| Are you thinking about getting a new kitten or | | | | to interest him. Let him explore and get |
| bringing home a stray cat but don't know how to | | | | comfortable by himself. |
| thwart WW III? Sometimes, cats are similar to | | | | After a day or two, take the kitty's blanket (give |
| people in that they like having their space all for | | | | him another item with your scent) and put it |
| themselves. You may have noticed that they | | | | where the other cat can smell it. Look for |
| don't appreciate other cats or even the smell of | | | | reactions from him like growling and loud sniffing. |
| them. There are some techniques to try to | | | | Signs that you'll need to take more time before |
| ensure the smoothest, safest and most | | | | introducing the two include hissing or biting the |
| stress-free transition between your old pet and | | | | blanket. |
| the new one. | | | | After a few days when your old cat has gotten |
| The first thing is to make sure your new pet is | | | | his scent on the blanket, give it back to the new |
| healthy so you'll need to take him to the vet for | | | | cat. Again, look for warning signs from him. Wait a |
| a checkup. Here, the vet will check for different | | | | couple of days then spread the blanket under the |
| diseases, treat for intestinal worms, check and | | | | door. This allows both cats to safely get near |
| treat ear mites and give shots. Also, the vet may | | | | each other and smell their scents together. They |
| recommend flea medicine. Now that he's gotten | | | | may paw under the door. Put snacks, food, or |
| the "all clear" from his doctor, he's safe to come | | | | sprinkle catnip on the blanket on both sides. |
| to his new home. | | | | If all goes well, allow them to meet but be |
| Your new cat is going through a lot of stressful | | | | prepared to throw a towel on them if they start |
| changes right now: the car ride, the visit to the | | | | fighting. Given the amount of time they've |
| vet's office, a new owner, a new home with all | | | | previously had getting used to each other's |
| different smells, and now...gulp, another cat? | | | | scents, there shouldn't be any major conflicts. |
| Because of these different factors, take it slow | | | | Remember to keep giving plenty of attention to |
| and easy with him. Put him in a room by himself | | | | your old cat; he's been going through some |
| when he first gets to his new house. Put a | | | | stressful changes, too! Be patient and loving. This |
| litterbox, food and water, his own toys and | | | | is an exciting time for all of you with years of |
| bedding with a blanket, towel, or old t-shirt or | | | | friendship and fun ahead. |
| yours. Put some catnip or treats on the blanket | | | | |