For fluffy animals, a clear demarcation of their habitat is very important. It is because of this that fights and conflicts most often arise, the reluctance to give up one’s place or share food in the same bowl. Such situations should not be left to chance, because mustachioed miscreants become embittered and aggressive during times of stress. There are different ways to reconcile two mustaches and make their living together comfortable.
Two cats (cats) in the house: developments
After a new four-legged guest appears in your home, the two pets will develop their own special relationship, which can begin as friendship, aggression, or even fear.
It is not always possible to predict the reaction of animals to each other, so the task of the owners is to create the most comfortable conditions for the animals to meet and live in the same territory.
Did you know? A cat rubs against a person not only because it wants to cuddle - it marks him. So you can consider yourself the property of your pet! And excessive love for these cute creatures is called ailurophilia.
Bonding methods: introducing cats without stress
There is no need to force friendship between animals; cats take a long time to get used to company. Rules for successful rapprochement:
- Let the old cat know that she is not forgotten and is just as loved as she was before the new cat arrived.
- Do not interfere with the newly adopted animal getting to know the surroundings, animals and other residents of the house.
- Pause until the pets desire to become acquainted with themselves.
- Do not interfere in relationships between animals, except for a dangerous fight.
Friendship
The most favorable development of the situation, except in the case where animals grow up together from a very young age, is the immediate sympathy that arises between them. This happens when a kitten appears in a house with an adult cat. And then the owners do not have to think about how to make friends between a cat and a kitten, since thanks to maternal instinct, a cat is extremely rarely aggressive towards the baby. On the contrary, she, as a rule, takes him under her wing.
But if a kitten is purchased for a home with an adult cat, then there is a chance that at first the old-timer will ignore the newcomer. But later, a warm and strong friendship can also begin between them.
Aggression
Unfortunately, sometimes animals show real aggression towards each other. Cats may start jumping on each other, hitting each other with their paws, or chasing them around the room. If this happens, then there is no need to intervene, but simply observe, letting the animals find out whether two cats will get along in the same apartment and “who is the boss.” However, if the aggression has turned into a full-fledged fight, it is worth scattering the animals (without separating them with your hands!) and temporarily separating them into different rooms.
And then, after a pause of a couple of days, try to get acquainted again. This should be done until the cats get used to each other and become calmer when they see their relatives.
By the way, the most effective way to separate fighting cats is to pour water on them. If this does not work, then you can throw a thick blanket over them; the darkness should scare the animals. If this does not work, then try to pull them apart in different directions using any long stick, for example, a mop. Act firmly, but carefully so as not to injure the animals.
Most often, people at home prefer to have cats of such breeds as: Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Munchkin, Burmese, Persian, Siamese, British, Burmese, Ragdoll, American Curl, American and Masquerade.
Often the cause of aggressive behavior is the sexual instincts of cats. In this case, if it is impossible to reconcile them, the only option is sterilization.
Preparing for the meeting
When the decision to get a second cat is planned, it pays to be well prepared. In order to reduce the reasons for mutual aggression from the very beginning and make them friends in the future, you need to follow a few simple rules:
- Cats should have their own water and food bowls.
- It is necessary to provide pets with personal trays if you do not want to find unpleasant surprises on the floor.
- Houses for cats will be a salvation for residents of one-room apartments. Cats are by nature freedom-loving and independent creatures; it is important for them to have their own territory, a personal corner. A cat that has already become accustomed to the apartment and has been living in it for some time considers the house to be its territory. When another animal appears, the pet perceives it as an intrusion and often reacts aggressively.
- To keep your hands and animals healthy, you should trim your cats' claws. The moment of the first meeting is especially dangerous, when you brought the second cat home in your arms, and the first one greets you with displeasure in the corridor. If an older cat reacts aggressively, a new cat may get scared and claw at you. In such a situation, a carrier or a small blanket will help.
- Before meeting cats, they must be vaccinated and treated against fleas and worms. If the animal is not treated, it should be kept in isolation quarantine for at least 2 weeks.
- At first, it is necessary to allow cats to eat and go to the toilet freely, so you need to identify and separate zones in the house so that they do not meet when eating or defecating.
- It is important to feed the animals at the same time, this way you will be able to avoid theft and conflicts.
- Veterinarians advise purchasing a spray bottle to control behavior. At the moment of an impending fight, an “invigorating shower” will help separate them without consequences to health.
- Even if you are perfectly prepared, you may not be able to prevent conflict. Be sure to keep disinfectants and healing products in your home.
- Toys can also become a reason for a showdown. To make it easier to make friends with cats, buy new toys for both pets and stock up on treats to reduce attention on the “enemy”.
- Close windows and doors before meeting to avoid unpredictable consequences.
Don't isolate an old cat. He may think that a newcomer is vying for leadership and you are helping him. Then the cat will stop trusting both of you. Give the newcomer a space that the old resident loves less, then the established pet will be less angry.
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Fear
If cats do not react and do not contact each other, then there is a possibility that this is a manifestation of fear. They may become tense in each other's presence, hiss, run away, hide under furniture, lose their appetite, and even become aggressive.
This can happen for several reasons. Firstly, if the domestic cat has never communicated with its relatives before. Secondly, perhaps you were too hasty with the first acquaintance, tried to force the animals together, and this caused fear in them.
In any case, you must remember that your pet also has its own character and inclinations, and if it is timid in everyday life, then it is unlikely that it will be pleased with the appearance of a second four-legged family member. But this does not mean that such animals cannot be made friends. It just may take longer.
Important! You need to be prepared for the fact that two cats will never be reconciled with each other. And being in constant stress, they can begin to get seriously ill. Then there is only one way out: to find a good family for the newcomer.
A few words about breeds
Representatives of different cat breeds can have very different personalities. This fact is also worth paying attention to when choosing a new pet.
British shorthair cats and ragdolls have the most flexible character. Phlegmatic Britons usually find it easy to get along with most animals. Ragdolls get along well with representatives of any calm breeds, but can experience severe stress from being around active and assertive pets.
Persian cats can be more aggressive, but with the right approach and the absence of serious stress, they adapt well.
Siamese cats and sphinxes can be called the least tolerant. Siamese are extremely jealous and cannot stand it when someone else gets the attention of their owners. They can enter into serious competition with the newly arrived animal. And sphinxes are distinguished by mistrust and fearlessness, which is why they have difficulty accepting changes in their lives and do not respond very well to standard training methods.
How to make neighbors friends
To make cats friends with each other, you first need to properly prepare the space by defining two separate areas where the animals will sleep, go to the toilet and eat. In addition, before introducing each other, both animals need to trim their claws and file sharp edges.
It is better to bring a beginner in a carrier and give him the opportunity to decide for himself when to get out of it. Do not force animals to communicate; let them first get used to the new situation.
Acquaintance
As was said, situations are unique, there are no clear rules on how to introduce two cats, but there are recommendations that will help smooth out their acquaintance and quickly make friends:
- Introduce the cats gradually, without pushing the cats towards them, giving them the opportunity to sniff and get to know each other.
- At the first sign of an incipient fight, you need to separate the animals and give them the opportunity to rest.
- Cats should not be left together unattended. Stay nearby and have a spray bottle ready. It is better not to separate your pets with your hands, so as not to fall under a hot claw.
- Residents of one-room apartments need to keep the new cat in a carrier for the first couple of hours, this will make it easier for the old cat to accept it.
- Mix cat scents to make friends with your pets faster. You can pet your pets with one towel or swap their bedding.
When purchasing at the same time
If you buy two pets at the same time, then the question of how to make friends between two cats or male cats in the same apartment is practically not worth it, especially if they are still kittens. The animals find themselves in a new home for both of them, with unfamiliar things and smells, and the owners have a good opportunity to set the necessary rules of residence.
When buying a cat, you need to pay attention to choosing a pet house.
At the same time, try not to single out anyone and treat both pets gently and patiently. In addition, at this young age, kittens find a common language well and easily get used to their personalities.
Of course, if the animals are already quite old, then everything is unlikely to go smoothly, so in order for the cats to get used to each other as quickly as possible, you should:
- divide their territory into two halves with a metal mesh;
- swap animals twice a day so that they quickly get used to each other’s smells;
- place bowls with food and water near the mesh on both sides, and they should always be full;
- an aggressive cat must be stopped by splashing water on it or making a loud sound;
- a couple of days after the pets begin to be friendly towards each other, remove the net;
- observe the cats for two to three weeks: if everything is in order, then they can be left unattended.
Important! It would be great if, even before a new pet arrives in the house, it is possible to create a mixture of animal odors. To do this, you need to wipe two cats one by one with a dry terry towel, paying special attention to the cheeks, paws and genitals of the animals. And leave this towel in their shared home.
Possible reactions
Favorable option:
- animals approach slowly and express interest;
- go about their business ignoring their opponent;
- purring, sniffing each other.
A chance to quickly make friends; living together will not cause any trouble.
Unfavorable option:
- the fur is on end, the tail is fluffed;
- they hiss and hit each other with their paws;
- one cat is trying to take a dominant position - to occupy someone else's tray, eat from a bowl, take over a bed.
Reasons for the confrontation:
- Both opponents feel fear. An old-timer is afraid of infringement of his rights, a newcomer feels insecure in a new environment.
- Animals strive to protect the territory that they consider their property. A competitor is encroaching on part of the space.
- The struggle for food and household items. Cats are jealous of their bowls, trays, and resting places.
- Incompatibility of the sexes - living with two cats, a neutered cat with a cat.
The newbie is examined by a veterinarian, they check whether they have received vaccinations and are treated for skin parasites and worms.
For different purchases
Often, already having an adult animal, owners decide to get another one. And then they must understand how two cats get along in an apartment. The most important rule: for an “old” animal, everything should be as unchanged as possible; the cat should not feel disadvantaged in any way due to the appearance of a second pet in the house.
To begin with, the resting place of an old-timer should be a complete taboo for a newcomer. In general, it is better to have a door between the animals’ resting areas that can be locked at night. At least at first.
Be sure to provide your new pet with a personal toilet. Once the animals become friends, you can use one tray.
The new pet should be fed from a separate bowl and preferably not in the same room where the old-timer usually eats. After a while, the bowls can be moved to one place and even moved close to each other. But at the same time, you should always give food to cats at the same time so that they do not have the desire to take food from each other.
At first, you should not leave the animals alone; let them be under the constant supervision of someone at home. And only when you are sure that the adaptation was successful, you can leave them unattended.
What needs to be done before the kitten arrives?
Even before a new pet arrives in the house, there is a little work that needs to be done. It consists of preparing the house for the arrival of a new tenant and providing him with shelter.
Prepare the house
First of all, try to block all places where pets can hide. Spaces under the bed, under the sectional, under the TV stand and similar spaces. If something goes wrong and the cats start fighting, you will have a hard time separating them under the bed.
Cats use all space, including vertical space. Some people prefer to sit below, while others prefer to watch everything from above. It's hard to predict in advance what your new kitten will like best. So try to make sure he has a choice. Place a tall cat tree to provide a vantage point from above. You can attach special shelves to provide access to the upper space.
Assess whether there are places in the house where one pet can drive another. These cute creatures don't like to feel trapped. This is why many people don’t like closed trays. If pets suddenly start chasing each other, everyone should have an escape route.
Try to block off all the places in the house where one cat can chase another and where it will be difficult for you to get them out.
Prepare a shelter for the kitten
Moving is stressful for him. He will need time to get used to his new home. It is important to provide a safe shelter during adaptation.
Choose the room where the kitten will live for the first time. This room needs to be arranged properly, placing in it everything the kitten needs:
- bowls,
- tray,
- toys,
- bed,
- scratching post
It is important that the kitten has a scratching post - it will not only protect the furniture from the claws of your pet. By scratching the scratching post, he leaves his scent and his marks on it - this is how the kitten marks the object. This is an important element of cat communication that will be useful in future stages.
Prohibited actions
What is prohibited to do if two animals live in the same apartment at once - a cat and a female cat:
- to get acquainted, lock them in one room or forcefully bring them nose to nose;
- take them to different places, not allowing them to get to know each other at all;
- from the first day, arrange a common toilet, sleeping area and food bowls;
- give food alternately, while being in the same room;
- allow the “new” tenant to use the things of the “old”;
- leave them alone until cats get used to each other;
- give one of your pets more love, affection and attention.
Two cats (cats) in the house: pros and cons
So, there are now two cats living in your house. What are the pros and cons of such a situation? First, let's talk about the disadvantages:
- if your pets remain full-fledged cats, then during the mating season you will be threatened with “fights” of local significance, in addition, the animals will actively mark their territory;
- The consumption of cat food and litter doubles.
Did you know? In the second half of the 19th century, English scientists, after conducting a series of experiments, proved that feline therapy - therapy with the help of a domestic cat - is not a fantasy, but a proven fact. A cat provides significant assistance for diseases of the nerves, heart, and will even help cure a cold.
And the positive points:
- despite prejudices, cats are emotional animals, and having a friend or girlfriend will make their life much more active and fun;
- your home will receive twice as much fluffy happiness!
If you are mentally and financially ready to have another pet in your home, then do not be afraid of possible problems. Your patience, consistency and perseverance will certainly yield results, and the animals will become friends. And after a while, they will give you many funny and warm stories together.
Where to get?
There is a choice: here you have cats you know, nurseries with and without names, shelters, foster care, the Bird Market and His Majesty Chance.
Let’s agree right away that we are rejecting the Poultry Market for reasons of safety of an existing pet: the risk of buying not a healthy animal from the owner, but a “boxed version of a kitten” from a reseller (read: an emaciated animal suffering from almost all possible infections) is too great.
His Majesty the Case. Everything is simple here: dear Universe, responding to your request for a second animal, sends you a “messenger”. This could be a domestic kitten abandoned to the mercy of fate, a “boxer” on the move, or an accidental addition to the family of a yard or completely domestic cat. You just saw a certain cat essence and realized that this was your destiny.
Shelters and foster care. Carefully! In this case, the risk of taking a sick animal is also very high. Want to play it safe? Go to the chosen place yourself and conduct a “reconnaissance”. Dirty cages, smell, neglected animals are a reason to turn around and leave. If the owner of the foster home takes the animal to the stairwell, to the elevator, to the corridor, but resolutely does not allow you into the apartment, the situation is even worse. For the safety of your pet, we advise you to look elsewhere for your new pet. Of course, except for those cases when you understand that life is not sweet for you without this beast.
Nurseries. It is better to choose a well-known nursery that has a website and good recommendations. Ask cat owners you know, go to specialized forums and, armed with a critical attitude, study the available information: your meticulousness will help save two cats’ lives (don’t forget about your existing pet)!
Cats of acquaintances/device through forums. Feel free to ask your “feline relatives” about everything that interests you: the date of birth of the kittens, living conditions, why they give away an adult animal? Is there an opportunity to visit your future household member? Don’t neglect it: it’s better to see it once and ask 10 questions than to ask a thousand questions during correspondence.
When looking for a candidate, be sure to pay attention to his health, availability of vaccinations, “sense of litter tray and scratching post” and communicability: about some animals they immediately write that they are the only pet in the family.
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