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Help! My new cat doesn't like my cat, New Farm Vet.

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I am passionate about finding forever homes for unwanted pets, especially older animals. I often get questions on how to introduce a new cat into a family where there are existing pets. This is a typical scenario:

"Hi Dr Nic, I have a cat for 5 years and he is very attached to me. Being the only cat in this household, he has never been socialized with other animals. I am thinking of adopting another cat from the shelter but I am worried that the new cat may not get along with my cat.

Do you have any ideas on how to introduce a cat and prevent them from fighting?"

How do I introduce a new cat to my family, New Farm Vet?


It is quite important that prior to adopting a new pet into your life, make sure you go through our Puppy/Kitten Basics Series.

The other important question is to find out if the shelter has a "trial period" for the potential adopted pet where they would gladly take back the new cat if she just does not get along with your current kitty cat. The last thing you need is have pets that fight and squabble day in and out, resulting in stress for yourself and medical problems for them.

I would keep the new cat segregated from your current one in the first week. Make sure the new cat has her own litter box, food and water bowl, places to perch, scratching post and toys. Don't forget to do all the anti-parasitic treatments while the new cat is in "quarantine". You can try letting your resident kitty cat see the new cat across the hallway and gradually let them be around each other for a short while.

Bear in mind that your resident kitty cat probably has a few favourite spots in your home for snoozing and perching. Discourage the new cat from going to these spots and encourage her to find her own special place. You can do this by putting some catnip at these new areas.

I would definitely get Feliway, a cat appeasing pheromone diffuser, which helps with calming and preventing aggression. Start using the diffuser one week before bringing the new cat home and continue for at least 3 months. Feliway also has a spray-on version that you can apply to both your cats' beds or lounging spots to further help reduce stress.

Watch out for any signs of stress-induced illnesses such as cat flu and urinary track infections. Come talk to us if these do occur. Your cats may need some medication.

Good luck!

If you are looking for a New Farm Vet, call (07) 3216 0045 to make an appointment to see Dr Nic at Fortitude Valley Vet. 


Fortitude Valley Cat Boarding

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Fortitude Valley Cattery

Need someone to take care of your cat while you are away? 

Ask us how we can help you! 
  • Individual attention and playtime (lots of cuddles and hugging!).
  • Air-conditioned environment.
  • Spacious suites.
  • Premium Vet quality food.
  • veterinary care by Fortitude Valley Vet.

Come and see us at Fortitude Valley Vet, Emporium Pet Outfitters, Brisbane to find out more! (07) 3216 0045.

Puppy Basics 103

The final series to our Puppy Basics.

How do I take care of a puppy, Herston Vet?

What medical needs do my dog need, Herston Vet?


  • Vaccinations - 3 vaccination shots 4 weeks apart starting from 6-8 weeks old. Core vaccine include distemper, parvovirus and hepatitis (commonly called C3). Non-core vaccine include , Bordetella and Parainfluenza  (together with the C3, it is called C5). An annual vaccination regime is recommended.
  • Worming - Puppies should be wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly till they are 6 months old. Adult cats should be wormed every 3 months.
  • Fleas - Easily treated by monthly topical or oral application.
  • Ticks - Monthly oral or collars.
  • Desexing - Experts claim that desexed female dogs see a dramatically reduction in some diseases such as breast, ovarian, uterine cancers and other uterine infections. Breast cancer in dogs have a higher tendency to be fatal. Castrating dogs also reduce their tendency to roam. 

The legal stuff


  • Microchipping and registration - It is mandatory in some states of Australia. Some councils will refuse to register your cat if it is not microchipped prior to registration.
  • Desexing - An adult cat can have 1 to 8 kittens per litter up to 3 times per year. Do the math and you will find out the reason why there are so many cats at the shelter (not to mention the growing numbers of feral/stray cats!). Up to 38,000 unwanted cats and kittens are euthanized by the RSPCA, so why add to the problem?  It is also important that it may be required by law to desex your cat in some states unless you are a registered breeder.

This wraps up the final series of Puppy Basics. Enjoy your wonderful experiences!

If you are looking for a Herston Vet, call (07) 3216 0045 to make an appointment to see Dr Nic at Fortitude Valley Vet.

Puppy Basics 102

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Part 2 to our Puppy Basics Series.

Should I adopt a puppy, Bowen Hill Vet?

What are the basics, Bowen Hill Vet?

  • Toileting area - Indoor or outdoor? If indoor, consider using a puppy pee pad or Pet-a-Loo. If outdoor, remember to keep going to the same area to avoid confusion. A babygate is really helpful to confine the puppy to an area until he/she is able to hold wee for a longer period of time.
  • Puppy classes - Sign up for some puppy training classes as soon as your puppy has the second vaccination.
  • Diet - It is important that puppies eat a good quality food product designed for puppies and that it be of a premium quality. I tend to stay away from brands at the lower end of the cost spectrum as they usually use inferior ingredients which miss out on giving your puppy the best possible start in life. As a guide,  puppies should be fed 2-3 times a day till they are almost fully grown. Try not to give them wet food too often as this can increase the risk of getting dental diseases from a lack of chewing. My preference is no raw diet as research has shown multiple times that dogs eating raw diet carry more bacteria and this can have a harmful effect on very young children or similar.
  • Bowls - Change your puppy's water bowl regularly. I like bowls made out of ceramic that is heavy enough not to tilt over when your puppy gets over-zealous during feeding time. 
  • Collar - It is a good idea to get your puppy used to a collar immediately. Remember to put a small identity tag just in case he/she decides to take a stroll out your front / back door.
  • Toys - Too many to describe but you get the idea. I like to start a puppy off with chew toys.
  • Bedding - In the early phase, perhaps a crater/container can be more assuring to a puppy. Some puppies never like that and they prefer a bed close to their owners. 
  • Training aids - Treats, treats and more treats! 
  • Dog health insurance - You certainly don't need trips to the specialist or emergency centers that cost you $5,000. I've learnt from a very early experience with my dogs on how costly such a trip can be. Save yourself the worry and invest in a health insurance package.


Stay tune for the final series of Puppy Basics in tomorrow's blog.

If you are looking for a Bowen Hill Vet, call (07) 3216 0045 to make an appointment to see Dr Nic at Fortitude Valley Vet.

Puppy Basics 101

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Welcoming a dog into your life can take up a lot of time and energy, but the experiences are rewarding. I remembered the joys of cuddling up to them but I also remembered the tears of saying goodbye to my beautiful Dolce. Before you consider adopting a dog, lets make sure we know what we are getting into.

How do I take care of my puppy, New Farm Vet?

What are the hard questions I should ask, New Farm Vet?

  • Why do you want a dog? Getting a puppy for your children because they have begging for months is probably not the best reason.
  • Can you commit to at least 10 years to take care of a dog? I have met beautiful matured dogs that lived up to 16 years old. Will you have time daily to meet your dog's emotional and physical needs?
  • Have you discussed with your family members yet? It shouldn't be just your responsibility to take care of a dog if it lives with other family members. Everyone should chip in.
  • Can you afford a dog? Vet care, training classes, grooming, food, toys, treats, boarding, dog walkers and emergency expenses add up fast. Unlike us, dogs do not have Medicare. 
  • Will your home environment work for your dog? Unlike cats, dogs come in differing sizes and weight and a small shoebox studio might be a little small for a Great Dane!


Are there other questions I should answer, New Farm Vet?


  • Short or long haired? You will need to spend time grooming a beautiful collie daily. There are also grooming expenses to consider if you like your poodle to look all preened and proper for your next picnic outing. 
  • Pure breed or mixed? Pure breeds have more predictable traits that may suit your lifestyle. Greyhounds are known to be a lounge lizard, sleeping their day away. Mixed breeds are just as enchanting and many of clients will attest to that fact.
  • Adopting an adult or puppy? This is really a personal choice. There are many amazing older dogs in the shelter waiting for you to bring them into your life. Why not consider this if you have no age preference. Older dogs are less demanding and most of them already toilet-trained and have some tricks up their sleeves. Puppies are the most demanding in their first year. 


Stay tune for tomorrow's Puppy Basics 102.

If you are looking for a New Farm Vet, call (07) 3216 0045 to make an appointment to see Dr Nic at Fortitude Valley Vet.