Today’s episode is the second of a four part series on new cat adoption. Today we focus on introducing a new cat to an existing cat.
Many times, cats end up being returned to shelters shortly after adoption because the adoptive families already have another cat and they don’t understand that the cats need to be introduced slowly. The two cats end up fighting and the adoptive family returns the new kitty because they don’t think the cats are getting along well. Today’s Cat Chat episode educates viewers on cat introduction steps in order to lower the number of cats being unnecessarily returned to the shelters.
Cats are territorial creatures and don’t take kindly to a new invader in their home. However, if the introductions are done gradually and gently as shown in this episode, and if the existing kitty is given enough attention that he doesn’t feel threatened by the new cat, the cats will generally be tolerant of each other and over time become good friends and siblings. It takes time for cats to become comfortable with each other and even more time for them to become friends. It is unrealistic to expect cats to become buddies on day one.
In next week’s episode, Arloa talks about the occasional problem of a new cat who doesn’t want to use the litter box. Many times there are reasons for this that can be addressed easily and another cat being returned to the shelter unnecessarily can be avoided.
Make sure to also check out Nykki and Nala, two sweet, affectionate sisters who have suddenly found themselves homeless after being cared for by a loving family for eight years. They are available for adoption through Cat Connection, a cat rescue group in Sherman Oaks, California.
Be sure to check out the Cat Chat TV website and blog at http://CatChat.TV