Don't be alarmed by hissing or growling. These are normal reactions. Encourage interaction through the door. Place your new cat's food near the door of his room so he stays near it.
Some hissing is normal during this stage. Don't punish the cats for hissing or growling as that can form a negative association about the other cat, as well as you. Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.
When you think they're ready, let them mingle under your supervision. There will be hissing and growling – try to ignore it, but be ready to intervene if a physical battle breaks out. It's important to take this step slowly. If they do seem to tolerate each other, praise both cats effusively.
When resident cat approaches the blanket, observe closely the body language. Normal language would be sniffing, pawing, and even growling. Warning signs would be flattened ears, twitching tail and hissing, if you see any of these warning signs, you may be in for a bit of a battle when the two first initially meet.
Don't be alarmed; it's normal for cats to hiss at something new or something they don't understand. Hissing is a distance-increasing behavior. Simply put, it's a warning saying, “Please back off, and do not come any closer.”
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.
It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. 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.
Caution when introducing cats
Watch for signs one cat is avoiding areas. If you think she's being bullied make sure she has her own space and things like bed, litter box, food bowl. Never punish either cat if they show aggression. If you see, signs of aggression go back a few steps.
By having both cats experience something positive (a meal or yummy snack) while they are nearby, they can learn to form positive associations with each other. If either cat is growling or hissing at the other through the door, donot put them together anytime soon; take things very slowly and continue feeding this way.
If your pets are hissing constantly, showing signs of aggression or they fight, you should intervene - by clapping or making a loud noise - and separate them. It may be that the encounter was too long, or that they are not quite ready. Take a step back and try again another day with a new (short!)
Place the cats' food bowls on opposite sides of a closed door. This will encourage them to be close together while they're doing something that makes them feel good. Each day, have the cats switch rooms so that they both experience some variation and get access to each other's scents.
Don't be alarmed by hissing or growling. These are normal reactions. Encourage interaction through the door. Place your new cat's food near the door of his room so he stays near it.
Contrary to popular belief, hissing is not an aggressive behavior, nor is it generally exhibited by an aggressive cat. Hissing is a defensive gesture. It is almost always exhibited by a cat that feels victimized, antagonized, or threatened in some way. Hissing is often a way to avoid a physical confrontation.
Your new cat will need to be in their safe room for at least three days, but some may need longer. Once you feel your cat is comfortable and confident in their room, it's time to open the door and let them explore the rest of the home. We suggest doing this one room at a time.
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.
However, if your cat shows hostility to other cats, or hisses, growls, or marks territory if they enter your yard or garden, then obtaining another cat is probably not a good idea.
After about two years of age, acceptance of another cat can be a bit random, but they will very rarely totally reject another cat in the long-term. After a time even those cats that do not become great friends can still learn to tolerate and live with each other by keeping to their own territory.
Adding an unfamiliar cat to an existing cat's home can be stressful for both animals, but there are some steps you can take to help them integrate into their new home and socialize. The key is to slowly integrate new smells, give them time alone to explore their new environment and provide them with their own space.
Don't interfere in their interaction unless necessary—Some hissing and growling are normal and will stop as the older cat gets used to the kitten. Step in and separate the cats only when the situation escalates.
Our pets like to be in control, so it may take some time for resident cats to adjust to new kittens, cat hissing at new cat is there way to communicate discomfort. It's possible that your kitties will hit it off from the start - you might notice them playing, sneaking around, and snoozing together.
Gender. Male (neutered) cats are generally believed to be more accepting of other cats, both male and female. Even though this has not been my experience, female cats may not get along as well with each other.
If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.
Am I giving the cat opportunities to tell me if they still want to be stroked? You can test this by following a simple 3 second rule: If you pause after 3 seconds of stroking your cat, do they try to reinitiate contact (i.e. rub against you)? If not, your cat has probably had enough for now!