Today, let's talk about cat integration, which is the most common question that I receive.
Integrating a new cat into your home can be a challenging experience. Whether you’re adding a second cat to your household or bringing in a new feline friend to live with existing pets, patience is crucial to ensuring a smooth transition.
Cats are creatures of habit, and sudden changes in their environment can lead to stress, anxiety or even aggression.
I always encourage clients who are unsure of how their existing pets will react to try their hand at fostering first, to see if their existing pet(s) are able to co-exist with others. If they are, a foster fail is always a happy ending.
Understanding Cat Behavior
Before diving into the integration process, it’s important to understand some basic aspects of cat behavior, to fully understand WHY cat integration is a STEP-by-STEP process.
1. Territorial Nature:
Cats are naturally territorial animals. Introducing a new cat can be seen as an invasion of their space, leading to defensive behavior.
2. Scent Marking:
Cats use scent to communicate. They have scent glands on their face, paws and body that they use to mark their territory. This is why you may see your cat rubbing against furniture or people. This is also why scent exchange is important to lay groundwork.
3. The Hierarchy Establishment:
In multi-cat households, a social hierarchy often develops. Who is the Alpha? Cats need time to figure out their place within this hierarchy. Interestingly, the hierarchy may shift over time.
4. Cat Colony Behaviour:
Keep in mind that just because a cat can co-exist with Group A, does not mean they can easily accept other cats. They have just learnt their place in Group A’s hierarchy. This is why the bullied can turn to a bully, and vice versa.
QUESTION: Why can’t I just let the cats meet?
1. Animals attack out of fear. They do not know the other animal, they do not know what he’s capable of, and vice versa.
"Are you gonna keep hissing at me, or are you actually gonna strike me? Should I strike you first to show you I can't be messed with?"
2. You do not know what your Sweet cat is capable of. At the end of the day, they are animals, with built in instincts and defense mechanisms. Put them in an unsavory situation and you may be surprised at how your cat reacts.
3. They are territorial beings. When cornered, threatened or provoked, they may even turn on you (redirected aggression).
QUESTION: I let them meet and they seem fine. Why must I separate them?
1. First impressions are very important to a cat. Skipping proper introduction steps to rush process to work on YOUR timeline often fails later on.
2. Thinking no fights will occur if the cats seem to not react to each other initially.
3. Bribing with treats without a proper plan of Positive Reinforcement.
4. Free feeding without a plan of Positive Reinforcement.
5. Prolonged interaction initially may stress your cats. Keep it short & Sweet = less room for Error.
6. A step-by-step process will ensure small progress is made at a time, and leaving little room for error.
The Importance of Patience
Patience is key throughout the integration process. Every cat is different, and while some may become fast friends, others may take weeks or even months to adjust. Rushing the process can lead to setbacks and increase stress for both the cats and yourself.
This is why I NEVER commit a time frame to my clients, and why I leave a 2-3 week open period for them to revert back to me as it is never a "One size fits all." The plan often has to be tweaked, depending on how the cats react.
Tips for Maintaining Patience
1. Stay Calm:
Cats can pick up on your emotions. Staying calm and positive will help reassure them.
2. Celebrate Small Wins:
Acknowledge and celebrate small progressions, like when the cats can be in the same space without hissing.
3. Give Each Cat Equal Attention:
Ensure that all cats in the household feel loved and secure by giving them individual attention. Playing with them separately and rotating around the humans, so that each cat gets ample love from all.
4. Seek Professional Help if Needed:
This is where I come in to assist with a step-by-step, customized plan according to what YOU tell me.
Case Study: Nestle!
I met Nestle and her siblings (and pawrents) on 29/04/24. She was found wandering around her neighbourhood, rescued by her pawrents, rehomed and returned. Ultimately, her fate was with being in a forever home with her rescuers.
From Nestle's Mummy:
"Our first 2 cats were so easy and we didn’t expect it to be to be different for the 3rd one. But it was and we just tried to see it from her POV. She was scared and not very confident. With your advice, we really paced with her. It was about how we could support her not just about us and what we wanted. It was really heartwarming to see her slowly come out of her shell and gain confidence. To see her slowly start to explore and become comfortable in the new environment. Even though it’s not 100% yet, we are sure she will make it there."
Integrating a new cat into your home is a journey that requires time, understanding and patience. By respecting each cat’s pace and allowing them to adjust gradually, you can foster a peaceful multi-cat household.
Downloadable Content on Instagram: @thecatwhisperersg
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