Sem qualquer dúvida, a pergunta “como introduzir um novo gato em casa?” é das mais comuns entre tutores de gatos. Nós sabemos o quanto é difícil nos adotarmos apenas um gatinho, seja porque amamos os gatos demasiado, porque queremos uma nova companhia para o nosso peludinho de bigodes ou porque encontramos um gatinho abandonado na rua e queremos dar um novo lar, família e amor para ele.
Unfortunately, introducing a new cat into a house where a feline already exists is not so simple. Introducing a new cat at home can be very stressful for the new cat and the old cat. Many people opt for the technique of putting them together and just “wait and see”, but there are rare cases where this happens. Chances are both cats are very nervous and anxious, they will suffer a lot! High levels of stress and anxiety increase the likelihood of aggression between them. That’s why Animal Expert created this article with everything you need to know about how to get used to a cat to another puppy.
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There are several steps to take to introduce a new cat to the family so that the two cats not only tolerate, but become best friends. Above all, you have to be very patient! You can never force the two cats to be together, because if you do, they’re more likely to attack.
It should be remembered that cats do not like changes in their habits and are very territorial animals. It will be a long process, but if it is done as we have described it will be rewarding when in the end your two kittens would be better to sleep together and spend hours playing. Regardless of the age of the new cat, whether a puppy or an adult, the process is similar. We’ll explain step by step what you need to do!
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Before the new cat even gets home, the adaptation process can begin. Buy synthetic pheromones in a diffuser (e.g. Feliway) to install in a one-room outlet. This room will be reserved for the new cat and the old one will not be able to access it (for now).
Prepare everything you need to make the new cat have its own space. Suitable sandbox, water, food, walks, toys and scraping boxes. This space will be like a monastery for the new kitten, where nothing and no one will bother you. The sense of security is essential to adapt the cat to the new home.
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Place the new family member in the monastery you have prepared especially for him. Under no circumstances should you allow the old cat to enter this space. For now, each of them should have their own space. All the cats in the house know that they don’t live there alone, because of the smell. They’re pretty scared of the smell. Therefore, it is important that at first it is the only thing that they feel for the other cat, the smell.
If you see that the cats are on the side of the bedroom door sniffing or scolding, don’t scold them. Try to distract the cats, get them out of this place. Play with them a lot and calm down! You have to remember that the most important thing is that cats are relaxed.
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Once the kittens are well housed, in the space that belongs to them for now, it’s time for you to show them that this change brings positive things! It is necessary to remember the importance of positive reinforcement in cats that are fundamental to your training.
A great idea to approach the cats, always with them separated, after two or three days when each has its own space, is to place the jar of food from each of them near the door that separates them. In this way, they will approach in search of food and begin to get used to the presence of the other. The distance from the door should be enough for the cats to be comfortable. If one of the cats starts blowing or erizarre, you should move the pot away from the door until it feels comfortable.
With each passing day, bring the food jars a little closer to the door, until the two pots are glued to the door. Remember that you will never be able to open the door at any time. A little carelessness may be enough to get the whole adaptation process back to the beginning.
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Smell is the way cats know each other. The pheromones they release are the main method of communication between felines.
In order for your cats to get used to the smell of each one and get to know each other before they meet personally, you must place an object of each of them in the space of the other. You can also choose to lightly rub the cat with a towel or cloth when it is quiet and at peace. Pass through the cheek area, where they release more pheromones. The most important thing is to do this when the cat is calm, in this way it will transmit that calm to the other feline when it smells the towel with the pheromones.
Now simply place the towel next to the other cat and carefully observe its behavior. If you feel good and do nothing, reward it! This is a very good sign that it does not smell or show any other signs of aggression. Play with your feline next to the towel and reward it every time you line up in games. It is very important to associate positive things with the presence of the smell of the other cat. Thus, the cat will associate the other feline at positive times.
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Once all the cats are used to the smells of others, it’s time to move them. Start by placing the former resident (if you have more cats) in a room and close it for a while. Now let the new kitten go into the house. Open your bedroom door and let it walk freely around the house. Sometimes you don’t want to leave the room right away: don’t force it! Try again and as many times as necessary until the new kitten feels comfortable throughout the house. Whenever he behaves well, be sure to strengthen him positively with food and affection!
If at any time the cat begins to stress, take it to its old “monastery” until it calms down and relaxes.
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When the new cat is completely comfortable in the house, without the former resident nearby, lock him in a room and look for the former resident so he can explore the room that was the monastery of his new kitten. If you don’t cooperate and get stressed, don’t force it! You can repeat the attempts as many times as necessary! You must remember the old popular adage “haste is the enemy of perfection.” The introduction of a new cat at home does not have an exact science. Each cat has its own rhythm of adaptation to new situations and it is important that you respect the rhythm and limitations of each of your cats. Always adapt the rhythm and workouts to the shyest and most nervous cat.
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When cats are already completely at ease and calm to each other, it’s time to introduce them! This moment is very important and you must be very careful and careful to avoid any situation that triggers an assault between them.
There are different options to consider for the first time. If you have an area with a window or window in the middle, this is a good option! Another possibility would be to place the new cat in their monastery and do the feeding session as explained above but with the door slightly open so that they can look at each other. If they are calm, you can use a wand-shaped toy to play and associate moments of play with each other.
If the new kitten is a puppy, placing it in a baby carrier so that the former resident can approach can also be a good alternative.
If one of the cats is stressed or becomes aggressive, throw a sandwich or toy to distract it and separate the cats. As we mentioned, some animals take longer to accept others and you can always try again tomorrow. The important thing is not to ruin everything by wanting to make things faster than the rhythm of your cats.
When cats no longer show aggression or discomfort between them, HAPPY! You’ve already tolerated them! Now you can make them known and be together, but with caution. Observe your interaction during the first two or three days of total freedom. Have snacks and toys nearby in case a cat becomes aggressive and needs to distract you!
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If you have two bad cats presented and you still don’t get along… there’s hope! Our advice is to do exactly this process with them, place the newest cat in a “monastery” and follow this process step by step. Who knows if with these tricks you won’t be able to reconnect your cats, even if it’s so they can tolerate themselves without a fight and peace comes back to you!
If you want to read articles similar to, we recommend that you go to our Basic Training section.