ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Love-a-Cat month at humane society

Hawaiian Humane Society

It's tempting to bring home another cat now during Love-a-Cat month at the Hawaiian Humane Society.

There is always a good selection of cats and kittens looking for homes. Adopters receive a free coupon for flea prevention and a cat tips booklet. And a second cat can go home with you for no extra charge.

If you already have a cat at home, use care when introducing a new pet to a resident pet. Some cats are more social — some are more territorial.

Most felines prefer companions who can entertain each other when you are not around.

Make sure both cats are healthy, then allow each time to get used to one other before they meet face to face. Use the steps below to carefully acquaint your kitty roommates.

Step 1: separation

Confine your new cat to a separate room with her litter box, food, water and a bed. Feed your resident pets and the newcomer on each side of the door to this room. They will associate the joy of eating with each other's smells.

Gradually move the food dishes closer to the door until your pets can eat calmly, directly on either side of the door. Then use two doorstops to prop open the door a couple of inches, just enough to allow the animals to see each other.

Step 2: swap scents

While the cats are still separated, switch the sleeping blankets or beds of your new cat and your resident animals so they become accustomed to each other's scent. Rub a towel on one animal and put it underneath the food dish of another animal.

Step 3: switch rooms

Once your new cat is using her litter box and eating regularly in separate rooms, let her have free time in the house while confining your other animals to the new cat's room. This switch provides another way for the pets to experience each other's scents without direct contact.

It also allows the newcomer to explore the house without being frightened by the other animals.

Step 4: the introduction

While you supervise them, put your pets together for a short time when each is feeling mellow, starting with a short time together so neither animal becomes afraid or aggressive. If either becomes fearful, separate them and start over the next day.

Precautions

If a small spat occurs between your cats, make a loud noise, toss a soft pillow, or use a squirt bottle to separate the cats. Don't play favorites.

Give them both a chance to calm down before re-introducing them to each other.

Once they are no longer separated, your current cat will probably hide out for a few days refusing to acknowledge the newcomer, or he may act aggressively toward the new cat. Be sure each cat has a safe hiding place and their own litter box, food and water dishes.

Success

Some cat experts say the introduction process can take six to 12 weeks or more. Sociable cats or kittens can become friends much quicker than that.

Ask the advice of the adoption counselors at the humane society if you're welcoming a new cat.

ADOPTABLES

Tag no. 30872. This senior cat once lived in harmony with a dog. She is seeking a new home where this gorgeous gal will be adored for a lifetime. Now, during Love-a-Cat month, you can adopt Big Kitty and another cat or kitten for just one adoption fee.

Tag no. 27. Wearing a pretty coat of golden brown and black brindle, Snickers is an active 2-year-old poi dog. Already full grown, she is a medium-size dog with an engaging personality. Train her using positive reinforcement. Snickers is a sweetie!

These particular animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open noon to 8 p.m. weekdays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. The incoming-animals area always is open. If you've lost or found an animal, call the society immediately at 946-2187, ext. 285. See www.hawaiianhumane.org.