Cats have complex personalities and it is unlikely that every cat will react the same way to other animals of any kind. Sometimes even two cats can't get along. However, you can take steps to prevent or minimize any negative emotions that may arise. Most cats get along well together, especially if you casually introduce them to new social contexts. Make sure you don't rush and take care to introduce the two cats properly so you can maintain a good relationship between the two cats.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Getting Ready to Introduce a New Cat to Your Home
Step 1. Give both of them enough time
These two cats will need your love and attention. This means that you have to pet and play with both of them. Set aside about 20 minutes twice a day to play with your cats. If they can't play together, make sure you give each cat equal time.
Step 2. Make sure there is enough space for both cats
A studio apartment may not be a good place to keep two cats. Adding vertical spaces, such as a cat tower, can help give your cats more room. Cats like to create social distancing and a room with too many animals can be stressful.
- Cats are territorial by nature. This is a natural impulse for cats. So, conflict over territory is possible although it doesn't always happen.
- It is recommended that you provide an area of about 6 square meters for each cat if you have more than one cat.
Step 3. Set up one litter box for each cat, plus one to spare
This means that two cats need three litter boxes. This is done to make sure the cat is comfortable. If one cat feels that its litter box is in the territory of another cat, it will open the litter. Don't let that happen and reduce your cat's stress level by providing one litter box for each cat.
- Keep one litter box on each floor of your home if your house has more than one floor.
- Make sure there is at least 1 meter of space between the litter box and the food bowl.
Step 4. Make sure the cat has a water bowl and eats itself
If your cat has to eat from the same feeder, this will lead to undue aggression. Giving each cat a bowl of water and food will also help reassure you that everyone is eating well. Sometimes, one cat will eat another cat's food.
- Don't feed the cats too close together, as this can cause them to fight.
- Place food bowls across the room or on each side of a closed door, especially when your second cat has just arrived.
Step 5. Have a carrier or cage for each cat
This is important not only to move the two of them, but also to limit the ability of the two cats to make physical contact with each other. In an emergency, you will need one carrier for each cat. In addition, both cats will also feel that they have their own space to hide, thereby increasing their sense of security.
Method 2 of 3: Introducing the Two Cats
Step 1. Separate the two cats first
Try not to let the two cats make contact for the first few days. Keep the new cat in a small room alone. He will feel more comfortable in tight spaces and will not be able to make contact with your cat. Start by doing this for 7 days.
- This is a slow recognition process and you may have to repeat it.
- Don't neglect your old cat when there is a new cat. This will make your old cat hate the new cat and feel sad.
Step 2. Immunize both of them through the smell
Allow the two cats to kiss each other through the gap under the door, but don't allow physical contact to occur. Bring a toy or mat that both cats use to get used to the new smell. This will get them used to the fact that there are other cats around.
- Help your new cat acclimate to the smell of an old cat using footwear. After a few days, rub a small cloth (like a sock) over the old cat's body to get the smell out. Then, place it in your new cat's place. Watch his reaction. Hissing is normal, but if your new cat doesn't have a problem with your old cat's smelly socks, praise him and give him a treat.
- Some veterinary behaviorists recommend wiping the two cats down with the same towel to mix up the smells. First, wipe one of the cats with a towel. Then, stroke the other cat. After the towel gets the body odor of the two cats, wipe the towel again on the body of the first cat.
Step 3. Introduce the two cats by sight
Avoid physical contact. Barriers for small children or dogs can be used to separate the two cats. Notice how the two interact. Does their body language indicate discomfort or do they appear calm and accepting of each other? These signs will tell you how long this process will take. Calm and friendly cats don't take as long to recognize as aggressive cats.
- Stack two baby guardrails at the entrance to make room for the new cat and ensure the two cats won't make physical contact.
- Let the old cat find out if the new cat is in the room on its own.
- If both cats have a non-aggressive reaction, offer praise and treats. If not, close the door and try again next time.
- Keep the guardrail for the time being. You can open the fence so the two cats can meet and greet as they please.
-
Pay attention to defensive postures
- snuggle
- Head down
- The tail is curved and tucked between the legs
- Eyes wide open with partially or completely dilated pupils
- Ears are flattened to the side or to the back of the head
- Piloerection (goosebumps)
- Turning to the side of the enemy, not facing him
- Hissing or spitting with your mouth open
- Might launch a few lightning strikes with the forelegs and hooves out
Step 4. Change the position
After a while, place your old cat in the room where you kept the new cat and let the new cat explore its new home. In addition to giving the second cat a chance to feel more comfortable in the new space you provide, the first cat can also check all odors and the second cat's room. Do this a few times before continuing with the introduction process.
Step 5. Let the two interact
Once both cats have had sufficient time to adapt to the new situation, allow them to make contact with each other. Carry a spray bottle with you in case of aggression. If the two cats get along well, you may be ready to let the two of them roam freely. However, you should still pay attention to the behavior of the cats. The key to keeping several cats in one house is to prevent territorial aggression.
- Put both cats in a room where you can supervise them.
- Just let the two meet for about 10 minutes for the first meeting. You can increase the time gradually as time goes on, but don't let the two of you get upset.
- The introduction process can take weeks, or even months. The most important thing to remember is to follow the will of the two cats. This process may be slow, but it will pay off if the two cats can live together peacefully.
- Don't physically punish both cats for hissing or fighting with each other. This is a very common reaction. If one cat starts to get aggressive, you should pick up the other cat. Also, always make sure that the two cats aren't just pretending to be fighting as they can be very difficult to tell apart.
-
Pay attention to offensive postures.
- Standing tall with straight and stiff legs
- Stiff hind legs with buttocks raised and back arched down to head
- The tail is erect and stiff, like a cat's posture on Halloween
- Focused view
- Ears that are erect with the back slightly turned forward
- Piloerection, including feathers and tail
- Pupils that shrink
- Face the opponent head-on and move closer to him
- There may be growls, howls, or meows
Step 6. Feed the two around each other
When both cats eat from one bowl of food, both are in a non-aggressive state. By feeding the two of them together, even if they are opposite each other, both cats will get used to not being aggressive when the other cat is around. Giving treats when the two cats are getting along can also help encourage good behavior.
- Whenever both cats see each other, give them a treat. Both will associate “snack time” with each other's presence and experience the positive benefits of being together. It also shows that the two cats don't have to fight each other for food or attention and that enough things are in place for both of them.
- If the cat refuses to eat, or becomes aggressive, the two may be getting too close.
- If they are both eating and seem calm, you can bring them closer at the next feeding session.
-
This entire process can take several weeks or even months. Signs of anxiety or aggression usually indicate that the recognition process is going too fast. Treat signs of external aggression:
- Attacking with feet
- Bite
- Fight
- Growling, screaming
- clawing
- Prepares for a full attack by rolling sideways or backwards and showing its teeth and claws.
Method 3 of 3: Dealing with Aggression in Cats
Step 1. Recognize that there are many ways a cat can show its aggressiveness
Cats are complex animals and cannot be fully understood. However, we do know that there are a number of different patterns in cat aggression. This pattern can be divided into several categories based on contradictory situations.
- Aggression in the game can occur when the two cats play too far
- Aggression due to fear/defense occurs because the cat feels threatened and may be irrational.
- Territorial aggression is common between the two cats, but can also be shown to humans and other animals.
- Aggressiveness when petted is not well understood and can occur due to overstimulation.
- Inter-male aggressiveness usually depends on the natural competitive nature of male cats.
- Maternal aggressiveness is an instinctive protective response that the cat "queen" has.
- Distracted aggressiveness can result from frustration that can't be vented out so that it will be diverted to another target, such as a cat or human who is nearby.
- Wild aggressiveness can occur because the cat's wild instinct is triggered.
- The aggressiveness of pain is the result of prolonged or ongoing pain sensations from illness or trauma.
- Idiopathic aggression is spontaneous and can threaten the physical safety of anyone who comes into contact with the cat.
Step 2. Catch, restrain, or cage both cats in case of aggression
It's important to deal with aggressiveness between the two cats. Cats don't solve their problems by fighting. In cases of prolonged aggression, you may need to limit or control the cats while they are together. This is done so that both cats can get used to being non-aggressive when another cat approaches. Make sure you're prepared to do this if one of your cats is always being aggressive.
- Provide a room with food, water, a litter box, and a cat bed, and place the new cat there to separate so the tension can be reduced.
- Use a harness or harness. Leashes can give cats some freedom while still limiting contact with each other.
Step 3. Use medication
If the two cats are still not getting along, your vet can prescribe medication for both. Keep in mind that medication is only part of the solution to this problem and your vet may not want to prescribe medication until it checks that you have performed all of the cat-recognition techniques correctly. Medicine is not magic. Medication should be used in conjunction with slow introduction and consistent reward to create a peaceful demeanor. Use medication as a last resort.
- Benzodiazepines are sometimes used when a cat is frightened or aggressive in a very reactive way. However, benzodiazepines reduce your cat's ability to learn, which will make it more difficult for you to teach the two to get along.
- Tricyclic antidepressants can be used in cases of prolonged conflict in a home with multiple cats.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) act as neurotransmitters, similar to tricyclic antidepressants. However, they work differently and with less selectivity so these drugs have a more general effect on the brain.
Tips
- Know that every cat is different. Cats are complicated animals. Personality can vary based on the type and individual itself. Don't be surprised if your cat behaves in an unexpected way.
- Once both cats get used to each other, start letting them take turns playing with their toys.
- Make sure your new cat has been tested and is free of feline leukemia (FeLV), FIV, and AIDS in cats before introducing it to your old cat.
- A cat tree can be a way out and you'll find that your cat will prefer to have vertical territory if you can't expand the building horizontally. It can also reduce aggressiveness.
- If both cats are licking each other or showing other signs of affection for each other, give each cat a treat as a treat.
- It will be easier if both cats, or your new cat, are still small. Your old cat will be more receptive to a young cat than an adult cat.
Warning
- Sometimes, the old cat will still hate the new cat.
- Some cats can be aggressive, so you may have to find another home for them.
