The First Two Weeks

Cats in Your Home?

Follow all of the tips in our Introduction to Resident Pets section in addition to:

Supervise, supervise, supervise every interaction!
Put the new cat in a separate room as soon as you get home.
Let the cats sniff under the door and get used to the new scents.
Give treats to the cats on either side of a closed door.
Introduce your most friendly cat first.
Do NOT allow one cat to attack another.
Even if all seems well, separate when you’re not at home to supervise.
Do not force a meeting, and never restrain your cat (especially in your lap!).
The slower you go, the better the outcome.

Follow all of the tips in our Introduction to Resident Pets section in addition to:

Allow the cat time to adjust in a cat-safe room for a few days.
Let the dog and cat sniff each other under the door.
Keep the dog leashed when he sees the cat, and give the dog tasty food treats (or his favorite reward) for sitting/lying calmly and staying relaxed in sight of the cat.
Do not restrain the cat in your lap or arms; allow the cat freedom to move away if she needs to.
Do not allow your dog to become aroused or excited with the new cat around. This can lead to chase/prey drive.
Separate the new cat when left alone; put her in her “safe” room.

Follow all the tips in our Cats and Kids section in addition to:

Supervise, supervise, supervise every interaction!
Do not allow your children to be rough with the cat – instead, have them scratch the cat on its head only.
Do not scratch a cat on its belly or pull its tail.
It is best if children do not pick up the cat or squeeze too tightly.
Do not let children crowd or corner the cat.
Do not have visiting children until the cat has settled.
Do not let the kids try to pull a cat out of hiding.
Never let children chase a cat or grab for a running cat.
Teach children to carefully LET GO if the cat struggles in their arms.