How To Introduce Cats So They Don't End Up Hating Each Other
Cats are territorial animals for whom first impressions make a big difference. Here are some tips for introducing cats the right way!
1. Take them to the vet.
Make sure both cats are fit and healthy! This is extremely important if the cat you are bringing into your home is adopted from a shelter, many cats come home with upper respiratory infections when adopted.
2. Keep cats separated at first.
It is always a good idea to keep cats separated when introducing them to each other. Even a bedroom door can make all the difference. Cats can smell each other underneath the door so they can get used to having them around without the face to face meeting first. Give each cat their own bed where they can feel safe and secure. After some time has passed, try putting a blanket that one cat has laid on with the other cats so they can get used to each others' scent.
3. Give cats space.
If one cat starts to become aggressive, refrain from interfering. Don't try to pick them up and soothe them, which can cause additional stress and confusion. Give them more time apart. It can also be good to try hands-off enrichment toys like a teaser toy or catnip-filled toy to put the cats at ease in each other's presence while you stay out of the picture.
4. Be patient.
There is no way of knowing how long it should take. Every cat is unique. Be patient and try and make sure both don't get too stressed out. A stressed cat is not a happy cat! Some
5. Adopt together.
Getting your cats at the same time is the easiest way to create a fight free household! As kittens, they will accept anyone so they can play and bond and spend their lives snuggling!
I recently brought a kitten in to get healthy for an adoption. My adult spayed cat is very unhappy growling and hissing. Refusing to stay indoors. I’m thinking once it gets really cold she’ll relent. She has no problem with the other adult cats and neither of them mind the little one. Very strange.
In my household, I’ve established who’s Queen Bee…me. When had to introduce new cats into my household, I kept the new arrivals in a room for about a week. I then opened the door. There were growls and spits but ALL my cats understand NO FIGHTING. I hiss if I have to. They kept their distance from each other.
Now I do make sure everyone gets attention; hugs, kisses, purrs and nuzzles. I pet one, I pet the rest so they know I don’t favor anyone. I don’t want them to feel displaced. That really helps if there’s any jealously. Today they don’t sleep together but do sleep on the same bed with me. They know they are part of MY family.
I ensure all my cats learn simple commands. I repeat it everyday like hungry, thirsty, NO, litterbox, inside, outside, move, no claws, behave, kiss, scratching post, careful. sleepy, sleeptime. It takes a while but when they get about 11, they fully understand you and about that time you understand their meows. It’s such a special closeness that is so unique. Hard to explain but you sense you two can communicate.
Make sure they are BOTH neutered if males, so theres not as much hormonal related aggression. I found this out the hard way with my last two kittys.
Tammy try feeding them on opposite sides of the door. They will associate food with each other smell and after a little bit of time should be more friendly. Cats can be territorial over people too so see if the aggression is when a specific person is in the room. Hope that helps! ?
I have tried everything to get my 3 cats to like each other and no luck. One has to stay in the bedroom (very large bedrm, walk in closet, large bathrm, so lots of space) and one cat gets locked up in our office, only wen no one is at home & when we go to bed, and the 3rd one has the run of the house minus our room and kids rooms. It totally sucks, but they (mainly the 2 of them) cannot be in the same room… Don’t think they ever will.. ?
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