A new cat is one of life's great joys. In the coming years, they will surely provide you with a constant source of companionship and comfort. If you already have a cat in the home, you no doubt want the two of them to become the best of friends. But the introduction process must be handled with care to ensure that both pets feel safe and have proper time to adjust. Below are a few tips from veterinarians for introducing a new cat into your household.

How to Introduce Cats to One Another

1. Prepare Separate Spaces

Cats are territorial, and bringing a new cat into another cat's domain can invite aggression and hostility. So, start slow and prepare separate spaces for each animal. Designate one room for the new cat and keep them there for the first week, while letting the older cat access all other areas of the home. The new cat's room should be a space previously frequented by the older cat so the latter's scent is present and detectable by the new arrival.

Choose a room that still allows for plenty of social interaction with the people of the household, and make sure there is some space—even just a crack—between the bottom of the door and the floor. This way, if the cats want to introduce themselves to one another, there is a barrier in place.

2. Swap Scents

It's no secret that cats are ruled by their sense of smell. Before any face-to-face meetings between the cats, introduce them to one another's scents. Give the new cat a small blanket or toy for them to spend time with during the first few days. Then, bring that item into the domain of the older cat, while taking something of the older cat's—bedding is ideal—and bringing it into the new cat's space. When they first get acquainted through smell, the transition is usually much easier.

3. Initiate Contact

Start with visual contact. Open the door a bit and let the cats eye one another; this is all that's necessary for the first several days. As their curiosity grows, keep the door open for longer and longer, and allow the two to approach one another in their own time. If either cat is constantly hissing or howling, separate them and try again tomorrow. Gradually build up the time the two of them are exposed to one another until the presence of the other cat is less jarring.

Your new cat will need a regular veterinarian to make certain they remain happy and healthy. Pet Health Clinic serves the animals of Daleville, VA, and the surrounding areas. They offer comprehensive care that includes pet vaccinations, spay and neuter services, and flea control and prevention. Call (540) 992-4550 to schedule an appointment with a veterinarian or visit their website to browse their services.