Cats are stubborn animals, and having two pets in the same apartment can be a source of conflict. It's easier for them to get along if you got them at a young age and at the same time. It's much more difficult when you get a second pet later.
The main causes of conflicts are a reluctance to share territory and the owner's attention, differences in gender and age, and simple fear. Various physiological or psycho-emotional characteristics of cats can also trigger conflicts. Before you decide to get two male or female cats, you need to realistically assess their chances of peaceful coexistence.
Much depends on the cat's breed—the most aggressive are those with wild roots, as well as hybrids (Bengals, Chausies, Savannahs, Toygers, etc.). Persians, British Shorthairs, Siamese, and other natural breeds have a hard time accepting rivals. It's best to introduce them to each other when they're young; then they can become friends. Breeds bred through selective breeding are much easier to bond with—these include Sphynxes, Rexes, and Bambinos. Nebelungs and Russian Blues are very calm and accepting of other male or female cats.
In this article, we'll discuss how to introduce two cats and make them friends.
How to introduce a cat to a kitten. Organizing the first introduction of cats
Here are some basic guidelines for your first meeting:
- Before meeting each other, it is advisable to trim and file the cats' claws so that they do not injure each other.
- Open all doors to allow cats to leave the room freely.
- If the first cat already lives in the apartment, place the second animal in a carrier and leave it in the hallway so the "owner" can sniff it. Only then open the door. Do not force the animal out.
- Observe the reaction and do not interfere unless necessary.
- Don't put cats face to face or lock them in the same room. However, it's also not a good idea to lock them in different rooms right away.
Read also, How to determine if you have a male or female cat.
How to make cats of different ages friends
It's easier for animals to become friends at the same age, and the sooner this happens, the better. If a younger cat is brought into an older cat's home, the older cat will likely growl and assert its dominance. It's good if the younger cat avoids conflict; it's worse if the older cat growls back. Much depends on the sex of both animals.
Cat and kitten
An adult male almost never accepts a new kitten in a friendly manner. But if it's a very small animal, he usually doesn't start a serious fight; at most, he'll hit it with a paw. The exception is if the kitten itself exhibits aggression.
When a kitten reaches 3 months of age, it's possible that an older cat could choke it. Therefore, it's best not to leave them alone until you're sure they've bonded.
In this case, it is better if the older animal is neutered.
Cat and kitten
An adult cat typically displays displeasure (arching her back and hissing), but rarely displays overt aggression. Over time, her maternal instinct will kick in, and this will help the animals get along. Spayed cats are especially likely to hiss and avoid the kitten—don't be alarmed, this is normal. Over time, the animals will adjust and begin to play together.
How to make two cats of the same age friends
Much depends on age. It's easiest to get two kittens to become friends. They're on equal terms, with no clear leader or territorial claims, so there's no reason for conflict. While playing, the kittens will explore their surroundings and soon become friends. If this doesn't happen, try to distract them with food or toys. Be sure to provide each kitten with a separate sleeping area and a separate bowl.
A cat and a cat
Animals of different sexes don't tend to compete with each other, so conflicts shouldn't arise in this case. However, it's best to spay the female cat and neuter the male cat at the same time.
Read also, What is the best food to feed a cat?
Two cats
Two male cats are the most difficult situation. The older male perceives the younger kitten as a rival and strives to drive it out of his territory. Exceptions do occur, but they're rare: more often, such relationships resemble a perpetual war with brief respites. The best way to smooth over the conflict and avoid competition is neutering. This eliminates the main cause of conflict and the reason for dividing territory. The male cats become more friendly. Furthermore, males adapt more easily to new living conditions.
Two cats
Cats are self-sufficient and perceive their home as their own. If a rival appears, they will fight for territory and their owner's attention. The worst situation is when one cat is spayed and the other is not. When cohabitation is unavoidable, it will take considerable time and effort to help them learn to live peacefully. While it's unlikely the cats will become friends, they can accept the situation and learn to coexist without conflict.
How to break up a fight
Conflict between cats can manifest itself in a variety of ways and doesn't always require owner intervention. When cats chase each other, hiss, or sometimes strike briefly with a paw, there's no reason to intervene. Simply observing the pets is sufficient. The process of adaptation is inevitable—and the sooner it begins, the sooner it will end. Intervention is advisable only when a real fight breaks out.
Never try to separate fighting cats with your bare hands. They are predators with sharp claws and teeth. Even despite their small size, they can seriously injure a person.
The easiest option is to throw a blanket or a large towel over the cats. Other options include spraying them with water or trying to separate them with a mop or any long stick. Once the fighting has stopped, take the new cat to another room. Leave them in isolation for 1-2 days, then try introducing them again.
Useful tips and nuances
Here are some tips to help make animals friends:
- At first, don't let the new cat or cat use the old cat's things. Each animal should have its own area and personal items (litter box, bowl, toys, bed). Ideally, each cat should have its own room.
- Once the animals get used to each other, you can gradually introduce each animal's belongings to the other animal, swap their bedding, or brush them with the same brush.
- Set up the new cat's sleeping area as far away from the existing cat's sleeping area as possible. The same applies to the food and litter box areas. Avoid placing them next to each other at first. Feed the animals at the same time, but in different places.
- Engage both cats in joint games.
- Treat both cats equally, don't give them any reason to be jealous, and pet them as often as possible. It's okay to give the older cat a little extra attention at first, as he's usually more stressed.
Although cats are very stubborn and don't like competition, in most cases, two animals can be friends or at least coexist peacefully in the same space. Much depends on the breed, sex, and age of the animals. It's easiest to introduce two cats of different sexes to each other when they're young. In any case, the owner should be vigilant, monitor the animals' behavior during the first few days after introduction, and provide them with the most comfortable conditions possible.
Read also, How does pregnancy occur in cats?
