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mnhtnbb

(31,374 posts)
24. Here's what a local cat rescue sanctuary recommends for introducing new cats
Sun Jul 12, 2015, 11:44 PM
Jul 2015

Siglinda's Advice for Settling your New Goathouse Cat into your Home
Siglinda has adopted out hundreds of cats and kittens from the Refuge as well as taking care of many different cats and kittens in her home. She is an expert at introducing a new cat into a strange environment and her method has worked for hundreds of cats. She strongly urges you to try this approach when adopting a new cat. It reduces the stress on you, your family, and the cat. Cats that are not properly introduced can have behavioral problems so please take the time to give your cat the best start it can have.

Get a medium sized dog crate (we can often loan you one).
Set it up in an area in your home where the family and other pets congregate.
Cover the crate on 3 sides and on top with a blanket or towels.
Put in a litter pan with our litter (given to you when you leave with your new cat).
Put in food and water bowls (food similar to what the cat is eating at the Refuge will be given to you when you leave with your new cat).
Put in comfortable bedding. Add in something with your scent on it (worn t-shirt or used towel).
Upon coming home with your new cat, put them into the crate. This lets the cat acclimate to the scents, sounds and routines of your house in a protected and safe environment. Meanwhile, because some the bedding contains your scent, it lets the other animals in your home smell your scent on the new cat.
Feed them twice a day and give them fresh water every day. We strongly recommend giving glucosamine and Vitamin C to your cat to avoid painful urinary infections and blockages, especially for male cats. We do this for all the cats at the refuge.
After a week or so, open the cage door and let the cat come out at his/her own speed.
Remember – patience, patience, patience is the key to bringing a new cat into your home. It can sometimes take several weeks for a new cat to adjust.
This approach lets your current pets get to know the new resident as well as let the new cat know the smells and sounds of your home. It's better than isolating them in a room for a week and then let them out for the first time with the other pets who could then have territorial issues.


http://www.goathouserefuge.org/adopt-a-cat/

Since neither one has a history of aggression Le Taz Hot Jul 2015 #1
you might try chloes1 Jul 2015 #2
Open the door! It's time. You've done your prep work riderinthestorm Jul 2015 #3
A few ideas... Ino Jul 2015 #4
^^^ Very good advice. MH1 Jul 2015 #8
i think you've done what you can fizzgig Jul 2015 #5
Suggest you also post this in the DU "Home aand Family" Group DinahMoeHum Jul 2015 #6
If they're both LiberalElite Jul 2015 #7
If you've had you new fur baby Opie only in the den since she arrived, I would let her out Fla Dem Jul 2015 #9
That is a really good suggestion nt artislife Jul 2015 #20
Catnip? shenmue Jul 2015 #10
I went through this in February, when I got Raven. Archae Jul 2015 #11
Actually, I'm not good at introducing cats.... zanana1 Jul 2015 #12
Thanks so much for all the advice! nikto Jul 2015 #13
I used a baby gate. Avalux Jul 2015 #14
Where do I buy those--Target? nikto Jul 2015 #15
Target has them, that's where I got mine. Avalux Jul 2015 #16
purchase a small doggie crate Corgigal Jul 2015 #17
Make sure they both have their own spots to hang out privately - spots on shelves are good bettyellen Jul 2015 #18
Going out to get a baby gate today nikto Jul 2015 #19
I became a pet sitter when my soul kitty left me artislife Jul 2015 #21
Thanks! nikto Jul 2015 #25
So kind of you to adopt an older kitteh. Opie has a great snagglepuss Jul 2015 #22
Just a warning, I don't know any cat that wouldn't go right over a baby gate riderinthestorm Jul 2015 #23
The one I got is about 40-inches tall --still jumpable, but so far, no problems nikto Jul 2015 #26
Here's what a local cat rescue sanctuary recommends for introducing new cats mnhtnbb Jul 2015 #24
I'm sort of doing this, but with a 40-inch tall baby gate in the den door nikto Jul 2015 #27
Both cats are pretty shy, and are mostly avoiding any contact for now nikto Jul 2015 #28
It's a good sign one is not being aggressive. Arugula Latte Jul 2015 #30
Really good advice on this thread. hamsterjill Jul 2015 #29
Thank you! nikto Jul 2015 #31
REPORT: It's 3-weeks later, and I am worried nikto Jul 2015 #32
Couple things. MH1 Jul 2015 #35
Thanks for the reassurance nikto Aug 2015 #37
Catnip and hugs shenmue Jul 2015 #36
I was going to post/smart-ass, but seeing "my beloved elderly Ragdoll male died," just: condolences UTUSN Jul 2015 #33
When the elderly female tabby my sister had adopted wound up at my folks' house, our male Siamese nomorenomore08 Jul 2015 #34
For anyone who followed the "Cat-Whisperer" thread--A cat story still seeking a Hollywood ending ... nikto Sep 2015 #38
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