The process of bringing a new pet into your home may elicit a variety of feelings, from excitement to fear and from tension to sheer delight. If you have other pets at home, you might be concerned about how they will respond to a new addition and how well the new pet will acclimate. This concern is justified. However, if the introduction is done carefully and positively, the process may be significantly less traumatic for the family, the other pets, and the new pet.
So, in this blog post, we will share some helpful tips for introducing a new pet into your home.
1. Understand if your current pets are willing to accept the new one
It would be ideal if your domestic animals created instant ties with new ones, but since this seldom occurs, choosing a new pet whose personality would complement your current one(s) is important. Even if that lovely kitten has captured your heart, your older cat with arthritis and renal difficulties might feel unwanted. Considering everyone’s feelings before bringing home a new pet is a must.
2. Give your pet some freedom
When bringing an animal into your home, remember that it will require time to get used to its new surroundings. If you want it to feel at ease, designate a place for them. Your four-legged companion will be less likely to cause trouble if they have a peaceful and relaxing environment to hang out in.
Keep a close eye on it throughout this period. Pay attention if the animal is exhausted or anxious. It’s important to determine how it feels and modify your approach appropriately.
Don’t overwork the animal immediately; even a joyful, lively living thing may be nervous about its new surroundings. Giving your pet the time and space to acclimate to its new home will bring positive results in the long term.
3. Do not rush the introduction phase
It may be tempting to let your new pet roam the home at leisure while it adapts to the new place, but a more controlled approach is typically better. This strategy may be approached in various ways, each adapted to the pet’s requirements.
Giving your furry companion a calm, guided tour of its new home is an excellent way to ease the adjustment. Allow it to explore and smell everything they want. Take advantage of this chance to educate your animal on the dos and don’ts of your home while they are still young enough to learn and remember.
Cats are inherently more secretive than dogs, so they will likely seek a secure haven. You can expect your cat to spend much time alone, hiding in the closet or beneath the bed. If you wait patiently and don’t try to engage with the cat before it’s ready, it will come to say hi. Cats are independent spirits that will approach you at their own pace.
Also, if you have a cat, it may refuse to go outside, at least for the first few days. However, when it comes to dogs, they will probably beg you to go for a walk, and it’s no surprise—dogs are active animals that need a lot of attention, while cats are lazy and inactive. According to Nuwber, cat owners enjoy indoor activities, meanwhile dog owners are more into outdoor activities. Well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. You are probably just like your furry companion.
4. Use your pets’ scents as a way of introduction
Introducing the scents of the new pet to the older one(s) is a subtle way of making the introduction process go more smoothly. Rotating their bedding allows your animals to learn each other’s odors and pheromones. If you do this, the domestic animals that have lived with you longer will be more accepting of the newcomer.
5. Let pets meet face-to-face in neutral territory
Once your furry companions have “met” through their noses, you should attempt introducing them in person. This strategy works well for dogs, but it may be difficult for cats to meet on neutral ground. Before bringing your new pet inside for the first time, take them to a neutral location, such as a park or open field. Then, while introducing them, take your time and allow them lots of space to smell and sniff without going too near.
6. Train them together
You must train your pets if you want them to get along. If you want to strengthen your relationship with your pets while still having fun, consider teaching them new tricks and rewarding them with food. If they become too excited, try bringing them closer together while each pet sits down and focuses on you. If you have patience and a plentiful food supply, you and your furry companions will soon be able to stroll paw in paw without chaos.
7. Maintain a pet routine
Disrupting a pet’s routine may have a negative influence on both their physical and emotional health. When there are changes in the home, stress and anxiety may cause urine issues in cats and destructive behavior in dogs. It’s best to keep your daily routine as consistent as possible after bringing a new animal into the household. Maintain a consistent plan for getting up and spending time with your domestic companions, which includes feeding, walking, and playing with them. Spending one-on-one time with your present pet might make it feel more at peace and protected. You may also organize group events for your furry companions to participate in so that they can connect and share great experiences.
Conclusion
It may be difficult to predict how your new pet will respond to the new environment. It may need many months to acclimatize to living with your family, and it may take some time before your present pet welcomes the newcomer. The breed, gender, age, and distinct personalities of the pets involved are just a few of the characteristics that may have an influence. However, if you remember that each animal is unique and try to see things from the pet’s point of view, your newcomer will quickly become a well-liked member of the household.
