MULTIPLE CAT HOUSEHOLDS

Introducing New Pets To A Home
      Introducing a new cat to a home that already has cats can be frustrating. Cats are territorial, and even though you brought the new cat in, it is still trespassing.
     To ease the initial tension of introduction, rub all of the cats in the home, both new and old, with a talcum or baby powder. This will mask all of their scents which is how cats mark their territory. Since all of the cats will smell alike, they won´t feel the need to defend their territory from a stranger.

Integrating New Pets
One serious potential problem of introducing cats together is the spread of disease. These risks can be minimised by taking the following precautions. Ideally both newcomers and existing cats should be vaccinated and immune to the major cat diseases before introduction. The newcomer should be tested for any diseases that cannot be vaccinated against to prevent it introducing them to existing cats. The newcomer should be isolated from the existing cats for a fortnight before the introduction process begins to allow any incubating diseases to show themselves.

Generally speaking most cats are territorial and the one thing which really stresses them out is another cat moving into their territory. Cats are more likely to accept a kitten than another cat moving in on their territory because they consider it less of a threat. The introduction process should be slow, keep the newcomer separated in one room, allow its confidence to build and allow existing cats to become accustomed to its smell. Ideally a complete isolation period of 14 days should elapse before the introduction process begins. Cats are very smell oriented and this is an important factor in introducing cats. After the 14d feed the cats separately but interchange feeding and grooming equipment to mix the cats scents up. Another useful aid at this time is the "Feliway Diffuser" which emits an aroma that helps relax cats. After a week or two prepare to introduce the cats, cut both cats front claws to reduce the risks of injury and to reduce confidence levels slightly in both cats. Continue to feed them separately and ensure that there is plenty of food to avoid any competition.

Introducing new cats or kittens to existing dogs is much the same as for existing cats. Cats have basic instincts to hunt small mammals, birds and fish so any of these are existing pets then precautions must be taken to protect them.

Children need to be taught how to hold and carry a cat early on to avoid injury to themselves or the cat. Young babies in their cots or pushchairs should be protected from cats jumping onto them or sleeping on them. This is best achieved with cat nets that go over the top of cots.