Introducing a new pet to your household
Introducing a new pet to your household can be an exciting yet delicate process. Whether you're bringing home a new dog, cat, or another furry friend, setting the stage for a smooth integration is key to fostering harmony among pets and humans alike. From initial introductions to establishing routines and boundaries, taking proactive steps can help ensure a positive transition for everyone involved.
Your pet will require time to adapt to its new surroundings, and this transition can be somewhat stressful. If you have rescued a pet that displayed a happy, playful demeanor at the shelter, they may exhibit wariness or fear in their new environment.
If the pet you are introducing to your home is the only pet in the house, observe your pet closely to gauge their emotional state. If they appear timid, it's best to approach them slowly or simply sit quietly in the same room, allowing them to approach you on their own terms. Conversely, if your pet shows signs of energy and eagerness to play, introduce toys and engage in activities, but always with caution. Pets may experience a mix of fear and excitement during this adjustment period.
Adapt your behavior to create a welcoming atmosphere for your new pet. The patience and consideration you demonstrate in these early days will ultimately build trust. As your pet becomes more comfortable, they will learn to see you as a reliable and caring companion.
We have outlined some new pet tips in this pet introduction guide.
If your new pet is a dog…Allow your new dog at least a week to settle in and become familiar with their new environment. Once your puppy or dog appears comfortable and relaxed—showing signs such as not hiding and willingly approaching you for affection and food—you can gradually introduce them to other areas of your home
If your new dog is your sole pet, you can allow him the opportunity to explore. Before you start, ensure that any off-limits areas such as the basement, attic, or garage are inaccessible to prevent the first big tour from turning into a frantic search.
Consider introducing your dog to different areas of your home while on a leash, allowing you to guide and instruct them on where they can and cannot go. During your initial tour, walk through each room and allow your pet to sniff around. If your pet attempts to jump on something that is off-limits, gently redirect them to an appropriate area. Engage in petting or play sessions in these accessible areas to create positive associations.
Depending on your dog's temperament, you may need to provide several "guided tours" on a leash before they understand the house rules and boundaries. For puppies, it's advisable to confine them to a limited area in your home where you can closely supervise them until they are fully house-trained.
While some animals thrive with increased living space, others may become anxious and withdraw. If your pet appears more nervous after being given more access to the house, adjust the introduction process to match their comfort level. Some dogs feel safest in a smaller, familiar area and may only explore other parts of the home if you are by their side. Every animal has unique preferences, so take the time to understand what your pet prefers and strive to accommodate their needs accordingly.
If your new pet is a cat…Cats, being creatures that thrive on routine, may opt to hide under a bed or in a closet during the initial days in a new home. It's important not to force interactions. Instead, create a small, quiet area specifically for your new cat to help them feel secure and settle into their new environment.
Allow your new cat at least a week to acclimate and feel at ease in their new surroundings. During this time, it's advisable to confine them to a single, quiet room equipped with their own litterbox, food dish, and a comfortable resting area such as a box or bed. This approach helps your cat adjust gradually and establishes a sense of security. It's also essential to prioritize your pet's health during this settling period by scheduling a veterinary appointment for a thorough physical examination.
Once your cat appears comfortable and relaxed—showing signs such as not hiding and willingly approaching you for affection and food—you can gradually introduce them to other areas of your home.
If your new cat is your sole pet, you can allow them the opportunity to explore. Before you start, ensure that any off-limits areas like the basement, attic, or garage are inaccessible to prevent the first extensive exploration from turning into a frantic search.
During the initial house tour, establish areas where your cat is not permitted, such as tabletops, counters, and plant shelves. You can use double-sided tape on these surfaces to discourage your cat from jumping up. Another method is to shake a can filled with pebbles when your cat approaches off-limits areas, associating the behavior with an unpleasant noise. Until you are confident that your cat understands these "house rules," avoid giving them unrestricted access to the house when you are not present.
While some animals thrive in larger living spaces, others may become frightened and retreat. If your cat appears more nervous after gaining access to more areas of the house, adjust the introduction process to accommodate their comfort level. Some cats feel safest in a smaller area and may only explore other parts of the home if accompanied by you. Each animal has unique preferences, so take the time to understand what your pet prefers and strive to support those preferences accordingly.
Ensure your cat remains indoors to protect them from various dangers such as predators, diseases, fast-moving vehicles, and toxic substances found outdoors. If you wish to let your cat enjoy outdoor experiences, use a harness and leash while accompanying them in your yard. It's crucial to always have a collar and ID tag on your cat, ensuring they can be easily identified if they accidentally get loose or escape from the house.
Introducing a new pet dog to your household dog…Ideally begin introducing the new pet by walking your dogs outdoors in a neutral territory with ample space, such as a park, open field, or quiet street. Start walking on opposite sides of the space, moving in the same direction. Reward each dog with a treat when they look at the other dog. Continue walking until they are no longer fixated on each other.
Gradually reduce the distance between the dogs, moving about 3-5 feet closer during each walk-and-reward session. Keep their focus on you rather than each other. If they become too focused on one another, increase the distance again until they can walk calmly, take treats, and ignore each other.
Continue this process until both humans can walk side by side with the dogs to their far right and left, moving forward without fixation on the other dog. Once walking together consistently, allow the dogs to briefly circle and sniff each other, then lead them away. Repeat this several times during each session. If either dog's body stiffens, lead them away and take a break.
Once the dogs appear relaxed with loose, wiggly bodies during multiple meetings, try allowing them off-leash in a fenced area where they can freely explore and interact.
If introducing the dogs outdoors is not possible, here are some new pet tips, for home introductions: Start with outdoor introductions before bringing the dogs into the house together. Have the dogs on leashes and keep the leashes on so you can control both dogs if necessary. : Remove any bones, toys, and food bowls that your resident dog might feel protective of. Keep the dogs separated when you are not home until they are comfortable with each other in various situations. When you are home, supervise their interactions and give them breaks from each other by crating one at a time or taking them for separate walks.
If an altercation occurs, separate the dogs for a few days to let stress hormones return to normal. Resuming introductions too soon can worsen the situation. After a few days, resume the previous steps to build a positive relationship.
Introducing a new dog to a household cat…Although the stereotype suggests otherwise, many dogs and cats can learn to coexist peacefully. Patience and a gradual introduction process are key, but remember that their ability to get along also depends on their individual personalities. Follow these steps to increase the likelihood of a successful relationship between your pets
Ensure that your cat always has access to a sanctuary free from the dog. This sanctuary room can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling. Equip the space with a litter box, scratching post, water, food bowl, and toys. Cat-proof the area by removing any poisonous plants, medicines, fragile items, and securing or hiding cords. Consider adding hiding places or tunnels to help your cat feel safer. Be prepared to manage your pets' interactions for several weeks or more. Ideally, your living spaces should have multiple high areas, like shelves or furniture, where your cat can escape from the dog if needed.
Keep the pets separated initially. For at least the first 3-4 days, prevent any contact until your new pet has had a vet checkup and been cleared of any illnesses. Confine your new pet to a sanctuary room with the door closed or to a separate floor of your house. The aim is to let the pets acclimate to each other's presence without direct interaction. Even if they cannot see each other, they will still be able to hear and smell one another.
The goal is to help them associate the presence of the other pet with positive experiences, such as eating. During each feeding, gradually move their food bowls closer to the closed door. Continue this process until both pets can eat calmly right next to the door.
Once your pets can eat their food calmly next to the door, start conducting meet-and-greet sessions in a common area of the house, avoiding either animal's sanctuary area. Keep the initial sessions short and calm. Have the dog on a leash and allow the cat to come and go freely. Do not restrain either pet in your arms to avoid injury if aggression occurs. Ask the dog to sit and reward him with small tasty treats for calm behavior, and give your cat treats as well. If either pet shows signs of aggression, calmly distract and redirect them. Toss a toy to lure the cat out of the room, or call the dog’s name and reward his attention. After the session, return the pets to their confinement areas.
Repeat these face-to-face sessions daily. Reserve your pets' favorite treats for these times when they are together. If the cat tries to leave the room, allow it and ensure the dog does not chase. Aim to end each session before either pet shows signs of stress or aggression.
When the animals seem to be getting along well, allow them to be loose in the room together. Keep the dog's leash attached and dragging on the floor so you can step on it if he gets excited and prevent him from chasing the cat. If tension arises, return to the earlier introduction steps and repeat the process. Ensure the cat always has access to a dog-proof sanctuary room.
Continue to keep the pets separated when you are not there to supervise them.
Introducing a new cat to a household cat…Cats are solitary and highly territorial animals, often needing weeks or even months to adjust to changes in their environment and lifestyle. Therefore, first impressions are crucial when meeting other household pets. Cats introduced too quickly and engaged in fights may never learn to coexist peacefully.
Set up a sanctuary room for your new cat. When you bring your new cat home, confine him to one room with his own litter box, bed, food, and water for a week, or at least until he has been examined by your vet
Feed them on opposite sides of the same door. During the next meal, place the two cats' bowls on either side of the door to that room. The goal is to have the cats associate the pleasurable activity of eating with the presence of the other cat. Gradually move the bowls closer with each feeding. Once they can eat calmly with both bowls directly across from each other, open the door slightly for just a few seconds so they can see each other while they eat.
Allow your new cat to explore. Once your new cat seems comfortable in his surroundings, is eating well, and using his litter box, confine your resident cat in another room and let the new cat explore the house. This enables the new cat to encounter the resident cat’s scent without direct contact. Another option is to exchange the cats’ bedding for a night.
Closely monitor the cats' first encounter and limit their initial time together. Some display of fearful or aggressive behavior, such as crouching, hissing, or ears back, is expected, but it's important to prevent a pattern of aggression or fear from developing, as it can be hard to change. If these behaviors intensify, separate the cats again and return to step one.
If a fight breaks out, distract and separate the cats. Throw a towel over them or make a loud noise to interrupt the fight. Lure the new cat back to his sanctuary room (avoiding picking him up while he is still agitated) and give both cats a few days to calm down. During introductions, do not hold either cat in your arms, as you could be scratched or bitten if one reacts aggressively.
Continue to supervise encounters between the cats, closely monitoring for signs of tension or aggression. If one cat appears to be freezing, staring, or fixating on the other, have treats or fun toys on hand to redirect their attention. This helps teach them that positive things happen when the other cat is nearby.
Introducing a new cat to a household dog…Although the stereotype suggests otherwise, many dogs and cats can learn to coexist peacefully. Patience and a gradual introduction process are key, but remember that their ability to get along also depends on their individual personalities. Follow these steps to increase the likelihood of a successful relationship between your pets.
Ensure that your cat always has access to a sanctuary free from the dog. This sanctuary room can be any size but must have a secure door and ceiling. Equip the space with a litter box, scratching post, water, food bowl, and toys. Cat-proof the area by removing any poisonous plants, medicines, fragile items, and securing or hiding cords. Consider adding hiding places or tunnels to help your cat feel safer. Be prepared to manage your pets' interactions for several weeks or more. Ideally, your living spaces should have multiple high areas, like shelves or furniture, where your cat can escape from the dog if needed.
Keep the pets separated initially. For at least the first 3-4 days, prevent any contact until your new pet has had a vet checkup and been cleared of any illnesses. Confine your new pet to a sanctuary room with the door closed or to a separate floor of your house. The aim is to let the pets acclimate to each other's presence without direct interaction. Even if they cannot see each other, they will still be able to hear and smell one another.
The goal is to help them associate the presence of the other pet with positive experiences, such as eating. During each feeding, gradually move their food bowls closer to the closed door. Continue this process until both pets can eat calmly right next to the door.
Once your pets can eat their food calmly next to the door, start conducting meet-and-greet sessions in a common area of the house, avoiding either animal's sanctuary area. Keep the initial sessions short and calm. Have the dog on a leash and allow the cat to come and go freely. Do not restrain either pet in your arms to avoid injury if aggression occurs. Ask the dog to sit and reward him with small tasty treats for calm behavior, and give your cat treats as well. If either pet shows signs of aggression, calmly distract and redirect them. Toss a toy to lure the cat out of the room, or call the dog’s name and reward his attention. After the session, return the pets to their confinement areas.
Repeat these face-to-face sessions daily. Reserve your pets' favorite treats for these times when they are together. If the cat tries to leave the room, allow it and ensure the dog does not chase. Aim to end each session before either pet shows signs of stress or aggression.
When the animals seem to be getting along well, allow them to be loose in the room together. Keep the dog's leash attached and dragging on the floor so you can step on it if he gets excited and prevent him from chasing the cat. If tension arises, return to the earlier introduction steps and repeat the process. Ensure the cat always has access to a dog-proof sanctuary room.
Continue to keep the pets separated when you are not there to supervise them.
Cats are solitary and highly territorial animals, often needing weeks or even months to adjust to changes in their environment and lifestyle. Therefore, first impressions are crucial when meeting other household pets. Cats introduced too quickly and engaged in fights may never learn to coexist peacefully.
Set up a sanctuary room for your new cat. When you bring your new cat home, confine him to one room with his own litter box, bed, food, and water for a week, or at least until he has been examined by your vet.
Feed them on opposite sides of the same door. During the next meal, place the two cats' bowls on either side of the door to that room. The goal is to have the cats associate the pleasurable activity of eating with the presence of the other cat. Gradually move the bowls closer with each feeding. Once they can eat calmly with both bowls directly across from each other, open the door slightly for just a few seconds so they can see each other while they eat.
Allow your new cat to explore. Once your new cat seems comfortable in his surroundings, is eating well, and using his litter box, confine your resident cat in another room and let the new cat explore the house. This enables the new cat to encounter the resident cat’s scent without direct contact. Another option is to exchange the cats’ bedding for a night.
Closely monitor the cats' first encounter and limit their initial time together. Some display of fearful or aggressive behavior, such as crouching, hissing, or ears back, is expected, but it's important to prevent a pattern of aggression or fear from developing, as it can be hard to change. If these behaviors intensify, separate the cats again and return to step one.
If a fight breaks out, distract and separate the cats. Throw a towel over them or make a loud noise to interrupt the fight. Lure the new cat back to his sanctuary room (avoiding picking him up while he is still agitated) and give both cats a few days to calm down. During introductions, do not hold either cat in your arms, as you could be scratched or bitten if one reacts aggressively.
Continue to supervise encounters between the cats, closely monitoring for signs of tension or aggression. If one cat appears to be freezing, staring, or fixating on the other, have treats or fun toys on hand to redirect their attention. This helps teach them that positive things happen when the other cat is nearby.
Be sensitive to what a big change this is for your resident cat. Give him the security of his usual routine and his own special time with you. Keep in mind that “success” doesn’t necessarily mean your cats will be best buddies. Some cats become bonded to one another while others spend the rest of their lives avoiding and hissing at each other. Realize that either of these scenarios might happen. Your goal in facilitating introductions is to set the stage for the cats to peacefully share their living quarters, but understand you simply cannot “make” them like each other. This process takes time: count on 2-4 weeks if integrating a kitten and an adult, and 4-6 weeks (or longer) if integrating two adults. While following this protocol will maximize your chances of success, know that some cats simply never learn to coexist peacefully. If you have followed the introduction process and do not see any improvement after a month’s time — especially if one cat is terrorizing or injuring the other — long-term success may be unrealistic. Rehoming one of the cats or keeping them permanently separate may be necessary for everyone’s safety.
Be sensitive to the significant change for your resident cat. Maintain his usual routine and give him his own special time with you to provide a sense of security.
Keep in mind that "success" doesn't necessarily mean your cats will become best friends. Some cats may bond closely, while others may continue to avoid or hiss at each other for the rest of their lives. Understand that either scenario is possible. Your goal in facilitating introductions is to create an environment where the cats can peacefully share their living space, but you cannot force them to like each other.
This process takes time: expect it to take 2-4 weeks when integrating a kitten and an adult, and 4-6 weeks (or longer) when integrating two adults.
While following this protocol will maximize your chances of success, be aware that some cats may never learn to coexist peacefully. If you've followed the introduction process and see no improvement after a month—especially if one cat is terrorizing or injuring the other—long-term success may be unrealistic. In such cases, rehoming one of the cats or keeping them permanently separate may be necessary for everyone's safety.
Successfully introducing a new pet to your household is a gradual process that requires patience, careful planning, and consistent monitoring. By following the new pet tips outlined, you can create a positive environment that helps both the new and resident pets adjust to each other. Remember that each pet has its own personality and may take varying amounts of time to acclimate. Be prepared for setbacks and always prioritize their safety and well-being. With time and effort, you can foster a harmonious relationship between your pets, making your home a happier place for all.
