Author: Nicole Pitts

Introducing a new cat to your home, especially when you already have a resident cat, requires a thoughtful and gradual approach. Cats are territorial creatures, and sudden changes can be stressful. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you smoothly introduce a newly adopted cat to your resident cat.

Step 1: Prepare a Separate Space for the New Cat

Before bringing the new cat home, set up a separate room or space where the new cat can feel safe and secure. This room should include essentials like a litter box, food, water, toys, and a cozy place to sleep. This separation helps the new cat acclimate to their surroundings without overwhelming the resident cat.

Step 2: Let Them Get Used to Each Other’s Scent

Cats rely heavily on scent to recognize each other and their environment. Begin the introduction process by allowing each cat to become familiar with the other’s scent. You can do this by swapping bedding, toys, or blankets between the two cats. This helps them get used to each other without direct contact.

Step 3: Controlled Visual Introductions

Once both cats seem comfortable with each other’s scent, you can start controlled visual introductions. Use a baby gate or slightly open the door of the new cat’s room, allowing the cats to see each other without direct interaction. Observe their body language carefully. Signs of curiosity, like soft eyes and relaxed postures, are positive, while hissing or growling indicates discomfort.

Step 4: Gradual Increase of Contact

When the cats seem comfortable seeing each other, it’s time for a face-to-face introduction. Over the course of several days, gradually increase the time the cats can see each other. Keep these sessions short, especially at first, and always end on a positive note. If either cat shows signs of stress, such as hiding, hissing, or aggressive postures, reduce the length of these sessions and proceed more slowly.

Avoid forcing interactions; let the cats approach each other at their own pace. Continue to supervise their interactions until you’re confident they can coexist peacefully.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage friendly interactions between the cats. Offer treats, praise, and gentle petting when they’re calm and relaxed around each other. Playtime is also a great way to bond the cats, as it allows them to engage in positive, shared activities.

Step 5: Be Patient and Flexible

The introduction process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the cats’ personalities and previous experiences. Be patient and allow them to adjust at their own pace. If setbacks occur, don’t be discouraged—just take a step back and go slower.

Step 6: Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you encounter persistent aggression or fear, or if the cats are not adjusting despite your efforts, consider consulting a professional cat behaviorist. They can provide tailored advice and techniques to help the cats develop a positive relationship.

You can also call our Pet Resource Center for additional support: 404.875.5331.

If you want more pet care resources, check out this page.

Introducing a new dog to your home, especially when you already have a resident dog, can be a rewarding yet delicate process. It’s essential to approach this introduction with patience and careful planning to ensure a smooth transition for both dogs. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make this experience positive for everyone involved.

Step 1: Prepare Before Bringing the New Dog Home

Before bringing the new dog home, ensure that your resident dog is in a calm and relaxed state. You might want to take them on a long walk to burn off some energy. It’s also a good idea to remove any high-value items such as favorite toys, bones, or food bowls to avoid potential resource guarding.

Step 2: Neutral Territory Meeting

The first introduction should take place in a neutral territory, such as a park or a friend’s yard, where neither dog feels territorial. Both dogs should be on a leash, and it’s helpful to have a second person to assist. Allow the dogs to see each other from a distance and observe their body language. Look for signs of positive interest, such as wagging tails and relaxed postures, rather than stiff or aggressive behaviors.

Step 3: The Parallel Walk

Once both dogs seem comfortable seeing each other, begin walking them parallel, keeping some distance between them. This allows them to get used to each other’s presence without direct confrontation. Gradually decrease the distance as long as both dogs remain calm and curious. Let them sniff the ground and environment but avoid face-to-face greetings at this stage.

Step 4: On-Leash Introduction

After a successful parallel walk, you can allow the dogs to approach each other while still on a leash. Let them sniff and investigate each other calmly. Keep the leashes loose to avoid creating tension, but be ready to gently separate them if either dog shows signs of discomfort or aggression.

Step 5: Entering the Home

When both dogs seem comfortable with each other, it’s time to bring them home. Have the resident dog enter the home first, followed by the new dog. This allows the resident dog to feel more in control of the situation. Supervise their interactions closely and keep the first home introduction short. Gradually increase the time they spend together as they grow more comfortable with each other.

Be sure to provide each dog with their own space, such as separate sleeping areas or crates, where they can retreat and feel secure.

Step 6: Establish Routines

Dogs thrive on routine, so establish consistent feeding, walking, and play schedules that include both dogs. This helps them understand their new environment and reduces stress. Be sure to give each dog individual attention and affection to prevent jealousy and competition.

Step 7: Be Patient and Positive

The introduction process can take time, so be patient and allow both dogs to adjust at their own pace. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm and friendly behavior, offering treats, praise, or playtime when they interact well together.

Step 8: Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you’re struggling with the introduction process or notice ongoing aggression or fear in either dog, don’t hesitate to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized advice and strategies to help the dogs build a positive relationship.

If you’ve adopted from Atlanta Humane, our friends at Barking Hound Village offer discounted training sessions!

If you want more pet care resources, check out this page.

Congratulations on your new dog! You’ve brought your pup home, everyone’s settling in, and now it’s time to do some shopping. Of course, your furry friend needs food and water, but what else should you get?

Let’s start with the basics and then dive into some fun extras. And if you’re worried about leaving your new companion alone, no problem—you can get everything you need delivered quickly to your door when you shop the Pet Supplies section on Amazon.

Plus, if your friends and family want to help spoil your new pooch, you can set up an Amazon Registry to make it easy for them!

1. Food

Since we already mentioned food, let’s talk about that first. The best thing to do is to continue what your dog is currently eating and transition to what you plan to feed them by slowly mixing in the new food, adding more until you wean out the old food. This can prevent tummy troubles in an already stressful time.

And of course, you’ll need those food and water bowls, too!

If your dog eats a little too quickly, you can also try a slow feeder or puzzle bowl.

2. Bed and/or a Crate

Your new furry family member needs a place to feel safe and know is their very own. We recommend a kennel or crate for your dog, but you also may want to get them a special bed. Crating is a good way to keep your pup safe as they are getting acclimated to their new home, and many dogs love to use their crate as a hang-out spot to feel safe and relaxed, even with the door open.

PS: Don’t forget the cozy kennel pad.

3. Pee Pads

Of course, you’ll need these if you have a puppy, but you may want to have some on hand if your new dog is a senior. Check out some tips on the use of pee pads, house training your puppy, and overall potty training.

4. Collar and Name Tag

This is a very important item! If your pet gets lost or gets away from you, this will help ensure they return home to you safely. Many dog parents like collars with their name and number directly on the collar rather than a tag. You can get as fancy or as plain as you want, and let that collar reflect your dog’s personality!

5. Leash

Soon, your dog will recognize the sound of their new leash and come running when you get it! Extendable leashes often end up causing more trouble than they  maintain safety, so we recommend a fixed length leash.

Your leash will depend on your dog’s size, age, and pulling ability, and many leashes have comfort grips or dual grips which are nice for pups and parents. You may want to wait a bit before investing in a fancy leash or harness to understand what kind of walker your dog is.

However, especially with a new dog, make sure they are leashed when you take them out to keep them safe and with you. Speaking of going out, don’t forget the poop bags! 

6. Treats

It’s best to have a variety of treats for different purposes. You’ll want some basic treats for things like coming in after a walk or for before bed and some high-value ones for training. And then some really high value for key training, like come and leave it.

Pro tip: You can also freeze carrots or banana slices and offer green beans or apple bites!

7. Toys

Of course, you’ll want some toys for your new dog! We recommend a variety of toys to start to see what they like. Some dogs get attached to soft toys, while others destroy them in seconds. Some love tug-of-war and big rope toys, and some would rather have an enrichment toy. Try them out, see what your pup likes, and go from there.

Most of all, your new dog will want love, consistency, and that feeling of safety (and those treats). You don’t need the fanciest toys or the cushiest bed; you and your pup now have what’s most important – each other.

Want some new toys for your dog but don’t want to spend a lot of money on expensive toys from the pet store?

Or maybe you want to make toys to keep your active kitty stimulated and busy during the day?

There are so many DIY toys you can make at home that are not only cost effective, they are also fun and easy for everyone to make.

Cats

• Got some worn out jeans? Cut an eight-inch square, pinch it up in the middle to form a butterfly shape and tie one end of a long piece of string tight around the middle of the butterfly shape. Drag it across the floor and watch your cat chase it around.
• Cats love hide and seek! Find an empty box (a cereal box or empty Amazon box can work perfectly) and cut a few holes in it large enough for your cat to place their paw in. Toss a few toys in the box and watch your cat try to fish the items out.
• Fill old medicine bottle with items like beans or rice. Cats love the sounds, just make sure that child proof lid is on it!
• Too many plastic grocery bags laying around? Crumple up a few and fill up a small sock. Tie the end and you’re created endless fun with a crinkle toy.

Dogs

• Put an old tennis ball in a sock and tie it in a knot. They can chew and gnaw on the ball all day, but it won’t come out.
• Yet another use for those Amazon boxes! Cut small holes in a cardboard box and put a few treats inside. Your dog will have to figure out how to get to the treats, flipping the box on all sides.
• Cut an old towel or t-shirt into four to six wide strips and knot them together or braid them. Dogs love to play tug!
• Paper Towels rolls are great fun for dogs. Drop a few treats in the tube and bend the ends closed. Your dog can figure out how to get the goodies inside out.
• Grab an empty water bottle or a clean plastic condiment bottle or jar (like a ketchup bottle or peanut butter jar). Please a few treats in the jar for noise and tighten the lid. Please the bottle in a sock and tie the end or wrap some old fabric around the bottle and tie it in a knot.

We hope you have fun with these DIY ideas for your best friend!