[onscreen action] Woman sitting on floor with cats. Cat playing with dog. [female narrator] The key to successfully introducing
your new cat to your other pets is to take your time.

You can really never go too slow during introductions.
 [onscreen action] Woman setting up area for a cat. 
[narrator] The first thing you need to do is set up
a quiet room exclusively for your new cat.
 [onscreen action] Cat exploring it’s new area. 
[narrator] After you feel your new cat's comfortable,
you can begin scent exchange with your pets.
 [onscreen action] Woman placing items from other pets next to a cat. 
[narrator] So, start the process by placing some of your
resident pet's bedding and toys
in with your new cat, and vice versa.
 [onscreen action] Woman rubbing washcloth on cat’s face. 
[narrator] Take a soft washcloth and gently rub it
on your new cat's cheeks, where his scent glands are.
 [onscreen action] Woman placing washcloth under dog’s dish dish. 
[narrator] Then, put it under your existing pet's food bowl.
 [onscreen action] Woman wiping dogs paw with washcloth. 
[narrator] You can then do the opposite, and provide
your new cat with a wash cloth from your resident pet.
 [narrator] For dogs, you'll want to gather their scent
by rubbing their paw pads instead of their cheeks.

[onscreen action] cat getting pet. Thought bubble appears above cat. [onscreen text] This place is alright. 
[narrator] Once your new cat's comfortable with the surroundings,
you can allow your resident pets to sniff
at the closed door leading to its quiet room.
 [onscreen action] Dog sniffing at a door. 
[narrator] Keep the door closed, but reward each animal's
quiet, calm curiosity with treats and attention.
 [onscreen action] Cat pawing at door. 
[narrator] If any of your pets seem upset or overly aggressive
when they approach the door, they're not ready
to take the next step.
 [onscreen action] Woman petting cat. 
[narrator] You'll need to give them more time to get
used to each other's scent.
 [onscreen action] Woman opens door to let the dog see the cat. 
[narrator] After a few days, if your pets are remaining
calm through the closed door, you're ready to attempt
their first face-to-face introduction.
 [onscreen action] Woman holding cat places treats by the door. 
[narrator] Start by bringing your pets over to the door
that separates them, and reward their curiosity
with attention, toys, or treats.
 [onscreen action] Woman holding the dog’s leash by the door. Cat sniffing at the door. Thought bubble about cat. [onscreen text] Hello? 
[narrator] Now, if you have a resident dog, it's critical
that you put him on his leash so you have control.

Once each pet is at the door, open it a crack.

Not too far, just enough so they can smell
and see each other.
 [onscreen action] Woman opening the door so the dog and cat can meet. 
[narrator] And be prepared to close the door quickly
if either pet becomes outwardly aggressive.
 [onscreen action] Cat peeking through the open door. 
[narrator] With cats, a certain amount of hissing,
growling, and posturing is to be expected.
 [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. 
[narrator] If either animal does become outwardly aggressive,
don't punish or yell at them.

This will only make matters worse.
 [onscreen action] Woman sitting in a different room with the dog. 
[narrator] You simply need to go back to the closed door step,
and remind yourself that this process takes time.
 [onscreen action] Woman petting cat. 
[narrator] So be patient, and let your pet sniff
and hear each other through the door a little longer.

Once you're able to crack the door
and your pets remain calm, they're ready to meet. [onscreen action] Cat lying in a cat tower, woman is petting the cat.

[narrator] Before introducing them, place a table
or some high furniture in your cat's quiet room,
so it has a place to escape to if frightened.
 [onscreen action] Woman putting dog on a leash. 
[narrator] If you're introducing your dog, be sure to
have him on leash.
 [onscreen action] Woman leading dog on a leash. Thought bubble appears by dog. [onscreen text] Hello I’m Max. 
[narrator] Also, get treats ready to reward good behavior.

Don't force any interaction, just supervise.

Let each pet approach the other on his own. 
[onscreen action] Cat and dog meet, sniffing each other. 
[narrator] After a minute or two, reward both pets
with treats and attention, so the visit ends
on a positive note.
 [onscreen action] Two cats meeting. 
[narrator] Repeat these supervised visits a couple of times
a day for several days, ending each visit
on a good note.
 [onscreen action] Narrator speaking on screen. 
[narrator] Now keep in mind, this process can take awhile,
so be patient.

If you're introducing cats, you can probably
begin to allow them to interact on their own
after a few weeks.

If you're introducing your dog to the new cat,
you shouldn't allow them to interact unsupervised
until their behavior is completely appropriate,
which can take several months.