New Cat Resources
♥ Bringing your new cat home Congratulations on adopting a TPK cat! Bringing home a new cat or kitten is a wonderful time, but new owners often need to take the appropriate steps to make sure their cat settles in. Check out the ASPCA's Guide to bringing a new cat home. ♥ Introducing your dog to your new cat "Many dogs and cats get along very well, especially if they’ve grown up with each other or have prior experience living with the other species. But dogs who have never lived with cats are more likely to treat cats like other dogs and try to play with them—or like prey animals and try to chase and possibly kill them. Similarly, cats who have never lived with dogs will likely view them as predators and will run away or become defensively aggressive. If your dog is gentle and friendly, and he’s not a squirrel-chasing predatory type, he may be a good candidate for successfully living with a cat. And in general, kittens and laid-back cats are good candidates for successfully living with a dog" - ASPCA. For more tips and guidelines, check out the ASPCA's Guide. ♥ Introducing your resident cat to your new cat If you’re bringing a new cat into your home, be patient! The introduction must be gradual and following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. It takes most cats 8 to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Many cats who don’t become buddies learn to avoid and tolerate each other, while others may become fast friends or friends over time. For more detailed introduction information, check out this great guide from the ASPCA. Still have questions? Email us at info@thephillykitty.org |