We’ve had Panther for 10 days now (picked him up on March 25, 2009) and we’ve had Stripes at our new place for over a month now. Stripes had been adjusting quite well to her new digs with very little complaint and has become quite acclimated with our new place now roaming the entire house as queen. Stripes isn’t allowed outside, for the time being (neither is Panther) as we want to be completely sure that she knows this is her home now.
When we first brought Panther home, we tried to introduce the two slowly by having Stripes come up to the box to get Panther’s scent, but she started hissing and growling. We figured as much would happen. We had talked to a number of people and read a number of things online about getting a new pet when you have an existing pet. We wanted Stripes to have someone to keep her company and play with her because since she’s not allowed outside, she sits pretty inactive around the house not getting enough exercise. What a lot of people have recommend if you wish to introduce a new pet to an existing pet is
- It’s going to take a lot of time and patience. Nothing’s going to happen overnight or for awhile
- For cats, if the existing pet is older (Stripes is 6), it’s best to get a kitten of the opposite sex (Panther is 6 months old and male)
- Do not leave them alone together. Any interaction between the two has to be supervised
- Have separate litter boxes, food trays, and water bowls for them
- Try not to change any routines with the existing pet
- Spend equal quality time with each of the pets alone so that they understand they are loved and not being replaced
For the first week or so, Stripes would ignore Panther and hiss and growl at him whenever he came too close to her. Panther, being a kitten in a new environment, was immensely curious and wanted to play with anyone and everything whereas Stripes was used to a slower and calmer pace. Unfortunately, every night, we had to confine Panther to his room (our office) and he would cry and cry wanting attention. Stripes would sleep with us.
Gradually, the hissing and growling became less and less and now they for the most part are playing with each other. Stripes will chase Panther from our room to the living room and back. It’s funny to see and hear their little paws on the hardwood floor. But when we leave for work, Panther is put back in his room and Stripes is allowed to roam the house.
Yesterday, they finally slept together on our bed next to each other; a huge step forward. We believe Stripes is finally accepting Panther.
Popularity: 1% [?]
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.