Bringing a new pet home is always an exciting time (see also the ‘What pet is for me?’ article).  Here are a few pointers to help make the introduction successful.  

If you have existing pets, introduce them gently and watch them closely. Their interactions will depend on their personalities. Some will develop a close bond and some others will choose merely to tolerate or ignore each other. 

Never leave them alone until you are sure they will not fight. A bit of competition is normal until they establish a hierarchy. Once the hierarchy is established they will be more comfortable together.  Both existing and new pets will need extra attention during the settling-in period so they don’t feel left out or insecure.  If you see any signs of aggression or over-excitement, back off, and start again a few hours later.

 

The introduction

Start off with 5 to 10 minutes together to allow them to become accustomed to each other. The existing pet will need to learn that it is now sharing its space with another animal. The new pet will also need to get to know the existing pet.  Keep dogs on a lead. Do not allow any displays of aggression or chasing and immediately let them know that this behaviour is not acceptable. Be careful if you hold a cat during introductions. A carrier is always better as cats often scratch if they are startled.  Keep the sniffing brief as prolonged investigations can promote an aggressive response.  During these brief interactions encourage them with a friendly tone of voice.

A dog's body language will give you a clue as to how they are feeling. An example of a friendly posture is a brief sniffing of each other. An ‘invitation to play’ might be a bow of the head and a wag of the tail. Whereas stiff legs, hackles raised and growling is a sign of aggression and should be interrupted by distacting them with a toy or game.

Sometimes a less territorial, more neutral environment, such as a local park, can be a good environment to introduce pets to each other.

Feeling at home and feeding

Keep the new pet enclosed in a room by itself for a few hours to allow it to explore and feel at home.  Then, if possible, confine other pets to allow the new animal to explore the house.  Make sure that cats in particular cannot escape!

Separate food bowls and litter trays to allow animals to feel more confident in their surroundings.  It is a good idea to feed cats in separate rooms, but near the door to each other. This will generate curiosity and an association of pleasure from food.

Try mixing bedding around so they become accustomed to each other’s scent. Try stroking cats with a towel and put the towel near the other cat’s food bowl.

Never forget that dogs and particularly cats may take an unhealthy but enthusiastic dietary interest in small caged pets. Always keep small caged animals out of reach.