Allow the resident cat to walk into the newcomer’s base camp, then shut that door. Carry the newcomer out of his base camp, put him in the bathroom, and shut the door. This is crucial to the “getting to know you” process with cats, since so much of their communication is based on scent.įollow this simple process for harmonious site swapping:ġ. This is also an opportunity for key signposts-like cat trees, litter boxes, etc.-to take on a shared scent. Site swapping: This is where each cat gets to explore the other’s territory without ever laying eyes on each other.Once your new cat demonstrates a notable comfort level in has base camp, it’s time for. Ignore this part of the introduction process at your own peril! No Peeking: One of the hallmarks of this integration method is that the new cat and the resident will not initially lay eyes on each other.Beds, blankets, carpets, cardboard scratchers, and scratching posts are all excellent scent soakers. Scent soakers are soft items that absorb a cat’s scent, and basically say “I live here,” and allow for rubbing, scratching, or lying in. Scent soakers: Because cats are all about scent, make sure that you have plenty of "scent soakers” in their base camp.In addition, here are a few other important elements associated with successful base camp protocol: As long as the human scent is strong, it will help the cat establish a sense of home by calming scents. This could be the master or a spare bedroom, an office, or even the bathroom when there is no other option.
So first, decide where you’re going to set up base camp for the new cat, so he feels like this space is essentially all his own. Separate Base Camp (and the mandatory isolation phase) - Base camp is a defined area of your home that is the heart of a cat’s territory. (More specifics about this shared meal time in a moment.)ī. Once these scheduled meal times are established, it will set the stage for both your existing cat and your newcomer to experience a shared, ritualistic way of being: they get fed, around the same time, x-number of times per day. This concept is foundational to my approach, and nowhere is it more important than during the introduction process.
Cat food bowl to slow down eating free#
No free-feeding - Make sure you have switched your existing cat over to a routine of meal feeding, rather than free feeding her. This article has been viewed 154,238 times.How to Introduce Cats Step One - Prep: Scheduled Meals and Basecampīefore you bring your new cat home, there are some fundamental steps to accomplish that will give you a significant leg up on the process:Ī. This article received 14 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. WikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. He received his bachelor’s degree in History and Economics from Binghamton University. He is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants and a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. He is also regularly cited in publications from various organizations, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Russell is an author for PetMD, Chewy, and Dogster. With over 25 years of training, nutrition, boarding, and daycare experience, Russell and the Fun Paw Care team provide the most current, humane, and science-based methods utilizing force-free positive reinforcement to train and care for pets. Russell Hartstein is a Certified Dog & Cat Trainer and CEO of Fun Paw Care in Los Angeles, California. This article was co-authored by Russell Hartstein, CDBC, CPDT.
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