CatsDogsTraining & BehaviourHow to safely introduce a new furry family member to your other pets

So you’re looking to bring another furry four-legged family member into your home?

As proud pet parents, we understand the joy and responsibility of adding a new family member to the pack. Though carefully planned introductions are key to creating a happy home, and our expert training techniques can pave the way for a seamless transition.

So, let’s explore valuable tips and tricks to introduce a new pet to your beloved fur family…

Introducing a Cat and a Dog: Fostering Feline-Canine Friendship

Cats and dogs may have their differences, but with proper introductions, they can build beautiful friendships. Whether you’re bringing home a kitten, a puppy, or an adult pet, here are the steps to ensure a successful introduction between cats and dogs:

1. Slow and Controlled Introductions: Start by keeping your new pet and resident pet in separate areas. Allow them to get accustomed to their surroundings and scents before meeting face-to-face. If you’ve got a dog, crate training can be a very useful tool here!
2. Catify Your Home: Create a vertical and layered space for your cat, such as cat trees, shelves, and perches. This helps them feel secure and allows them to escape if needed.
3. Feeding on Opposite Sides: Feed your pets on opposite sides of a closed door to familiarize them with each other’s scent in a positive context.
4. Train Your Dog on Basic Commands: Impulse control is crucial for dogs, especially around cats. Train your dog on basic commands like sit, lie down, and stay to manage their behaviour during interactions.
5. Face-to-Face Meeting: Once your new pet is settled, try a supervised face-to-face meeting in a controlled environment. Reward calm behaviour and separate them immediately if any aggression occurs.
6. Manage Stress Levels: Introducing a new family member can be stressful for all pets involved. Consider natural calming tablets or diffusers like Feliway to reduce anxiety in your pets.
7. Supervision is Key: Continue daily supervised meetings, gradually increasing their time together as they become more comfortable.

Introducing a New Cat to a Resident Cat: Strategic and Slow

When adding a new cat to a home with a resident cat, patience and strategy are essential for a successful introduction:

1. Create a Sanctuary Room: Provide a separate room with all the essentials for your new cat, allowing them time to adjust to their new surroundings.
2. Exchange Scents: Before they see each other, let them smell each other’s bedding and toys to establish familiarity.
3. Feeding on Opposite Sides: Just like with dogs, feeding on opposite sides of a closed door helps create positive associations.
4. Solo Exploration: Let your new cat explore the rest of the house alone while keeping your resident cat in another room.
5. Face-to-Face Interaction: Once they are ready, try a face-to-face interaction with close supervision and distractions in case of aggression.
6. Keep Expectations Realistic: While you hope for friendship, understand that cats may coexist peacefully without becoming best pals.
7. Supervise Always: Monitor every interaction until you’re confident they can be alone together.

Are You Ready for a Mixed Fur Family?

At Pawz & Me, we understand the excitement and challenges of blending a fur family. If you need a little help getting it right, our expert Dog Training services can help with this transition, ensuring a peaceful and loving environment for all.

If you’re ready to embark on this heartwarming journey, click here to learn more about our training programs.

Let’s create a fur family that thrives on love, trust, and friendship. Together, we’ll make your home a paradise of peace and wagging tails! 🐾