Cats are a territorial species. While some cats overlap their territories a great deal, others prefer to keep a good distance from their neighbors. Two unrelated males or two unrelated females may have a particularly hard time sharing space. Another cause of strife may be a feline personality clash.
Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don't become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.
Give the cats a reason to like each other.
Providing them with something they love when the other cat is around or when they see the other cat. Typically, this involves giving the cats food or a treat! Play time, as well as grooming (assuming your cat likes to be brushed), can also lead to positive associations.
Some become aggressive, some become withdrawn, and some become sick. In our experience, conflict is the most common reason that some health problems occur in multiple indoor-cat households.
Don't let them fight it out.
If it's a real fight, never let your cats fight it out. Cats don't solve disagreements with aggressiveness. You don't want to get in the middle of two fighting cats, so try to distract them instead, with a loud noise or sudden movement to break their concentration on their fight.
As a self-reliant species and solitary hunter, the cat avoids physical conflict as a threat to survival, as any overt fighting could cause injury, inability to hunt and consequently death.
Species appropriate punishment such as “hissing” or the use of punishment devices such as a water sprayer, can of compressed air, or hand held alarm are better than using any physical techniques since they are less likely to lead to fear and retaliation.
Give cats treats so they spend time close to each other or play with a feather to encourage play. Do not use catnip. When comfortable with each other they will sniff noses, play through the door or rub against the door. When you see this, you can have a proper introduction.
Cats that have set up separate territories in the house and don't really get along will: Chase or run away from one another and avoid contact. You may notice that one cat consistently leaves the room when one enters. Watch each other intently and may hiss or spit when they meet.
Chances are if you live with a feline, you've had to kiss and make up more than once. The good news is, despite their reputations for being antisocial, cats love bonding and they do forgive and forget.
* It can be time-consuming to take care of multiple cats. Clipping nails, brushing their coats and litter box maintenance may begin to take their toll. On the upside, don't get discouraged. It takes time to develop a routine that all of you can be happy with.
Pairs Make Happier Pet Owners
By sharing cat toys, litter boxes, lounge areas and beds, having a bonded pair costs roughly the same as having a single cat. Plus, since one cat will need a regular feeding and litter box cleaning schedule, adding one more won't feel like twice the work.
Is it cruel to keep a cat as a single pet? Cats need plenty of social interaction, physical exercise, mental stimulation, opportunities for play, and companionship. These needs can often be met by the human family! Remember to meet the needs of your cat or cats every day.
Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Once cats feel this way about each other, it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.
"Cats may need more or less time before they can be left alone together - much depends on the individual cats and the environment," Hovav said. But one thing you absolutely should NOT do is force the issue - then you might have a Larry-Palmerston situation on your hands. "Never force two cats to interact," Hovav said.
If your cat doesn't like other cats coming into their space and they become anxious or aggressive when this happens, this could be a sign that they wouldn't accept sharing their home with another cat.
Always stay outside of the fray when trying to interrupt a cat fight. Clap your hands loudly and shout, toss some toys toward the cats, use a spray bottle of water to disrupt them, or shake a can that's half-filled with coins.
It can happen. However, it's a very uncommon thing to happen. Cats fight all the time; they tease each other, hissing and throwing paws; however, fighting to the death is rare. Fighting can lead to severe injuries; for example, their claws are quite sharp and, when used, can hurt.
Owners are often very sentimental and will anthropomorphize these cats and say they're bonded to make themselves feel better, but then when we see them attacking one another in a foster home or not spending time together at all, we know we can safely unbond them.
A: It's never too late. Their distrust of humans is more likely linked to the amount of time they spent as free-roaming cats. Outdoor living requires a defensive lifestyle, so their "faux feral" behavior makes sense even after months or years of indoor living. My first suggestion involves your feeding routine.
If your established cat is not tolerating the new kitten (either through overt aggression or by hiding away), it is best to re-start the whole process. You may or may not have done a phased introduction, starting with scent swapping and proceeding on through visual contact before a full physical introduction.
Again, some hissing when they see each other is normal so don't be alarmed. Some light swatting is also common. Separate them if the hissing doesn't die down after 1 or 2 minutes or if there is any sign of threat (swatting with force, chasing, screaming, ears flattened, etc.). Try again when the cats seem to be calm.