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You have a cat, but the kids want a new puppy. Or you already have a puppy but you want a playmate for it. You’re treading on dangerous ground bringing a new pet into your household; you risk offending the original pet and traumatizing the new one. But it is possible to introduce a new pet to your old one—if you have plenty of love for both of them and a lot of patience.
It’s easiest to bring two new pets together if they are both infants, so they grow up accustomed to each other. But even if one or both are older animals, you must first be sure that your new pet is disease-free and is up-to-date on shots and neutering. You don’t want him getting your old pet sick or pregnant. They safest way to introduce new pets is to put the new pet in her own room for at least one week before allowing her around the old pet. The two pets will knew the other is there, and they will probably sniff under the door at each other. Spend time with both pets and be as reassuring as possible that everything is okay.
Once the two animals seem to be comfortable with each other’s presence, which should take a week or two, let the new pet out of her room to roam the house while the old pet stays in the new pet’s room. This way, the old pet can get used to the new pet’s smell without being intimidated or feeling like she has to fight. The new pet can also get used to the house and see where it is most comfortable. Again, be patent with each pet and as loving as possible. Let them be as curious as they want and take as much time as necessary to explore.
Next, you will want to let the animals see each other, but with no physical contact. You can hold them across the room from each other with the help of another family member or friend. Another option is to separate the two pets with a baby gate so they can see each other but can’t get to each other. Expect some hissing or growling, but do not punish either pet for it. It’s natural for them to feel protective and threatened, especially the old pet. It isn’t easy to have a new kid in the house.
When they seem to be used to the sight of each other, get them together in a supervised situation. You will want to have some kind of treat to give to both animals. Use two dishes on the opposite side of the room so they don’t have to share the treat or feel that they have to fight for it. Do this at the same time every day until the animals become accustomed to this routine and run to their respective spots. Slowly over time, move the dishes closer together. The key is to go slow! If either animal shows hesitation or aggression, move the dishes back to their original starting point and wait a few days to start moving them closer again. Always respect your animals.
You should never let your animals be together unsupervised until they are completely comfortable with each other. You don’t want them to fight and hurt each other. This process can take up to six weeks, but in the end, you will have two happy, secure pets.
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