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| TNR - A Humane Solution to the Feral Cat Problem |
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Planning to add a cat to your household? The introduction process is all-important. First
impressions can be lasting impressions for felines. In the wild, cats take great care to prevent
chance encounters with other cats through scent-marking behaviors. By "reading" the marked
areas, cats can tell who was there last and at what time he visited the spot. The territory can then
be used by different cats at different times of the day--the feline version of time-sharing. In order to
get your cat used to the idea of sharing the home turf with another feline, a gradual introduction is
essential.
Time and patience are the keys to successfully introducing a new cat into the household. The
new cat should have a room of his own for a few days. Exchange the new cat's bedding with that
of the resident cat so that they can become acquainted with each other through the all-important
sense of smell before they have the opportunity to see each other. Next, rotate rooms. Let the new
cat explore the rest of the house while the resident cat spends some time in the new cat's room.
When they are relaxed about this step, crack the door of the new cat's room so that they can see
each other, but can't push the door open. Give the cats treats on both sides of the door. Two
small toys joined with a several inches of string and slipped under the door will encourage
parallel play. When the cats are calm in each other's presence, it is time to let the new cat out for
a few minutes. The length of the visits can be increased gradually each day. This process may
take a few days or a few months depending on the personalities of the cats. Usually it takes less
time when one of the cats is under four months of age.
Throughout the introduction process, speak quietly and calmly to the cats. Praise them
generously when they are tolerant of each other's presence. Never scold or use harsh tones
when they are together or they will associate unpleasantness with being near each other. Give
special attention to the resident cat as it is this cat's territory that is being invaded and it is this old
friend who is likely to need the most reassurance. Until they become friends, give the new cat
loving attention only when the resident cat is not around.
If at any time the cats become fearful or hostile, return the newcomer to its room and close the
door. A minor setback will not ruin the budding friendship, but a fiercely aggressive encounter will
be remembered for a long time and should be avoided at all costs. Whenever you run into a
problem, back up to a previous stage of the process and then move carefully forward again. Only
you can determine the pace of the introduction process. The time you spend gradually habituating
your cats will eventually be rewarded with years of harmonious feline companionship.
~ courtesy of Cats International
impressions can be lasting impressions for felines. In the wild, cats take great care to prevent
chance encounters with other cats through scent-marking behaviors. By "reading" the marked
areas, cats can tell who was there last and at what time he visited the spot. The territory can then
be used by different cats at different times of the day--the feline version of time-sharing. In order to
get your cat used to the idea of sharing the home turf with another feline, a gradual introduction is
essential.
Time and patience are the keys to successfully introducing a new cat into the household. The
new cat should have a room of his own for a few days. Exchange the new cat's bedding with that
of the resident cat so that they can become acquainted with each other through the all-important
sense of smell before they have the opportunity to see each other. Next, rotate rooms. Let the new
cat explore the rest of the house while the resident cat spends some time in the new cat's room.
When they are relaxed about this step, crack the door of the new cat's room so that they can see
each other, but can't push the door open. Give the cats treats on both sides of the door. Two
small toys joined with a several inches of string and slipped under the door will encourage
parallel play. When the cats are calm in each other's presence, it is time to let the new cat out for
a few minutes. The length of the visits can be increased gradually each day. This process may
take a few days or a few months depending on the personalities of the cats. Usually it takes less
time when one of the cats is under four months of age.
Throughout the introduction process, speak quietly and calmly to the cats. Praise them
generously when they are tolerant of each other's presence. Never scold or use harsh tones
when they are together or they will associate unpleasantness with being near each other. Give
special attention to the resident cat as it is this cat's territory that is being invaded and it is this old
friend who is likely to need the most reassurance. Until they become friends, give the new cat
loving attention only when the resident cat is not around.
If at any time the cats become fearful or hostile, return the newcomer to its room and close the
door. A minor setback will not ruin the budding friendship, but a fiercely aggressive encounter will
be remembered for a long time and should be avoided at all costs. Whenever you run into a
problem, back up to a previous stage of the process and then move carefully forward again. Only
you can determine the pace of the introduction process. The time you spend gradually habituating
your cats will eventually be rewarded with years of harmonious feline companionship.
~ courtesy of Cats International
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