Do you want to bring a new cat in the house? Here's what you need to know before.
All you need to know before making the decision to bring a new cat into the house, when you already have one or more cats.
When you already have one or more and decide to bring a new cat in the house you need to consider several aspects. From the temperament of the already existing cat in the house to the careful assessment of the new cat you want to adopt. Being a lover of cats who already own two who have been taken from the street every 10 years, one by the other, I try to help you with some useful tips in this article.
In order to ensure a harmonious coexistence between cats, whether the new income is a cat saved from the street or one taken from a farm, the accommodation process must be managed with great care and responsibility from you.
Subject
Things you need to take into account before you bring a new cat into the house.
1.. The temperament of the existing cat in the house.
Before entering a second cat, analyze the behavior of your current cat. See if it is sociable or has a territorial nature, if it has a playful temperament or if it prefers peace. Some cats, especially the oldest, could more difficult to accept a new cat in the house. They have created their own stamps, and the cat is not the kind of animal to give up comfort, especially in favor of another cat.
However, many cats gladly receive a new cat in their space, especially if the new income is a cat. In some cases, if you bring a cat chicken to the house and you have a mature cat, the maternal feeling may appear and become protective with the cat chicken.
2. The temperament and age of the new cat
The personality and age of the new cat are very important factors. Usually, young cats adapt more easily to a new environment and the presence of other felines. A cat of the same age and energy with the resident can facilitate integration, but there are also chances that territorial conflicts will occur between them.
If the new cat is mature, like the one in the house, a longer accommodation and careful surveillance will be needed to avoid conflicts.
After you bring a new cat into the house, during the accommodation process, pay attention to signs of excessive aggression: prolonged grinding, repeated attacks or extreme avoidance behaviors. If these signs persist, call on a fellow behavior specialist.
3. The medical problems of the cats
If the new cat is brought from the street, take it to the veterinarian for a complete set of analyzes, deworming and vaccination, before contacting the existing cat in the house. It is important to exclude transmissible diseases such as Felv (feline leukemia) or IVF (feline AIDS).
To read:
- Feline immunodeficiency (FIV) or feline AIDS. Infectious disease.
- What is FeLV (feline leukemia virus) and what are the symptoms
It is understandable that it is not recommended to bring a new cat in the house, if the existing one suffers from a contagious disease or needs special that requires quiet and increased attention.
If the new cat is taken from a breeder, it is high chances that it will already be dewar, vaccinated and accustomed to socializing with both humans and other felines, which can simplify integration.
4. Quarantine is a solution after you bring a new cat in the house
Once the new cat is brought to the house, a quarantine period is recommended. Hold the new isolated cat in a separate room for 1-2 weeks, to prevent the spread of possible diseases and to give it time to get used to the new environment. During the quarantine period it allows the exchange of smells between the two cats using personal objects (blankets, toys). After a few days, let them be seen through an open door or grid.
5. Separate space and resources
To reduce the tensions between cats and not to become jealous and possessive, make sure that each cat has their own food and water bowls, and that they have enough places to sleep and hide. It is also recommended that the number of liter (sand boxes) are equal to the number of cats in the house. It is recommended that there are 3 liter in two cats.
In order not to develop their feeling of jealousy, allocate equal time for both cats.
Conclusion
Whether you adopt a cat on the street or from an authorized breeder, patience and a gradual introduction are the key to success. With a well -developed plan, the two cats can get to be playgrounds and interact in harmony. However, do not forget that each cat has its own personality, and the proximity and division of the space with another cat, can be approached and accepted differently.
Did you bring a new cat to the house? What experience did you have? It would be interesting if you told us in the comments.