Hostile homecomings for those beloved pets

Animals have no sense of time, although they can rapidly synchronise to a routine procedure or circadian rhythm. A dog will not know it is noon, but if you take him for a walk every Sunday at noon the time frame interval will be programmed into the animal and within a few weeks it will be waiting at the door anticipating the extramural jaunt, exactly “on time”.

When any cat or dog returns home from whatever reason they were removed there is an immediate intrusion disturbance factor which causes a disruption of the resident pets. The returnee has to find its rightful place in the group and the members thereof have to arrange where the absentee can be slotted in comfortably and safely.

One would expect immediate recognition, acknowledgment of status prior to leaving, unconditional acceptance of the individual and a return of harmony. This may happen if the pets move in and out of the home on a regular basis since puppyhood or since acquisition of the kitten and the constant changes become the norm, that is, they become accustomed to change. However, in most cases, this is not the normal pattern of events.

The absentee may appear different in that the dog or cat could be fitted with an Elizabethan collar and appear visually different.

The returning pet may be foreign due to the scents contained in its coat from the place of source. These chemical odours may be attributed to various forms of medication, bathing, other animals in close proximity and the environment itself.

Such environs may be a cattery, kennel, grooming parlour, breeding establishment, especially for the purpose of a mating, and a veterinary hospital.

A wide variety of behaviour patterns may present themselves when the animals attempt to instinctually maintain the stability of the group. A cat that stayed behind may become aggressive, fearful, stop eating or run away when its companion comes home.

A small dog may be attacked or killed by a dominant, unsocialised, intolerant pack leader. Another dog may receive the most incredible welcoming party because of attractive strange smells arousing high levels of olfactory stimulation amongst all interested pets.

Some get so excited and anxious they may lick, nudge and sniff incessantly in its approach of rediscovery for up to thirty minutes, which may precipitate urination all over the property, even on the “newcomer”, annoying the victim and the owner.

In essence, every time an animal leaves there has to be a reintroduction process and re-establishment of the hierarchy or amongst associates. This is the natural law of gregarious creatures.

Pet owner attitude during this transitional phase is vitally important. It is essential that people are informed about the rules. The reintroduction should, preferably, be done gradually over minutes or hours depending on the duration of absence and frequency of this disruption with absence.

Returning after a few hours away may be immediately tolerated. Returning after a few days to a few weeks can take even up to 10 days for everyone to settle in. People must never interfere or attempt to control and supervise the situation with human psychology. Tragedies do occur if people intervene inappropriately.

If people learn to back off, most animals sort themselves out without problems.