Tips from Evanger's: Introducing Felines

Helping Felines Become Friends

Considering the fact that cats don’t live in groups or pairs in the wild, it’s no surprise that they’re slow to become pals when a new feline is introduced to another in its established home. So turning foes into friends can often be a bit tricky.

It’s important that you’re patient and allow for a gradual introduction. It can take most cats from eight months to a year to develop friendly relationships. While some eventually become best buddies, others never do. But here are a few tips for helping the acclimation process flow more smoothly.

Control First Impressions

Control the initial meeting by separating your resident cat from your new cat when you first bring it home. You can confine your new cat to a small room with food, water, litter box, toys and scratching post for up to a week. Feed resident felines and the newbie on opposite sides of the door so they connect in an enjoyable situation. Then gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the cats dine peacefully while standing on opposite sides of the door.

Provide a Sense of Scents

In the animal kingdom, scents are more critical than appearances. Let your pets become familiar with smells before meeting. You can swap beds or blankets out, or carefully rub a washcloth on one feline’s cheek and position it beneath the food bowl of the other. Also

confine your other pets into the newcomers room so it can explore the house. Once you cats are back in their designated area, prop the dividing door open slightly so they can see each other.

Patience is key. Once your cats finally face off, there may still be issues to work out. Remember never to attempt breaking up a catfight, as humans are typically hurt the worst. Be sure to reward good behavior with special treats from Evanger’s Nothing But Natural line. Appropriate for both dogs and cats, Raw Gently Dried Wild Salmon is grain and gluten free with natural omegas through its single wild salmon ingredient. Since it’s high in protein and low in calories, these dog and cat treats are excellent for pets with food allergies and finicky eaters.