Tips for kitty integration

WE were extremely lucky in that our cats decided they didn’t hate each other. Cats are just like people, in that they like to choose their friends. Sometimes there’s a character clash, and you might be stuck with pets who just loathe each other.

However, if your pets are fairly easy-going, then you can probably integrate a newcomer. The main ingredient is patience. Expect it to take weeks. Also, don’t expect your pets to be reasonable. They’re animals and they run entirely on their emotions. Rational thought doesn’t come into it.

Scent is a main marker. So start by letting all the animals get used to each other’s scent. Lock the newcomer in a room, and let the scent drift through the house for a few days. Just let everyone sniff under the door. No contact, no confrontation.

When everyone knows everyone’s smell, allow visual contact but don’t allow physical confrontation. If pets get into the habit of hitting each other, integration becomes more difficult.

As the pets become used to seeing each other, extend social times. Then allow very short contact. Supervise carefully, keep it short and make sure it’s positive. Extend as you go on.

Mostly, you must offer your pets unconditional love. They will be worried, stressed and they will likely express this by peeing or pooping, and possibly by howling, not eating normally and other behaviour.

This is your pet worrying that you don’t love them anymore. They can’t speak so this is how to tell you how they feel. Always cuddle, and never scold, no matter how bad it is. Be patient, be kind, and take your time. Good luck!