Introducing Your Current Pet to Your New Pet

Giving your pet a new sibling is an incredibly exciting and heartwarming moment. However, first impressions are everything and puppies and kittens do not understand the world like your older pet does. But do not worry, with some preparation you can make their first meeting a success which will lead to them being the best of friends.

 

Introducing a Puppy to a Dog 

Before you bring a puppy into the home, make sure to remove their favourite toys and food bowl so if the puppy goes near them, your dog does not become possessive. When you enter the home with the puppy, make sure your dog is in another room so they do not jump up at the puppy. Once you have entered the same room as the dog, make sure they meet each other when they are both on the ground. Having a dog greet a puppy in your arms can cause the dog to become excited and jump up to reach the puppy, which in turn could cause anxiety for the puppy. Allow them to sniff each other and move around freely. Be sure to watch their body language as this will help indicate how they are feeling towards each other. Things to watch that indicate they are uncomfortable are: raised neck and back fur, growling, snarling, constant display of teeth, hunched back, tail between the legs, and/or constant running away/trying to escape. If your dog displays any of these signs, simply call them away and bring them to another room where they will feel safe. Once they are calm again you can bring them back to the puppy.

Many people also choose to introduce their puppy and dog in an outside environment. This is also an option if you know your dog to be possessive/protective of you or their home. If you choose to introduce them this way, make sure it is in an enclosed area such as your backyard, eliminating the need for collars and leashes. Some dogs can feel trapped or anxious when meeting another dog while on leash. Once you feel that they have gotten to know each other a little better you can move them into the home.

 

Introducing a Puppy to a Cat

When you first bring a puppy into your home, make sure you have prepared your cat ahead of time by creating a separate safe space for them. The room you choose should be able to hold your cat litter, food & water bowl. Having them closed off from each other gets them used to hearing the other and knowing that there is a new member in the family. When you crate your puppy for the night, place a blanket or a towel in the crate that has your cat's scent on it, and do the same for your cat. This will get them used to each other’s scents and will make face to face interactions smoother. Once your cat appears more relaxed and has become used to the puppy noises and scent you can bring them out of the room and explore the home, while the puppy is either outside or in another room. Once the cat appears calm, you can bring the puppy into the same room as the cat. It’s important to not let the puppy run towards the cat or back the cat into a corner. Try to keep the puppy calm and reward them with treats every time they show good behaviour towards the cat. Repeat this process over the next few days and never leave the two alone together until both are calm and respectful towards each other. It's important not to rush this process and understand it can take a few weeks for your cat to accept their new sibling.

 

Introducing a Kitten to a Dog

Dogs are very social animals and will love any new sibling you bring into the home, but that does not mean there is not a process to introducing your dog to a kitten. When you first bring a kitten home, you should first pick a room in your home and have that be the kitten’s room. Having your kitten isolated to one room the first few nights allows them to get comfortable and used to their new environment. During this time you may allow your dog to sniff the door but do not allow them to scratch. Once your kitten has become more comfortable in the home you can allow them to explore other rooms in the house, while the dog is in another room or outside. When the kitten is done exploring you may introduce the two. Be sure to give the kitten plenty of space and to keep your dog calm. If either appear overwhelmed, simply return the kitten to their room. Both your kitten and your dog will most likely require a few supervised introductions before they can be left alone together.

 

Introducing a Kitten to a Cat

When introducing a kitten to a cat it is important to create a “kitten room” first. This can be the bathroom or the bedroom, just as long as it is big enough to house all the kitten’s essentials like a litter box and food and water bowls. Allow the kitten to live in the “kitten room” for a few days to allow the kitten and cat to become used to each other's scents and noise. When the kitten appears to become comfortable with its new surroundings you can introduce them to the rest of the house and the cat. It is normal for a kitten and cat’s first meeting to involve some hissing and even growling. However, since the kitten has already been living in the house they will recognize each other's scents and realize there is nothing to fear. If the kitten and/or cat appear very anxious during their first meeting, simply put the kitten back in the “kitten room” and re-introduce them again later. Sometimes a few meetings have to happen between a kitten and a cat before they get used to each other. It's important not to rush or to force them to be together, simply let them come together on their own time.