Can A Pet Have A BFFF?

Dear Smart T. Pants,

My two kitties are the best of friends. Is this unusual? Is there a way to assure pets will be Best Furry Friends Forever when you bring a new pet home?

Wondering

Dear Wondering:

Just like humans don’t like everyone that they meet, animals have animals that they like and ones they do not. But I do have some advice for you on how to make the introduction go a little smoother.

First and most importantly - take your time. Do not just bring the newcomer into the house, put them down and proclaim - “Look here is your new best friend!” I can tell you right now that is NOT going to work. For dogs it is best to introduce us on neutral territory. For kitties it is best to keep the newcomer and the existing home occupier apart for a week. Then a slow process of introduction can begin.

Introduce the newcomer slowly and with positive reinforcement for acceptance from the existing pet. Keep our schedule the same (feed us at our regular time!) in order to reduce stress. For dogs try walking us together. With kitties start with letting them see one another through a screen door or a baby gate.

When it is time for a full introduction - it needs to be supervised! Things can quickly turn ugly if the original pet feels threatened or feels they need to defend their territory.

There is a lot written about introducing a new pet and if you plan on doing that, spend some time reading the articles or better yet get more information from your local pet rescue or vet.

But always keep in mind you humans are our best friends.

Mr. Smart T. Pants