Each cat is different and with a new home to get used to, you might find that your new feline friend is a little nervous. When you approach your cat, ensure the following:
- make sure you get down to their level
- put out your hand
- call their name softly
- always ensure they come to you
Introducing your cat to your family
Once your cat seems confident with you, it’s time to introduce other family members. Remember to do this gradually, with each family member greeting the cat one by one. It can be overwhelming for your new cat to meet everyone at the same time.
If you have children, they are likely to be excited about the new arrival but it is important to keep them calm. Let the cat come to them and when they do, show the children how to gently stroke and interact with them.
While cats and children generally get along, even the friendliest cat will defend themselves if they are pushed or pulled too much. Avoid picking your cat up in the early stages too. Wait until they are settled and know that you are not a threat.
Introducing your cat to other pets
Do you have other pets in your home, like dogs or other cats? Taking your time to introduce your cat to other pets can improve their chances of getting on well.
Gradual introductions are the best way to help your pets to get along – especially if you already have a cat in the house. Contrary to belief, cats much prefer to be the only cat in the home. However, if there is no competition for food or sleeping places in the house, cats can learn to tolerate each other and can sometimes become good friends.
To introduce your cat to an existing cat in your home:
- stroke each cat with a clean cloth and dab it around your home, leaving the cloth in the cat’s environment to sniff when the cat is ready to investigate
- swap the scents until your cats no longer react to the scent
- if possible, place a glass or mesh door between the cats when they meet – this will allow them to approach or hide as they choose
It can take anything from a day to many weeks for cats to tolerate each other so don’t give up.
To introduce your cat to your dog (or other pet)
- swap scents by stroking each pet with a separate, clean cloth
- repeat the process until your pets show no reaction to the smell
- keep your dog on the lead and keep them calm before meeting your new cat
- never restrain your cat or force them to approach the dog
Resources
Cats Protection in the U.K.
Please note this was an informational research project to educate a friend & a new parent for proper senior cat care & adoption. I did not write most of this material, only gathered & now sharing it to help other cat parents.
To see the last Series “Rehoming A Cat”, start here.
To read the beginning of this series, “Welcome Home Your New Cat”, click here.
To read the next Article in this series, go here.
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