Integrating a New Cat Into Your Home
Who says cats & dogs don’t get along? Pooch Molly and pussy cat Lyle, both adopted from DHA, relaxing in the home they share with Tony and Deb Grandizio.
Whether it’s a stray or a pet adopted from a shelter or breeder, your new cat will probably need help to become integrated into your home, especially if you already have dogs or cats. Many adopted cats are returned because the adopting family doesn’t give the new pet enough time to define its personal space.
The key to success is taking the time to make the new relationship work. Never rush this process; both the new pet and the current pets need time to adjust. Plan on at least a 2-week transition. Separate the new cat from the current pets for a period of 5 days. Lots of human visits during this period will ensure that the new cat bonds with you, and will give it time to adjust to the new surroundings. This also gives the newcomer time to feel completely safe in one room of its new home, so that if for any reason it becomes frightened at a later time, it knows where to find refuge.
After the initial separation comes the “supervised visits” phase, when new and old pets can interact for brief periods under the supervision of responsible family members. During this phase, the new pet should still be in a separate room when family members are away. If all goes well, new and established cats should be fully integrated in 2 to 4 weeks.
This process takes time and patience, but it makes it possible for new and old pets to live together in a peaceful, safe, environment. Some even become best friends.
