Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.
Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.
For cats that are left on their own for long periods each day, it is a good idea to consider providing another cat for company. Sociable interaction with another cat can greatly enrich their daily lives. The younger they are when introduced, the greater the chances of their getting on amicably most of the time.
The easiest way to decrease jealous behavior in your cat is to simply spend more time with it. The extra attention can usually curb bad behavior and there are many ways you can do this: Get a few interactive toys, such as feather wands and laser pointers, that allow you to play with your feline friend.
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 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.
There isn't hard proof that gender can make a difference in whether your two cats will get along or not. With that said, there is some anecdotal evidence that suggests you may have fewer issues if one cat is male and the other cat is female (rather than two females or two unneutered males).
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.
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.
Given time, many cats will accept a new kitten. When you think your older cat is comfortable around your kitten, you can start to let your kitten have more freedom, under supervision.
If you are just looking to get one cat, your future feline pet will not be severely deprived if you do not get another with it. A cat can live a happy life as the only cat in the house. At the same time, cats are more social than we may have at one time believed.
And when they are doing something as private as elimination, sharing the same litter box can be stressful for some cats. Ideally, a multi-cat household should have the same number of litter boxes as the number of cats, plus one extra box; in other words, for two cats, there should be three litter boxes.
It's suggested that you choose two male cats or a male and female combination if bringing home two kittens who are not already bonded as they tend to get along better than two females. Cats generally don't like eating close together, so consider placing your kittens' food bowls across the room from each other.
Pairs are Happier
Despite their independent natures, cats are social creatures that need companionship to thrive. Left alone, a cat can develop behavioral problems, and in some cases, even show signs of depression. Cats in bonded pairs, on the other hand, are more likely to be better adjusted.
Kittens who are less than 16 weeks of age are still babies. They aren't as strong as adult cats and the older cat can easily hurt it. The introduction process must never be hastened because things could go awry.
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.
Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.
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.
Cats are creatures of habit and don't do very well with change. Your furry friend may display signs of anxiety and depression if you bring home a new pet or baby, move to a new home, rearrange the furniture, or if you move the litter box to a new location.
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.
If your resident cat was not properly socialized to his or her own species when young, or hasn't seen another cat in a long time, it may take longer until he or she is comfortable with the new cat. Even with a lot of time and careful exposure, two cats may still not get along. Sometimes, it is a matter of personality.
Most felines will be perfectly content being left alone for up to 8 hours while you're at work. As long as fresh water is available, some cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours. However, longer or more frequent periods of time away, such as full days or nights away from home can be more disruptive.