Fighting Like Cats and Dogs: Introducing a New Pet Into the Household

Each pet has its own personality and will react to new situations differently - including the introduction to a new home or a new pet. Some pets will merely tolerate each other. Others will become the very best of friends. Here are a few tips for introducing a new pet into your home.

If you are adopting a dog from a humane society or pet rescue organization, ask if they will permit you to bring your own dog in for an introduction. They will be able to assist and advise on whether they believe the dogs would be suitable housemates.

Always supervise your pets until you are confident that they get along. Until then, separate your pets by confining at least one of them to its own room while you are away. Allow them to interact with each other with your supervision. Some pets will adjust to each other in mere hours, while others may take weeks or even months.

Introduce your pets indoors in controlled situations. If you are introducing a cat to a dog, do not allow the dog to chase or corner the cat, even if it's out of playfulness or curiosity.

When introducing a cat, do NOT hold the cat in your arms. A frightened or nervous cat may scratch or bite in its anxiety to get free.

Make use of a kennel. For instance, place a pet inside the kennel and allow both the new and existing pets to see and sniff one another in their own time. Don't have a kennel? Place one pet in a room and allow them to sniff each other from underneath the door.

Allow your new pet to familiarize itself with its new home. Temporarily confine existing pets to a room to give your new pet a chance to feel more comfortable with its surroundings.

Be calm, confident, and encouraging. Animals can sense anxiety.

Give your pets separate food and water bowls and feed them in different areas to help prevent any scuffles. When introducing cats, also provide separate litter boxes.

Be especially careful when introducing dogs or cats to caged animals. Dogs and cats can live in harmony with rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc... but introduce them under strictly controlled supervision. Keep in mind that cats are very agile, so placing a cage high up on a shelf doesn't necessarily protect the caged pet. Don't take any chances - one mistake could be fatal to your caged pet.

Give them time. Do not try to force your pets together; allow them to adjust at their own pace. Give all your pets time to gain confidence and decide when to face his or her new housemates.

Continue to provide all of your pets with plenty of love and attention! .