Cats and Dogs: Preparing Your Home For A New Arrival

The first few weeks with a new pet are exciting. It is fun to bring a new animal into your family. Of course, while the process is fun, it can also be a lot of work. It isn't a good idea to bring home a new pet without first taking time to prepare. These tips will help you ensure that your home is ready for that new cat or dog.

If you have other pets, they may not be as excited about the new family addition as you are. Other cats and dogs are often jealous of the new pet, which can result in anger and frustration. It is a good idea to keep the older pets and the new animal separate for a little while until you know they will get along. Consider keeping the old pets outside while you go to get the new animal and then introduce them slowly. Make sure you closely supervise all interactions between your old pets and new pet for several days. Older pets may also need a little extra love at this time, so pay attention to everyone, not just the new pet.

In a new environment, even a housebroken animal will have accidents. If you have a new puppy or kitten, the situation will likely be even worse. Prepare for accidents in advance since you know they are bound to happen. Buy a strong cleaner. Enzyme cleaners tend to work best since they remove all traces of pet odor. Remember that your pets have a stronger sense of smell than you. Any traces of smell can result in more accidents. Also remove any expensive rugs from the floor until the new pet is fully trained.

You will also want to be sure that you have other important items on hand. The new animal will need somewhere to sleep. Consider purchasing bedding before bringing the new animal home. Toys and treats are another great way to help them feel at home. Make a list of everything you will need and pick it up in advance so that you won't have to worry about it. A little preparedness will make adjusting to a new pet much easier.

Bringing a new pet home is very exciting. If you plan and prepare properly, it can also be a very enjoyable experience. By making sure you have the items you need, you can avoid a late night run to the store. Take time to prepare your home so that you can enjoy the time with your new pet without worrying about anything.