And Puppy Makes Two
Betcha can’t eat just one! That was a very popular advertising campaign Lays Potato Chips put out many years ago. It was so popular that it has become a permanent part of our language or slang. Well guess what? There is an estimated 69 million households with pets. You will probably find a large number of those homes with multiple pets because…“betcha can’t have just one!”
Today I have a one cat household and it just doesn’t seem right! Of course one must consider before all else, if you have the time and finances to be a responsible pet owner of a pet and multiply that factor by the number of pets you want to add. The same logic that people planning to bring children into the world need to do.
Our cat is up there in years now and the true queen of the fort and therefore comes number one in our considerations. I have gone back and forth; should I or shouldn’t I? Last week I got one of those mini-magazines from my local supermarket and in it was a great article about introducing a new pet into your home when you already have a resident pet. The number one suggestion of Dr Pam Reid from the ASPCA is to introduce a new pet slowly. None of that throwing them in the same room, winner takes all! Here are some of her tips:
* New cat to resident cat: Separate for a few days physically, perhaps in a different room. Swap them so that they can get used to each others smell. Finally let them see each other at feeding time which is a positive experience.
* New Cat to resident dog: Let the cat get adjusted to its new surroundings first. Bring in the dog on a leash, “Let the cat control what happens,” suggests Dr Reid.
* New cat to resident cat: It’s better to bring in a younger cat, females work better, but male/female cats can also get along well.
* New dog to resident dog: Let them first meet on neutral ground to lessen the event of the resident dog being possessive. Be sure they are on leash and under your control.
* Puppy to adult cat: This is the best scenario for getting a dog if you already have an adult cat.
Cat House on the Kings shows how cats & cats & dogs can all get along in beautiful harmony!
It’s always best if the adult cat or dog has been neutered. When two dogs meet they will go through the typical doggie greeting, so let them do that, but stay in control to avoid any fights. Be sure your cat has an escape route in case the new dog or puppy gets a little over anxious to make friends.
I have experienced “kitten to resident cat” and at first it looked pretty hairy, but as a relatively new cat owner myself I didn’t realize it at the time but my boy cat who was the resident, needed to establish that he was top cat. They went on to have a good relationship that brought out the best in both of them for many years.
Your Best Friend Is Counting On You!
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