How to Get Your Cats to Get Along

Many cat owners decide to get a companion cat for their first cat, especially if they are at work for long periods of time and don’t want their feline to be alone for that long. This is actually a fallacy. No cat will ever get “lonely” while you’re gone so long as you make sure they have adequate food, water, and lots of toys to play with. Still, you feel compelled to get him or her a friend, so you’re going to have to deal with a situation: introducing the new cat. On the other side is the needy kitten, which you found on the street and looks a bit sick, or too young to fend for itself. You’ve brought it home, and your elder cat will need to be both protected and carefully introduced to the little one.

First things first: Your new cat needs a checkup all its shots. A flea bath is also in order, to make sure that you do not infest your household. Viruses and bacteria can be spread very quickly in multiple cat households, so you’ll need to be careful. Sick kittens need to be cared for round the clock, and also need to be separated from your cat. Use the bedroom, or a spare bathroom or closet to separate the new cat/kitten at first. Make a nice bed, keep food, water, and litter separate, and be sure to wash your hands if you intend to handle your cat after touching the new addition. Separation should last up to a week to make sure that any shots or medicine have taken full effect.

While the cat/kitten is separated you will notice that you cat may sit at the door, sniffing. This is okay, as your cat will be curious, and will need time to get used to the smell of a new cat. After the waiting week, you may wish to let the new cat/kitten out on a trial basis. You will probably need to assure your first cat when this happens, so have some treats on hand. Offer them to your cat while letting the new addition roam a little. Make the experience a positive one. Pet and pay attention to your first pet, and he/she will not feel intimidated. Once the trial period is over, assure your pet again, and feed it. Remember, positive reinforcement.

Some animals will automatically make friends with new pets, and others will shun them. Female cats in a household will usually love nearly newborn kittens, no matter what the sex, however, anything over 6 weeks may be shunned. Female cats will often cuddle with small males readily, but will hiss at small females. The reason for this is genetic competition. Full-grown males will often have a problem with kittens no matter what their age, at least in the short-term. Feeding all the cats together at the same time may foster cooperation. It may also cause fights, so you are the judge when trying it for the first time. If there is too much competition (male/kitten, male/male, female/female) then separate the food to different sides of the room. Gradually, day-by-day, move the dishes closer together (say an inch a day). Eventually they will trust each other and eat peaceably together.

Playtime can also foster friendships in cats. Be sure to play with both cats at the same time, and encourage them to co-exist. If a fight breaks out, calmly separate them and cuddle them, or allow them to leave and blow off steam. Next time, treats included, your cats may get along better.

Don’t worry if your cats never make “friends”. They will still co-exist, and may learn to trust each other after many years. Though they may keep to themselves, hiss, and fight at times, they will always be family.


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