Helping Your Pet To Mingle

When it comes to the world of animals, mingling with each other is quite a different process than what happens with us humans. Most animals follow a social code and live according to a strict hierarchy, so when you introduce them to a new ‘friend’ or want them to socialize, they start to resent stuff. However, with proper care and caution and the right amount of perseverance, pets too can be made to mingle with each other successfully.

Here is how! Getting your cat to mingle with other cats

It is not a problem when there is just one cat in the house. But what if you want another one? Or a friend comes visiting with her cat? This shifts the attention from your feline and it makes her more resentful as it takes away the ‘queen’ title from her. This is what you should do to get your cats mingling:

• Understand that this is a slow process and give your cat some time to adjust to the changes.

• Focus on the new cat but at the same time don’t let your attention deviate from the former one. Pay attention to both the cats.

• Keep them at separate places for several days with a door or window between them so that they can sniff each other through the cracks and get used to the ‘Stanger scent’.

• Give the older female her own personal space, a room probably where she can feel secure, her own food and water dishes along with her litterbox.

• It is normal for adult female cats to be jealous of each other, don’t rush them into mingling. Be patient and someday your cats will coexist, if not become best friends.

Getting your dogs mingling

Be very careful when you take your dog out to mingle with other dogs. If not socialized properly, your dog might turn out to be very different from what you expected. A puppy that gets steamrolled by one or more dogs can end up becoming aggressive not just towards other dogs but also towards people and you may witness several instances of growling. Other case might be that your dog may start developing an attitude like the sun sets and rises on his leadership. Both sort of attitudes are dangerous. Here is how to get your dogs mingling in the right manner.

• Always take your dog out for a walk and give him enough exercise. This will burn off all the extra energy but don’t wear him out.

• Set up the meeting space. Don’t have it too cluttered or your dog may feel trapped and not able to move if the other dog reacts aggressively.

• Introduce him to a new dog. But don’t throw a shy and timid dog in a bunch of pooches.

• Hold on to his leash but allow him freedom to move physically. It’s best to let things go naturally but be prepared to pull him away either of the dog becomes agitated.

• End this session after ten minutes and give some alone time t your dog. Deliver the sessions in brief chunks so that it doesn’t get too intense.