In the acclimation circle there are two distinct camps: cats and dogs. Cats are by far harder to acclimate to a new household particularly if there are other pets and if those pets are cats.
Here are some great ways to acclimate a new pet to your home without it turning into World War 3.
Cats
They’re not big fans of change, especially when it comes to their living arrangements. But at some point, every cat will find they need to adjust to new surroundings.
Keeping it real: Make sure your expectations aren’t too high. Some cats get used to new situations and homes easier than others. Make the assumption that this won’t happen and move slowly into the new cat on the block process when bringing home a cat to join a resident pet.
Territorial: Cats are, by nature, territorial and don’t always play well with others. Slow intros between the newbie and the veteran is most important.
A Place of Her Own: One of the most important things to do for your new cat is to give her a space of her own where she can learn the ropes on her own time and in her own way. Confine her to a small room with a litter box and her food. Also include toys and a scratching post and make sure to spend some quality time playing with her in that space.
The Old Switcheroo: After your new cat has gotten used to her space, let her have some time out in the house and confine your other pets. This will get the veterans used to her smell. Only do this at a time when you can supervise.
Face to Face: Do this only with appropriate safeguards in place. Allow the animals to see each other but not beat each other up.
Repeat this process over a span of days and weeks. It could take months to get cats to acclimate to a new home so patience will win out in the end.
Dogs
Again, preparation is key even with a laid back Golden retriever. Until your new dog learns the house rules, give him a soft bed of his own to keep him down off the furniture and something wonderful to chew on.
Crates ‘n Gates: Confine him behind a gate or in a crate when you’re not home until you know that he is really reliable.
Toys: Keep him interested in his own toys and not your shoes by giving him lots of things to play with and chew on. Smear some cream cheese on a hollowed out marrow bone or stuff a Kong with some treats.
A Tired Dog is a Good Dog: Give him plenty of play time outside and lots of walks. The more tired he is, the less chance he will get bored and get into mischief.
Slowly, Slowly: As your new dog gets used to your home, you can lift the restrictions. But giving him the whole house as his castle? Not for a while.
Bringing a new pet home can not only enrich your life but, if you have adopted from a shelter, you’ll give a cat or dog a second chance and a new lease on life.
Photo Credit: istockphoto.com
