Introducing a new pet to your cat

  So you've just adopted a dog and you're taking him home to meet the resident cat. Or conversely, you're taking in a new kitty to meet the family dog. Living with different animals can be beneficial to all involved, as long as the ground rules are well established. If you're hoping to avoid WWIII, there are some things you can do.

  Of course, the best method is to start with both pets as infants or at least very young. That way they'll socialize right from the start. Both should also be spayed or neutered. This prevents major territory wars, as well as creates a better personality in the long run.

• 1. The introductions: At this stage, one animal can be placed in one room and the other resident animal in an adjoining room. Take a towel or object and get the scent of the resident pet on it. Then do likewise with the new pet. Swap out the object with the other room, so that both animals get a chance to smell the other, without having an immediate confrontation. Give both attention, with some extra attention to the resident pet, if needed. Do this process often, at least twice a day for about a week.

• 2. Test the waters: Try to let them "meet" in a stress free environment (neutral territory like a hallway is good), with plenty of treats and petting and tight supervision. Don't punish for a little growling or hissing. Separate them only if things get out of hand. If they don't like the first meeting, separate them again for another week. Continue with the towel treatment of smells.

• 3. Armistice: If there are going to be dominance contests, let them figure it out. Gradually work your way to letting them have less restriction of movement and more access to each other. It can take up to a month for pets to get used to each other, but it can happen with patience. Don't forget to continue to lay on the affections, especially when they are "playing nice". Dogs will often follow your cue, so try to be relaxed and natural and dole out attention at the same time.

  Some pets will take to each other right away. In some ways, they are just like children. Sometimes they hit it off, other times it's not so nice. Cats and dogs can share the same area easily, since their "hangouts" are not likely to be the same. Both cats and dogs are social creatures, but they communicate differently, which leads to the most common problems. These methods can be applied to introducing a new cat to an another cat as well. No matter which species are involved, living with multiple animals can be worthwhile.

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