Cat lovers and breeders know very well that one cat is often not enough, and that there is sometimes a need to get another cat companion. However, this decision will affect the whole household and, above all, it is necessary to prepare the cat you already have for the arrival of a new family member. What should you do in this situation and what should you be aware of?
Cats are generally rather social creatures who like to play, and therefore the integration of a new addition into the family could be without major problems. However, it is certainly necessary to think about the right way to introduce both your pets to each other. “Both cats should certainly not be forced to be together, it is better if they have their own space and they learn to be with each other on their own," says Darina Tarabini.
Enough Attention and Starting Separately
However, the animals should always be watched over to avoid unwanted fights that might need to be brought into line. At the same time, the cats should spend their first days in the new home separately. Tarabini describes her experience: “First, I have the new family member in another room – for quarantine as well as to allow it to get used to the new environment”. At the same time, she adds that it is good to devote enough attention to the new cat to make it easier for it to get used to the new home and to let it know that it is welcome.
Sprays Might Help
Then, you can slowly let your older household member get used to the new addition to the family, perhaps by letting it get used to the smell of the new cat. This can for example happen if you let your pet smell your hands and clothes. If your cat reacts aggressively to this change, you can use various tools to mitigate the aggression and facilitate adjustment. These include, for example, various pheromone sprays or homeopathy.
Respect for Individuality
Cats’ different natures need to be respected. The breeder advises that the owner should always try to adapt to each animal. “I try not to force cats to do anything. Some of them need more attention, more cuddling and games, others are more independent and only want a full bowl. I always try to adapt to what a given cat needs and requires," she explains.
The Importance of One’s Personal Space
Also, it is important to maintain the personal space of each animal and to ensure that it has access to a bowl with water and dry food. It’s great to have a spot for food and sleeping for each family member separately, mainly in the beginning. Then, if they get along well, these boundaries don’t have to be so strict. In the beginning, every pet should know that they have their own spot to use.
Age (Doesn’t) Matter
Whether cats learn to live together usually depends on their natures rather than on their age. However, it is also true that younger cats are usually more active and adjust to changes better than older cats that need their peace and quiet. However, if the new household member is similar in nature to the old one, it is very likely that they will get along well.
Have you ever watched your cat and asked yourself what it might be thinking? It sometimes seems that these furry friends enjoy situations in which you don’t know if they love your or want to claw your eyes out. They only sit and watch you from a...
These special dogs were bred and raised specifically for hunting of puffins and guillemots (water birds). For this reason, they have several very specific and for their purpose very practical physical deviations. For example, they have extremely...
They say there aren’t many activities as relaxing as fishing. And it’s no longer true that fishing is only for men. When my friend told me she takes her dog for fishing, I was really surprised. And I immediately had to question her about how it...
If you like small dogs, it will be easy for you to fall in love with pomeranians. Not only they look like teddy bears with a nice face and look, they will also impress you with their nature. They belong to sociable dog breeds rightfully. Besides their...
Living with dogs is such a natural thing for us dog lovers that we sometimes treat them more like people. We love them, we nurture them but we may sometimes care a bit too much and unintentionally harm our furry friends. Such cases include wrong fur...
Miniature pinscher is also called min pin or German pinscher. There is a great personality with a big heart inside its little body. It is a big warrior,sports dog and a tourist. Perfect sports for this breed are for example dog dancing or agility where...
Some animals are simply talented for water sports. Already as a puppy, Ricochet grabbed people’s attention for her confidence she jumped into sea waves with. Later on, she became a dog hero helping disabled and a role model for many enthusiasts who...
While in the wildlife, their diet depends on natural instincts, rodents kept by humans and other small animals require a regular and balanced diet. What should rodent’s diet include and what should it avoid? What food is dangerous/safe for it? And what...
If you wish to do sports with your dog, you should at first think about if it’s right for you pet, no matter if you want to do it for leisure or top-level. And not only from the point of view of your pet’s nature but also of its physical predispositions.
Have you ever discussed whether a cat or a dog is more intelligent with your friends? Reportedly, scientists already know the answer. In this article, I mention a few facts and observations from a recently published research paper on this topic.
Cats can handle a new human in your family very badly. They are more sensitive to the changes than dogs. Are you interested in what you can do to enjoy this time and not to deal with the problems with your cat?
Are you considering getting a rodent as your new pet but you are afraid it won’t be doing good with your dog under one roof? Don’t be afraid, dogs and rodents can do great together. It is important to teach your dog from an early age that other animals...
