It’s not about the new pet. It’s about how the old one feels. When preparing for a new pet, owners often focus on food, toys, and bedding. The emotional well-being of the pet already at home is what determines the success of introductions. Dogs and cats rely on scent, routine, space, and emotional safety. Research from Dogs Trust and RSPCA shows that gradual, structured introductions reduce stress and unwanted behaviors in over 80% of pets. This guide provides step-by-step, actionable instructions so your pets can coexist safely and calmly. Why This Matters Rushing introductions can cause hiding, avoidance, freezing, chasing, barking, territorial disputes, and stress. For example, a new puppy exploring your home may cause your cat to hide under furniture for days. Structured introductions prevent this and help pets adapt comfortably. Studies show pets introduced gradually exhibit 30–50% fewer stress behaviors during the first two weeks. The goal is calm coexistence and emotion...
Meet Harvey, a rare kitten born in Arkansas with two heads.
Harvey was noticed by the owner, Ariel Contreras, who had her hands full with a new litter of kittens.
Just like the character in the batman series, the kitten has two distinct faces, hence the name.
There is something quite unusual about Harvey's appearance as he may be what is known as Janus cat, a rare genetic mutation caused by excess protein production while in the womb.
But his condition didn't deter Contreras from accepting the gorgeous kitten into her family.
In fact, she welcomed him with an open arms.
Contreras who is excited about the birth of the rare kitten told KYTV: “I went to go do laundry, I'd seen my cat was like meowing and then all of the sudden babies started coming out and I started hollering for my husband.”
“This is the second one. And so whenever he came out, my husband said, 'honey, he has two heads,' and I went 'no way!”
According to Dr. Tim Addis of Alley Cat Animal Rescue in Arkansas, Harvey “has one of everything except for the skull.”
“Its odds of making it are just as good as its siblings’ if you’re feeding it with a bottle.”
Dr. Addis who has more than 60 years of experience working with animals says he’s never seen a mutation so rare.
“Well, they seem to be operating together, you can feed either mouth, and it takes nourishment through either mouth. It’s really different,” he said.
Janus cats are extremely rare, with only a handful of known cases in the modern era. Typically, the cats have a lower survival rate than normal kittens, but Addis said that Harvey, who was born Wednesday, is showing all the signs of a healthy newborn kitten.
“There was one that made it 12 years, and then one that made it 15 years,” Contreras said. “I'm really praying this one makes it that long, and we will do whatever it takes.”
“It’s actually bigger than the other ones, and it’s doing great. It’s absolutely doing great,” said Contreras.
“Well, the little kitten has the chance,” said Dr. Addis. “What the odds are, I don’t know. They’re hard to raise. But, it will make it if the Lord’s willing.”
So far, Harvey is in good health.
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