CATS

How to incorporate a new cat into the family? These tips may be helpful to you

Are you thinking of expanding your family with another kitten to care for but already have an adult cat at home? No problem, although some guidelines should be followed for the proper inclusion of the kitten so as not to disturb either resident.

In fact, cats, especially if they are adults, are solitary and territorial animals that may not like the arrival of another feline in their domains. Precisely for this reason, it is not unusual for owners to fit the newcomer in very quietly and stick to a few rules.

Some tips may be obvious, but others may surprise you instead. For the health of your newcomer, you cannot miss this information.

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Best to prepare everyone before arrival
Initially, it may be best not to introduce the two house cats right away. The newly arrived should be allowed to have his own private area, with a place to sleep and some toys. This is because it is necessary for the two cats to get used to each other's smell, and this may take a minimum of time.
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Smell for cats is everything
Most important, before introducing them to each other, is another smell-related thing. Keeping the adult cat in a room, let the kitten walk around the house. This will allow it to familiarize  with surroundings and smell, immediately understanding that the house "belongs" to another cat. Later, repeat the operation with the other cat, the adult one, so that it too can become aware of the presence of the new resident.
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The next step is eye contact
Very important is this step. Let the two kitties see each other, but don't let them make direct contact. Perhaps open a door slightly and let them glimpse each other through the crack. This will allow them to meet gradually and without stress, especially for the new kitten. If they like each other, they will start sniffing and rubbing against the door.
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It takes a lot of calm and patience
One key thing is for the adult cat to slowly learn to share larger and larger portions of territory. This will take some time, so you will need to be very calm and very patient in these early stages. In the first few encounters, the adult cat may have a very low tolerance threshold. Consequently, it would be best to bring them together gradually, for a few minutes each time, until they get used to it.
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Conditioning a cat with rewards is possible
This is a technique to use especially with the adult cat. It is important to let it know that it will not be pushed aside. So, in the first moments of play between the two cats, it is essential to reward the big one with caresses and rewards. You should not be surprised if it does not accept immediately, after all, it is a cat, but it is undoubtedly a good way to inspire positive behavior.
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Carefully monitor the situation
Decreased appetite, a cat that stays hidden for a long time, expressions, hostile gestures or the like are indicator signs that the two cats still do not like each other. Initially, scratching on the kitten's body is also possible, this is because the adult marks  the territory. Adult cats also tend to dehydration, it may stop drinking regularly, but also start sleeping in strange places is an obvious alarm. So be very careful and, if necessary, contact a veterinarian.
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Maintaining habits
Again to help the adult cat, who is the one who will be most easily stressed in this situation, it is important not to change the schedules and rhythms that were previously set. Food, going out (in case you let it loose in the garden), the arrangement of furniture and its areas, everything should remain the same, as far as possible.
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