be your best friend in the whole world. She is all you have, so I suggest you be friends now and learn to live and love together.” At five, I didn’t know how true that advice was going to be. My sister today is not only my best friend, but she is my confidant and great defender. I can’t imagine life without her. And to think when she was born, I tried to push her into the pool, because I didn’t want to be anything other than first born and top cat!

Much the same goes for our pets. When introducing a new pet, be it a cat or dog, there are two outcomes. Either they won’t get along or they will form a friendship and have a built-in playmate. It’s always important to make your first cat know that he or she is very loved and that the new addition will be a good thing and not a bad thing. Here are some tips for making a happy homecoming and friendship for your growing family.

Once you have picked out your new cat or kitten, it is wise to bring a small blanket to play with your new cat at the breeders or the rescue center. This way, you bring the blanket home for your cat to get used to the smell of the new kitten coming home. Cats are creatures of smell, so make sure that the baby blanket has your first cat’s smell on it too. The point here is for each cat to get used to each other’s smell. Rub this on the cats face cheeks and body -- make it a game.

When you bring your new cat home, it is important to confine him to one particular room for the first few days. This will allow him to adapt to his new surroundings, get used to his/her bedding, and learn how to use his litter box. Also, for a few minutes each day, you can introduce your first cat to your new addition.

Once your new cat has adjusted to his new home, your next step is to bring him out in his plastic carrier into the main room of your house. Let your new cat wander around without the fear of being attacked by the first cat. After about an hour, you can slowly introduce kitty #1 to kitty #2. They will show curiosity towards each other which is perfectly normal, so let them smell each other and get to know one another. If you see any aggressive behavior, you will have to step in, separate and start all over again. If there is no aggressive behavior, keep a close eye and hopefully the bonding process will begin and they will slowly become the best of friends.

In the beginning, at feeding time, I suggest feeding them apart until you know that they are safe and comfortable with each other. I also suggest talking with your vet about your new kitty to make this a smooth and easy transition for the whole family.

Be positive and be very patient. This could take some time, but at the end of the day (if done correctly), kitty one and kitty two will become the best of friends and have a playmate for life, just like my sister and I.

• How to Pick a Vet
• How to Give a Cat a Pill
• Taking a Great Photo With Your Cat
• How to Clean a Cat’s Ears
• Making Your Own Air Freshener
• Cat Safety Tips
• Naming Your New Kitten or Cat
• Kitty Birthday Party
• Homemade Herbal Flea Collar
• Homemade Cat Toys
• Bringing a New Kitten Home
• Recipe for Homemade Cat Treats
• How To Make a Cat First Aid Kit

• Make Your Own Natural Cat Repellent
• Maine Coon Cat Health Problems
• How to Make a Cat Scratcher
• Cat Breed Quiz

• Cat Worms
• Feline Hair Loss
• Cat Meow Sound
• Cats Illness Symptoms
• Illness In Older Cats Symptoms Of Dying

• Introducing Your Cat to Your New Baby
• How to Handle Your Kitten or Cat
• Tips on Finding a Lost Cat
• Bringing a New Kitten Home
• Naming Your New Kitten or Cat