The introduction process can take as little as 10-12 days for kittens and very young cats, to as long as 12 weeks for older cats. It all depends on each cat's personality. Be sure to give your "first" cat plenty of attention. This will help him feel secure that he is not in competition for your affection.

Confine your new cat to a "safe" room until introduction process is complete. This should be a small room, such as a bathroom or small bedroom that your current cat rarely visits. Furnish it with a bed, scratching post, food, water and litter box.

In beginning, your first cat may hiss and yowl at cat on other side of door. Just ignore him and walk away. Never punish him for vocalizing aggressively, it will only cause trouble between two cats. Be sure to praise and pet your first cat when he acts calmly when near new cat's room.

This is easier to do when you get your Boxer from a reputable breeder or from a pet shop that get their animals only from known breeders.

Exercise prudence if you are getting your Boxer puppy from pet stores, which often get their supply from breeders of unknown reputation.

These "puppy mills" as they are called are not known to put much emphasis on quality and health of pups they are producing.

Reputable breeders would adhere to accepted standards for Boxers in terms of uniformity in breed, good health, temperament, size and color. Reputable breeders would be able to show pedigree and registration papers and/or pictures of parent dogs that may reside somewhere else. Professional breeders are also there to produce dog show champions or prospects.

Even if you are not looking to raise a show champion Boxer, known breeders can provide you with some "best buy" puppies because not all puppies in a litter are show prospect/champion materials.