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How to add a second pet

- Stage a safe meeting. Play favorites. Police food fights. Health

A dog or cat will often feel threatened when a new animal joins a home. Have dogs meet in neutral territory, such as an open yard, when both are on leashes. Keep a new cat in a separate room for a day or two so both the old and new pet can adjust to the scents and sounds of the other.

A dog can become jealous, so be sure the older pet gets extra TLC. Just 10 more minutes of play each day should do it.To create a sense of continuity for the older dog, walk the two separately, or ask a friend to join you to walk the new dog on its own leash.

Feed dogs in separate rooms or separate areas to avoid aggression. Feed cats in an area that dogs can’t reach, like the top of a washing machine. Cats should have no trouble eating together once they’ve become friends. Source:

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