Bringing cats together: tips for a successful introduction
Although cats are generally considered solitary, indoor cats in particular often appreciate it when they are kept together with a fellow feline.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when bringing two cats together, otherwise problems are almost inevitable. Below we will explain what is important when your second cat moves in and how you can get them used to each other.
Bringing cats together: making preparations
If you have decided to buy a second cat and are convinced that your four-legged friend will get along with the new room-mate, it is best to make appropriate preparations first.
It is particularly important to get the necessary basic equipment for the second cat. Be aware that your four-legged friends will not want to share their litter box or food bowl with each other.
It will be similar, at least at the beginning, with things like sleeping places and scratching posts. Before you can bring your cats together, you should therefore get the same items that you bought for your first feline. In this way, you help ensure that there will be no conflict over their possessions and that both cats have everything they need at their disposal.
Common problems when bringing cats together
Depending on your individual situation, a number of problems can arise when bringing two cats together. If your first four-legged friend has been living alone for a long time, it will probably find it especially difficult to tolerate the company of another cat in its territory.
You should therefore expect at least in the beginning regular minor fights and disputes between the two. This cannot be avoided and serves your cats to clarify their ranking. Once this is done, things should quickly calm down.
Not all cats can be brought together
There are a few points to consider when choosing a suitable second cat. First of all, both four-legged friends should be of a similar age if possible, as too great an age gap can sometimes cause conflict.
Apart from that, male cats can only be brought together if both animals are neutered. Otherwise, the hierarchy battles just described will be a permanent problem that often escalates.
We also recommend that you get to know your new four-legged friend in advance. In this way you can better assess whether it is a match for your other cat in terms of its character and temperament.
Gradual introduction of the cats
When the time has come for your second cat to move in, it would be a mistake to simply put the two four-legged friends together in one room and leaving them to their own devices.
Instead, take it slowly and give your cats the opportunity to gradually get used to each other. For this purpose, you should first set up your new cat's own room, in which everything it needs is available, from cat food and a litter box to a scratching post.
Let the two four-legged friends get used to each other's scent, for example by exchanging their blankets or a toy.
After a few hours, the time has come for the first real encounter. This should take place under supervision. If possible, it would help to use a safety gate or net in the door frame, so that the two cats have no way of attacking each other directly when they are brought together.
Repeat this type of meeting over and over for the next few days before you finally remove the gate for the first time. If there is any fighting, it is important that you only intervene if it gets out of hand and there is a risk of serious injury.
Stay relaxed and fair
It is understandable that getting your two cats to know each other is very exciting for you and therefore you are probably nervous too. Nevertheless, try to stay as relaxed as possible so as not to project your nervousness onto your two felines.
In addition, make sure to treat both animals equal and do not give your first cat any reason to be jealous of the additional room-mate in the early days. Otherwise the four-legged friend can vent its anger with you on the new cat.
Healthy cat treats as a reward
In addition to following the advice from this article, it helps to reward both cats for good behaviour when you bring them together.
If you choose cat treats from I Love My Cat, you are opting for healthy delicacies made from natural ingredients. Our high-quality cat treats not only taste good. In addition, they are also ideal as part of a wholesome and balanced diet.
Bringing cats together - our conclusion
As you can see, there are quite a few points to keep in mind when bringing two cats together. By avoiding common mistakes right from the start and ensuring that both four-legged friends feel comfortable and can get used to each other in peace and quiet, you ensure that unnecessary problems are avoided.
With a little luck, it won't take too long until your cats get along well and nothing stands in the way of a relaxed everyday life without territorial disputes.
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