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.
For both animals this can be a stressful time. A gradual introduction process is important for them to build a friendship. If one cat gets hissed at or swatted, she may always be afraid of the other cat.
The average time frame is a few weeks but it could take months for the cats to learn to tolerate each other. Maintain a separate litter box and feeding area for the new cat in his room for a few weeks. It is highly recommended to have multiple resources for multiple cats.
It is always going to be potentially difficult to introduce a new cat to your resident cat. It is important to recognise that even when the introduction process is conducted as carefully as possible, this is not a guarantee that the cats will happily accept one another.
When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although the two cats may be used to each other's scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory.
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.
Remember, the worst thing you can do for any kind of in-person/no barriers introduction, is to bring both cats into a shared space without giving them something to do. In that ill-advised scenario, the other cat becomes their “something to do,” and you'll likely find that the “staredown” soon turns into a “throwdown.”
Cats are solitary, territorial creatures by nature so don't force siblings together. It may take weeks or months for a cat to adjust to their new lifestyle. Cats introduced too quickly may fight and never learn to get along. Gradual introductions are essential for long-term brotherly/sisterly love.
Each day, have the cats switch rooms so that they both experience some variation and get access to each other's scents. You may need an assistant to do this safely. After several days, if both of your cats appear relaxed, crack the door open one inch. If they remain calm, open the door a bit more, then a bit more.
Keep Them Separated.
It is best to immediately place the newcomer in the separate space and then direct your attention back to your senior. Spend most of your time with your older cat. She may go over to the door and hiss at the new intruder but just ignore this behavior and act like nothing has changed.
The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. 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.
Over time, they'll likely start getting along again. Just remember, this process can sometimes take weeks, and that's okay. Give your cats the time and space they need. If you're wondering if your cats will ever get along again, the answer is they likely will.
Let your current cat smell the towel. Do the same for the new cat. Don't be alarmed by hissing or growling. These are normal reactions.
On average, a new cat may stay in the Bonding Room for 2 - 7 days, but generally the cat will let you know when he is ready for the next step. He will come to you when you enter the room and will be comfortable in your presence, and when he is ready, may try to follow you out.
Fortunately, neutered and spayed cats are much more likely to get on well together than intact adult cats. Generally, female cats tend to be more accepting of new cats into their home. They are more likely to accept another female cat than a male cat.
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 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.
The ideal number of litter boxes for a multi-cat household is one for each cat and an extra box more for security, however, if you cannot afford this or if your cats are trained to use one litter box, it is okay to use the regular one, but it is still best recommended to use the self-cleaning or automatic litter box as ...
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.
– Start off slowly and gradually. As the cats become more familiar, allow them longer and longer periods of time together. – Never let the cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting, and the fighting usually just gets worse.
When you're trying to help your cats get along, it's important to pay attention to whether they're playing or really fighting. If the fight is real, you want to break it up and respond appropriately afterward. Don't let them fight it out. If it's a real fight, never let your cats fight it out.
It may only take a day or two or it may take several weeks for cats to tolerate each other. It may take months before the cats are relaxed with each other, but you are on your way to success if you reach the stage of a calm truce between them.
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!