Before Bringing Home Another Pet: Things Every Owner Needs to Know

Bringing a new kitten, puppy, or other pet into your home is exciting—but before you make that decision, pause for a moment. Your current pets’ world may change in ways you don’t expect.

As someone who works with pets and families every day, I’ve seen the heartbreak that can happen when this step isn’t carefully planned. This is a gentle reminder to think about your existing pets first.

The Impact on Resident Pets

Not every cat or dog is ready—or able—to welcome a new companion into their familiar, safe space. For many, the stress of a newcomer isn’t temporary. It can feel like fear, overwhelm, and a complete disruption of their world.

Families often hope the new pet and the senior resident will become fast friends. Sometimes, that happens—but many times, it doesn’t. It’s common for people to think, “I’m over gates and separate spaces—why can’t they just get along already?” or feel ready to let the cats work it out on their own. That reaction is understandable—after all, it’s stressful for humans too. But for the cats, these transitions often come too soon and too fast, and what seems like a simple solution to us can actually create more chaos and stress for them.

The pets who struggle most are often the senior or adult animals who have spent years providing love, comfort, and loyalty. Their familiar world is suddenly disrupted, and they carry the weight of that stress.

What Really Happens

When a resident pet reacts by swatting, hiding, or even urinating outside the litter box, it’s rarely “bad behavior.”

• They’re not aggressive, jealous, or spiteful.

• They’re terrified.

• Their routines, favorite spots, and even their trusted human are suddenly shared—or taken.

• Their once-safe home no longer feels predictable.

And when introductions fail, the consequences are heartbreaking for both pets.

• The resident pet may experience ongoing stress or lose the stability of their home.

• The new pet may be returned to a shelter or rehomed.

Both experiences are traumatic—and entirely preventable with careful planning.

How to Avoid Stress and Conflict

Before bringing a new pet home, ask yourself:

• Do I have the time, energy, and patience for a proper introduction that may take weeks or months?

• Am I truly prepared to manage the emotional needs of both my current pet and the newcomer?

• If it doesn’t work out, what will I do?

Remember: your resident pets were once the new joy in your life, and they still deserve consideration, loyalty, and a safe environment.

Key Takeaways

• Adult and senior pets often struggle the most when new pets are introduced.

• Reactions like hiding, swatting, aggression between cats or stress urination are signals of fear and overwhelm, not “bad behavior.”

• Proper introductions, patience, and respect for your resident pets’ comfort are essential. If you are NOT ready to do this, it may be best to think again about adding another pet. Before bringing a new pet home, think of the pets already in your care. They deserve your attention, patience, and commitment. A carefully planned introduction will give your new pet the best chance to thrive—and protect the well-being of your loyal companions.