Cat Behavior 101: Lesson 2: Introducing New Cats

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Cat Behavior 101 Lesson 2: Introducing New Cats From Franny Syufy, your Guide to Cats In multi-cat homes, many of the behavior challenges arise from the improper initial introduction of new cats and other pets. These articles should go a long way toward introducing cats to other cats, dogs, and babies - AND, second-chance introductions when the first one went wrong. Cat Introduction Primer How to Introduce a New Cat From Amy Shojai, CABC: "Cats get their tails in a twist over anything strange, especially introducing a new feline into an established cat hierarchy. Put yourself in the cat's paws-- would you share your dinner plate, toilet, and pillow with a funny-smelling stranger off the street? Proper cat integration reduces kitty stress, prevents behavior problems, and strengthens your loving bond." Learn more about proper cat introductions Babies: Cat-to-Baby Introductuction From Amy Shojai: "Introducing cats and babies uses some of the same techniques as cat-to-cat or cat-to-dog introductions. So if you are having a baby, congratulations! Or perhaps a grandchild will visit soon, what fun! In either event, paying attention to your resident cats and providing proper introductions will prepare you, the child, and the cat for a peaceful and even joyful time together." Learn more about introducing cats to babies Introducing Cats to Toddlers Amy writes: "Toddlers are closer to your cat's level, and move erratically, sound weird, smell funny (not like adults) so cats may think they're aliens! Proper introductions help keep your cat safe and happy, and can be the beginning of a wonderful lifetime of kitty love for the child as well." Read Amy's full article for more information on peaceful introductions of cats and toddlers. Introducing Cats to Dogs If cats regard toddlers as "aliens," they must regard dogs as "huge, dangerous aliens." From Amy: "Introducing cats to dogs takes planning, and while just throwing them together often is done, the pets do better with proper introductions. Nearly half of all pet families in this country include both cats and dogs in the household. These very different animals can--and do--appreciate each other as family members, but only if correctly socialized to each other as infants and then properly introduced." This article is a must-read for anyone contemplating adding a dog to the household. Remedial Introductions (The Second Time Around) Ask Amy: Adult Cats Re-Introduction Pat W. writes, "Coco seems scared of Calypso and hisses, growls or snarls when she comes over and tries to play. Coco also slinks around and is constantly on guard around Calypso. I don't think Calypso is trying to be mean, dominant, etc. but I'm not positive it's all just play. The problem seemed to worsen in the past week or two. I'm guessing something happened when I was at work." Although Pat was savvy and had done many of the correct things in the two cats' initial introduction, some cats take longer to adjust to new housemates. Read Amy's solid advice, which has resulted in a promising new relationship between these two girls. Ask Amy: How to Keep New Cat From Attacking Older Cat Gloria had a similar problem as Pat W's, only her new cat, Bella, had taken to sneaking up and attacking her older kitty, Sissy. Although she had attempted to do many of the right things, some of the methods she was using accomplished the wrong goals. Amy pointed out those areas and outlined a new plan for re-introducing these two female cats. This email is written by: Franny Syufy Cats Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum Missing a lesson? Click here. About U. is our collection of free online courses designed to help you learn a new skill, solve a problem, get something done, or just learn more about your world. Sign up now, and we will email you lessons on a daily or weekly basis. You are receiving this email because you subscribed to the About.com 'Cat Behavior 101' email. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. About respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2010 About.com Advertisement