Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Preparing for a New Cat in the House
• Method 2 of 3: Introducing Cats
• Method 3 of 3: Dealing with aggression
• Tips
• Warnings

Cats have very complex personalities, so no one knows how a cat will react to any other animal in the house. It so happens that even two cats cannot find a common language. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent and / or minimize potential negative emotions. Many cats can live harmoniously together, especially if you help them get used to each other. Take the time and attention to properly "introduce" your cats, this is the only way you can contribute to their good relationship.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Preparing for a New Cat in the House

1. 1 Give your cats enough time. Both of your cats need your love and attention. Iron them, play with your favorites. Allocate twenty minutes twice a day to your cats. If they don't want to play together yet, try to give them the same amount of time.
2. 2 Make sure there is enough space for your cat. A studio apartment is not the best option for two cats. Add vertical space, such as cat towers, to give the cats more room. Cats love to keep social distance, and too crowded can put pressure on them.
   • Cats are territorial animals by nature, so be prepared for conflicts over territory.
   • If you are going to get a second cat, be prepared for the fact that each of them will need about two square meters of territory.
   • If you are taking a second adult cat, if possible, try to find a cat that is about the same size as the first. There is a possibility that a small cat will be afraid of a large one, so it is better if both animals are in about the same "weight category".
3. 3 Each cat needs a separate litter box plus one spare. If you have two cats, you will need three litter boxes. This is the only way the animals will feel comfortable. If a cat smells someone else's feline scent in its litter box, it will look elsewhere to meet its needs. To avoid this, prepare a separate tray for each of them.
   • If the house has more than one floor, there should be a cat litter on each of them.
   • There should be a distance of at least a meter between the bowl of food and the toilet.
4. 4 Separate food and water bowls should be prepared for each of the cats. If they eat from the same dish, it can lead to unnecessary aggression.
   • Do not place these food bowls too close to each other, otherwise it could lead to a fight between the animals.
   • If you've just brought a new cat into the house, place their plates on opposite ends of the room.
5. 5 Each cat must have a separate carrier bag. This is necessary not only for their comfortable transportation, but also to limit their ability to physically contact each other. This approach can also help the cat feel like it has its own space to hide in.

Method 2 of 3: Introducing Cats

1. 1 Keep cats separate at first. Keep cats out of contact for the first few days. It is better to place the new one in a separate room. This will make her more comfortable and will not be able to come into contact with the old-time cat. Do this for seven days to start.
   • This habituation process can take a long time, so it may need to be extended.
   • After you bring a new pet into the house, do not forget about the existing one. Otherwise, alas, he may dislike the beginner from the very first days.
2. 2 Start introducing cats "by smell". Allow cats to sniff each other through the crack under the door, but avoid physical contact. Bring a toy or mat that both cats use to allow them to get used to the new scent. This will help them get used to the idea that there are now two of them in the house.
   • Help your new cat get used to the smell of the old cat. After a couple of days, take a clean rag (a sock will work fine) and rub your cat with it so that the cloth absorbs its scent. Then put this rag in the room with your new cat. Track her reaction. Hissing is a normal reaction, but if the new cat reacts more calmly to the new smell, praise her and give her a treat.
   • Some experts on cat behavior suggest their own way of acquaintance - they advise that after bathing cats dry with the same towel to mix their smells. First, gently dry one cat with a towel. Then do the same with the second one. After the towel has absorbed the smells of both cats, repeat the steps again with both animals.
3. 3 Introduce the cats visually. Do not allow cats to come into physical contact: for this, you can put an obstacle (grate, net, wall from a playpen or crib) between them. Watch how they react to each other. Have they started to behave aggressively or seem calm and accepting of each other? These signs will inform you how long it will take before their personal acquaintance. Calm, friendly cats will quickly find a common language, unlike those that show aggression.
   • Block the doorway of the new cat's room with a trellis, netting, or something similar to prevent cats from getting to each other.
   • Let the old cat find out that there is a new animal in the next room.
   • If both cats react in a non-aggressive way, praise them and give them a treat. If not, close the door and try again later.
   • Leave the fence in the doorway for a while.
   • See if one or both cats are in a defensive posture. Look for the following signs:
     • the cat shrinks, "squeezes" into the floor;
     • the head is retracted;
     • the tail is wrapped around the body, the tip is hidden;
     • eyes are wide open, pupils are partially or completely dilated
     • ears are pressed tightly to the head;
     • the wool stands on end;
     • the cat turns sideways to the "enemy";
     • the cat hisses with an open mouth;
     • the cat quickly hits with its front paws with its claws extended.
4. 4 Swap cats. After a while, move the old cat to the room where you kept the new one, and the new one to the room where the old one lived. Let your animals gradually get used to the foreign smell. Do this a couple of times before moving on to a closer acquaintance.
5. 5 Let the cats finally meet. When the cats are adapting properly to the new situation, allow them to make contact with each other. Keep a water spray on hand in case of aggression.If your cats get along well, you can let them walk freely around the apartment. But even during this period, closely monitor their behavior. The key to a peaceful coexistence of two or more cats is to prevent territorial aggression.
   • Bring the cats to a room that is comfortable to observe.
   • For the first meeting, set aside about ten minutes, no more. Every day you can increase the time they spend together in the same room (but do not forget to monitor their behavior).
   • Acquaintance can take several weeks, or maybe several months. In this case, the main thing is not to rush. The process can be slow, but if cats learn to live in peace, the time is worth it.
   • Never physically punish cats for hissing or throwing themselves at each other. This is a very common reaction. If the cat begins to behave aggressively, take another cat in your arms and carry it out of the room. Also, learn to understand whether cats are fighting for real or just playing - although this can be tricky to tell.
   • Watch for an aggressive stance. Possible signs include:
     • the legs are tense and fully extended;
     • the hind legs are tense, the back is arched;
     • straight tail raised up and tense;
     • the cat looks at the "enemy" point-blank;
     • ears pricked up and slightly turned back;
     • the hair stands on end, including on the tail;
     • the pupils are constricted;
     • the cat stands with its muzzle directly to the "enemy" or moves towards him;
     • the cat growls, howls or meows loudly.
6. 6 Feed the cats together. When cats eat, they are in a non-aggressive state. If they eat together, even at different ends of the room, they will get used to not being aggressive in the presence of each other. If both cats are calm, treating them with treats together will reinforce the good behavior.
   • Whenever cats see each other, give them a treat. This will help them understand that they are being rewarded for spending time together. Plus, cats will see that they don't have to compete for food or attention, that you can offer both of them.
   • If the cats are not eating or are becoming aggressive, you may have placed their bowls too close together.
   • If they are eating and seem relaxed, you can place their plates closer together the next time they feed.
   • This entire process can take several weeks or even months. If cats are showing signs of anxiety or aggression, then the dating process is too fast for them. Signs of external aggression:
     • punches with paws;
     • bites;
     • fights;
     • growling, screeching;
     • scratch;
     • the cat falls on its side or back and exposes its teeth and claws.

Method 3 of 3: Dealing with aggression

1. 1 Be aware that there are many ways a cat is aggressive. Cats are complex creatures and are not fully understood. But from what we know, it is clear that there are a number of different patterns of feline aggression. They can be broken down into a number of categories depending on the situation; please note that these categories are not mutually exclusive.
   • Play aggression occurs when cats go too far in their play.
   • Defensive aggression comes from the cat when it senses danger.
   • Territorial aggression is usually shown towards other cats, it does not apply to humans and other animals.
   • Contact aggression is not fully understood, it can be caused by excessive stimulation of receptors.
   • Aggression between males is based on a natural competitive nature.
   • Maternal aggression is a manifestation of a defensive reaction.
   • The so-called redirected aggression can cause frustration that the cat cannot express, so she redirects it to other targets, such as another cat or person.
   • Predatory aggression is inherent in cats, in which predatory instincts are triggered.
   • Pain aggression is the result of old or ongoing pain sensations, as well as illness or injury.
   • Idiopathic aggression is spontaneous and can pose a threat to the physical safety of those who come into contact with the cat.
2. 2 Restrain or restrain the cat in moments of aggression. It is very important to deal with the manifestations of aggression in cats, because if they fight, it will not solve any problems. In cases of excessive aggression, you need to restrain or control the cat when another is nearby. This way they will get used to not being aggressive. Prepare in advance in case one of the cats shows aggression constantly.
   • Create a separate room with food, water, litter box and rug, and put a new cat in it to reduce stress.
   • Use a harness or leash. This will give your cat more freedom, but at the same time prevent her from getting to another.
3. 3 Stock up on medications. If cats still can't get along, ask your vet to prescribe something for them. Keep in mind that medications are only part of the solution, and your veterinarian may not agree to this. Medication is not a panacea. They need to be used in conjunction with cats slowly learning to each other and their consistent reward for calm demeanor. Use medication only as a last resort.
   • When cats are afraid or behave aggressively, benzodiazepines are sometimes prescribed. But they, in turn, reduce the ability of cats to learn.
   • Tricyclic antidepressants can be used if you have multiple cats and there is a prolonged conflict between them.
   • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors act on the same neurotransmitters as tricyclic antidepressants, but they have a more general effect on the brain.

Tips

• Remember that every cat is unique. And in general, cats are complex animals. Personality can vary by breed and personality. Don't be surprised if your cat is acting too unpredictable.
• When the cats begin to get used to each other, let them take turns playing with one toy.
• Be sure to ask your veterinarian to check your new cat for feline leukemia and feline AIDS before you bring it into your home.
• Cat towers are a real find. Install one of these and you will find that your cats will appreciate it. It can also help reduce aggression levels.
• If cats lick each other or show any signs of affection, give each one a treat as a reward.
• Cats get along better if they are both kittens, or if you take the kitten with an adult cat. An adult cat is more likely to adopt a kitten than another adult cat.

Warnings

• Sometimes no remedy will help, and the first cat will still hate the new one.
• Sometimes a cat can be so aggressive that it is better for her to find another home.