Cat or female cat – which one to choose?
Whether it is better to have a cat or a cat in the apartment should be decided in advance. Not only decide, but also study the topic, that is, read about the characteristic differences, find out the private opinion of experienced cat lovers.
Cat and cat
A common stereotype is that a cat is more affectionate and tidy. She is recognized as the best hunter. There are legends about cats as lazy and sexually insatiable creatures. Especially with the onset of spring. There is even a common phrase - March cat.
In fact, cats also have the reproductive instinct. Once her heat begins, it is difficult to calm her down. The behavior is no better than that of a cat. And the cat, in turn, can be an excellent hunter and affectionate pet.
You can more or less equalize the prospects for the development of events if you castrate or sterilize animals. Castrati of both sexes are equally friendly and calm. If you take the castration procedure, then after it sexual desire disappears completely, since the body stops producing sex hormones. It's a completely different story with sterilization. In this case, bandage:
- fallopian tubes in a cat;
- spermatic cord in a cat.
After the procedure, sexual instincts are completely preserved throughout the fertile period, but conception does not occur during mating.
Need to know! A strong sexual constitution and excessive production of sex hormones sometimes leads to the resorption of the dressing material. In this case, the patency of the pipes can be restored. Especially if little time has passed since the operation.
If you want to get offspring, especially from a purebred animal, you should look for a partner in advance. You also need to take care of the subsequent placement of the kittens.
If there are no plans to subject the animal to surgery and there is no desire to breed kittens, there are two options:
- tolerate periodic sexual outbursts from pets;
- give hormonal contraceptives.
Experts do not recommend the second option. Hormones are harmful to the animal's health.
We take a pet for the soul
As you can see, it’s worth thinking carefully about who is better to get, a cat or a male cat. But we move on. If breeding activities or an exhibition career are not planned, then a decision is usually made to castrate or sterilize the animal. In this case, preference is often given to males. The operation is simpler, and it costs less. Whereas in the case of cats, this is a abdominal operation, which can have serious consequences.
But in this case, gender characteristics are erased. Sex hormones will no longer excite your pet. That is, the question of who to choose: a cat or a female cat is practically removed. If you decide to keep the physiological characteristics of your pet’s body intact, then let’s decide together who to choose.
Cat: pros and cons
Females have the following advantages:
- Cleanliness. Most cats are cleaner than cats. Four-legged ladies can spend hours getting their fur in order. In addition, they have a less pronounced odor than the tailed cavaliers.
- Pronounced hunting qualities. Cats are considered excellent rat catchers.
- Flexibility. Females have a more flexible and affectionate character than males. However, it must be taken into account that character depends not only on gender, but also on heredity and living conditions.
- No need to mark territory. Cats are not inclined to defend their possessions and fight for the attention of the opposite sex.
In addition to the advantages, females also have disadvantages:
- Constant need to sharpen claws. Pets can use anything to sharpen their claws - from wallpaper to furniture. This problem can be easily solved with the help of a scratching post, which the cat must be accustomed to from early childhood.
- Inappropriate behavior during estrus. However, cats are also guilty of this.
- The need to find a partner for mating and transporting the pet to the territory of the four-legged gentleman.
- Vindictiveness and resentment. Cats are capable of harboring a grudge for a long time and taking revenge in subtle ways.
- The need to place kittens in the event of an unplanned pregnancy of a pet.
Which breed to choose
The choice of breed depends on the nature of the household, financial capabilities and amount of free time. For example, Sphynxes and long-haired breeds require special care. Maine Coons are larger than regular cats, so they require more food. If you calculate the difference in costs per month, quarter or year, it can add up to a significant amount. Lovers of independent animals should pay attention to the British. For those who want to get an affectionate pet, it is better to buy a Scottish cat.
Sphynxes are considered one of the most affectionate cats, however, there are also aggressive animals among them; the character of a pet depends not only on the breed and genetics, but also on upbringing and experience
Who's smarter
Which dog is better to bring into a private home?
It would be wrong to argue who is smarter - a cat or a cat. It all depends on the individual itself. The basic skills and abilities of a kitten are passed on from their parents. Further development depends on the owners. Representatives of both sexes are very receptive and inventive. Until the last moment they will try to prove their supremacy, but with skillful upbringing they will accept the owner’s conditions.
It is important to know! Sexual hunting makes adjustments to the behavior of cats. The owner will have to put up with this.
What to pay attention to
Cute meowing lumps behave exactly the same, it doesn’t matter if it’s a cat or a female cat. Who to choose depends on a number of factors. After all, the period of growing up will pass very quickly, and then the behavior of the animal will change. Kids respond to affection, play, explore the world and do not cause any particular inconvenience to their owners. But time passes and the differences become obvious. A cat is better suited for living in an apartment than a cat:
- Males mark “their” territory, which female cats never do.
- By nature, females are more affectionate towards their owners.
- Neatness is also more characteristic of ladies - they quickly get used to doing their business in the tray, and do not mess in the apartment.
But if the owners have a spacious country house, then it is better to get a four-legged male. He will have enough space to move around. You won't have to wait for surprises in the form of unplanned offspring. There will be no screams that usually accompany estrus in females. And to avoid damage to furniture and marks throughout the house, you can carry out a castration procedure. It is done in any veterinary clinic and will cost half as much as sterilization of an individual of the opposite sex. In addition, castration is much safer for the animal itself; there are fewer chances that complications will arise.
British Shorthair
The breed is extremely popular both in Russia and abroad. When purchasing a purebred kitten, you should first analyze your own motives. What do you expect from an animal? How do you see joint communication? Are you going to exhibit or breed?
We suggest you read: Names for Thai cats How to name them
If you just dreamed about this breed and don’t want kittens in the future, you should choose a boy. British cats look very impressive and aristocratic. They lie imposingly on pillows and sofas, demonstrating their royal origins to everyone. Kitties are calm, balanced, flexible.
Affectionateness and affection for a person
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For the most part, cats consider themselves to be the boss of the house. It is they who choose their favorite among family members. They come for affection and communication on their own, and not when the owner wants it.
Cats especially don’t like it when people try to pet them by force. They can rub against your legs while begging for something tasty. Like other animals, cats react to how they are treated. Hostility is responded to with aggression and violation of rules of conduct.
Cat and owner
Home attachment
Cats are believed to be housebound. This is especially true for cats. But one can argue with such a statement. It is unlikely that a cat left in a home will like living with new residents. It will be much more comfortable for him with the old ones, in a new home, where the pet will find familiar interior items and calm down.
Home attachment
An important factor when choosing the sex of an animal is the relationship of the mustachioed pet to the house. The cat will be the keeper of the hearth; they become very attached to their home, where they have explored every corner. Cats love to watch what is happening in the territory entrusted to them; they strive to do all their business with their owner. While going through things in the closet, you will find your pet curled up in a ball on the bottom shelf. The cat is reasonable and will not leave its home unless absolutely necessary.
Cats perceive your home as their own territory. Hence the negative attitude towards brothers and even new family members. Cats also love to control not only their habitat, but also the actions of their owners. They do not have a strong fixation on a particular place of residence. At any opportunity, the cat will slip out the door to conquer new territories, especially during the “festivities”.
The best cat breeds for an apartment
We have compiled our small list of ratings of the best cat breeds for apartments. But let us remind you that this is a matter of taste and nothing more, so first of all, focus on your values.
- British Shorthair
- Scottish fold
- Scottish Straight
- Russian blue
- Sacred Burmese
Photo from jaba-point.ru
And if it is not important for you that your pet has a pedigree with famous ancestors or a special thoroughbred color, do not forget that on the street you can meet the best friend of all possible. Many people can’t even imagine how grateful cats rescued from the street can be!
Cat and kitten
Males are more wary of kittens than cats. In nature, males do not care for their offspring and can even kill other people's kittens. Therefore, the domestic cat will most likely simply ignore the new resident, avoiding contact with him for some time. Then the cat will understand that the kitten does not pose a danger to him and, most likely, friendly relations will arise between the animals.
But open aggression is also possible - this is where you need to be on guard. The cat may rush at the baby and try to strangle him. Therefore, owners, especially at first, should not leave the cat and kitten alone.
After the kitten reaches puberty, animal relationships will develop depending on the gender of the pets.
To figure out how to make friends with cats, the owner must study the psychology of these animals. The better a person understands the motivation for a particular act of a cat, the more effective his actions will be aimed at maintaining neutrality and developing friendly relations between pets. But do not forget that each cat has individual traits and a unique character. It is important to understand your cat, to realize why she acts this way and not otherwise. Cats can be stubborn and self-willed, aggressive and pugnacious - such an animal is very difficult to make friends with a new resident. Other cats have a soft, unquarrelsome character - in this case, even two cats get along well together. And don’t forget that a cat is a proud and independent creature. Do not try to force and punish your pet into becoming a hospitable “hostess” - this approach will lead to the development of even greater aggression towards the “newcomer”. Be persistent but gentle, adamant but affectionate. You should not play the role of a leader - a cat will never recognize a person as the head. Remain a protection, support and loving friend for your tailed stubborn ones.
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Difficulties of parenting
It is difficult to say whether it is possible to raise a young cat. Most likely, you can conclude an agreement with her that will suit both parties.
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To prevent your pet from causing severe distress, you need to:
- provide sufficient space;
- buy a scratching post;
- organize a bed in a secluded place;
- place the toilet tray where it will be convenient for him to do his business;
- plant special cat grass if your pet shows interest in house plants.
If you create comfortable conditions, this will greatly facilitate coexistence. To make your pet feel completely good, you can’t:
- scold loudly;
- physically punish for mistakes;
- annoy with loud music, shouting, scandals.
The cat is good at learning the same tone of a signal or command. They are able to detect any changes in voice timbre and make appropriate decisions. For example, they respond to their nickname when it sounds angry, with aggression and vice versa.
Note! By and large, a good cat always walks on its own.
When choosing a pet, you should take into account the age composition of the family. For small children, it is better to look for calm, friendly breeds. The most popular in the world are:
- British Shorthair. Calm, phlegmatic cats. The British are good with children. Not seen in active games.
- Scottish lop-eared. Cats are easily socialized within the family, but do not welcome strangers. Children are treated with tenderness, especially cats.
- Bengal cat. This breed is more suitable for older children. They need active games just like them. It is not recommended to dominate the Bengal, otherwise he will not become a reliable companion.
- Sphinx. This peaceful, kind breed can also be chosen for school-age children. True, not because of character, but because of vulnerability. They have delicate skin that is prone to injury. A very young child can cause physical harm to a cat. The advantage of this breed is that it is hypoallergenic.
Scottish Fold
- Siamese. In the case of this breed, we can talk about the unpredictability of the cat-child relationship. If the animal is raised correctly, the union can be successful and strong. The Siamese understand and respect friendship.
- Persian. This is the calmest breed. Completely devoid of aggression. In case of danger from a child, the cat is more likely to hide. A very big drawback of Persians is their long hair. They should not be kept by allergy sufferers.
- Maine Coon. Balanced, large animals. With a huge sense of self-esteem. Their natural intelligence allows them to tolerate the child’s antics. They usually become friends for life.
Features of behavior and character
Adding a pet to the family is an important step, because a friend appears in the house who will need to be taken care of for many years.
When choosing a pet or friend for a child, future owners are triggered by stereotypical thinking. They think that cats at home damage furniture, mark territory and smell stronger, while cats are more affectionate, more devoted and child-friendly animals. If you have any doubt about whether it is better to adopt a cat or a male cat, you need to pay attention to the distinctive features that are influenced by the gender of the pet.
Behavior and temperament
Outwardly, an experienced cat lover can easily distinguish a cat from a cat, but the difference in character remains a controversial issue. Although veterinarians believe that after sterilization, sexual characteristics become subtle, there are a number of characteristics that characterize a female and a male:
Females prefer to rub against their host's legs.
- Tenderness. Regardless of gender, pets are attached to their owners, but they show their feelings in different ways. Seals are more individualists, so they will not follow a person’s heels and constantly show emotions towards him. The cat is kinder and more affectionate, she loves to sit on her lap, purr and rub against her legs, getting the affection she needs. In addition, she involuntarily heals her owner.
- Energy. A cat is more active than a cat. He is characterized by curiosity and unpredictability in behavior. In addition, he strives to establish his own rules, so he can sometimes be aggressive.
- Accuracy. This quality cannot be disputed. Of course, females are much cleaner than males. The cat constantly “washes itself”, keeping its fur clean, and by its nature it does not smell as strong as a cat.
Differences in behavior between different breeds
Before choosing a cat, it is important to take into account the breed, because it also leaves an imprint on the character of the pet:
Despite their peculiar character, Siamese are not averse to tinkering with children.
- British. Animals of this breed have a peculiar temperament. They love to throw things off furniture and watch them fall. An adult can be aggressive, so a British kitten needs strict education.
- Scottish fold. Scottish Folds are gentle and loyal animals that adapt well to any situation. A fold-eared cat or male cat is good for a family with children.
- Persians are quiet and friendly animals that require constant care and protection.
- Siamese breed. Cats and cats are distinguished by their reckless and obstinate disposition, so even in the house they behave like hunters. But at the same time, they are very friendly, and when a child appears in the family, they may not leave him.
- Siberian cat. Of all the breeds, it is the most unpretentious and non-hostile breed. Animals are very faithful, a cat and a cat can live their whole lives together. In this case, you can immediately take a female and a male.
How to housetrain a cat
It will take some time for a cat to adapt to a new place. For some animals, a few days are enough, while for others it may take months. The cat should be placed in a secluded corner so that it is not disturbed by other pets. It is advisable to avoid noise, loud conversations, and do not force the cat to come out of its hiding place and pick it up.
The first signs that the animal has settled in and feels quite comfortable are the start of eating and using the litter tray. After this, you can start talking to her and even try playing with the ribbon in front of her nose. The main thing is not to grab the cat in your arms as soon as it comes out of its hiding place. Let him calmly walk around the room, exploring the territory. And only then you can give her the opportunity to explore the remaining possessions.
What to do when cats fight?
If cats rush at each other and immediately jump back, hit each other with their paws, but obviously do not cause wounds (warning blows - a series of short waves of the paw), or chase each other around the apartment - do not interfere, just watch. But when a serious fight breaks out, the cats grapple and roll head over heels on the floor, or one of the cats falls on its back, defending itself from the aggressor with its claws, you need to separate the animals.
Under no circumstances should you separate cats with your hands! In the heat of battle, even the sweetest domestic cat can cling so fiercely to the face of its beloved owner that it is impossible to tear it away (redirected aggression). The most effective way is to pour water on the cats. It is advisable to hit the head. Don't be afraid, even if water gets into your ears, nothing bad will happen. If this does not help, throw a heavy, dense cloth (blanket or sheepskin coat) over the fighters. The sudden darkness will frighten the animals - the cats will press themselves to the floor in surprise. After a few seconds, you can remove the blanket, pick up one of the cats (which will seem less aggressive) and take it to another room. If surprise does not help, and the cats are fighting, not paying attention to the darkness, force will help - take a long stick (for example, a mop) and crucify the cats in the corners. You need to act assertively, but carefully! Cats cannot be hit, they only need to be pushed away from each other.
Fighting cats are temporarily placed in different rooms (for a couple of days), and then the attempt at acquaintance is repeated. And so on until the aggression dries up and the animals begin to treat each other more calmly.
Important:
Be sure to contact a veterinary clinic or call a veterinarian at home if one of the cats was seriously injured in a fight. Treat minor scratches with any antiseptic.
Sexual behavior
Puberty of cats of different breeds occurs at 6-8 months from the date of birth. They can be bred only after completion of physiological maturity, which occurs by 1.5 years.
The onset of sexual heat in a cat is manifested in the fact that it:
- leaves marks throughout the territory;
- screams loudly, calling for females;
- becomes restless and aggressive.
Sexual behavior of a cat
Cats in heat also change. They are during the week:
- they scream in their guts;
- take positions as during mating;
- lick the genitourinary opening.
Interesting! Between estrus can take from 1 week to 6 months. This is an individual feature of each cat.
The desire to be close
Unlike dogs, cats do not follow their owners as if tied. They jump on your lap or rub against your legs and arms if they need affection at that very moment. That is, a certain dose is enough for them. Therefore, if the pet approaches, you need to show him your love until he leaves.
Features of behavior and physiology
It is not always possible to understand a pet's behavior. But any manifestations have a reason. For example, what does it mean if a cat:
- walks behind her - she lacks attention;
- bites lightly - shows love and tenderness or shows that caresses are enough;
- does not know how to play independently - the owner is overprotective;
- avoids stroking - unpleasant procedures associated with affection are remembered;
- behaves aggressively - resentment towards the owner.
The cat demands affection.
Cats sometimes leave the house on their own. This may be due to the fact that:
- they are called natural instincts;
- a pregnant cat seeks privacy to give birth to kittens;
- the pet is offended;
- the animal senses the approach of death and goes away to die.
Kitten boy
And we continue to collect information that will ultimately help you understand who is better to choose for your home: a cat or a male cat. Male kittens, no matter how strange it may seem, are more affectionate and more strongly attached to their owners. Most likely, the fact is that they are more expressive in their feelings. Of the entire flock, only boys will come to you in the morning to caress you. They will sit on your lap and purr with great pleasure. All the tenderness and love that the female saves for her kittens, the male gives to the owner. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether to get a cat or a female cat lies in your expectations. If this is how you compensate for the lack of love, then it is better to choose a male kitten.
Where is the best place to buy a kitten?
If you want to do a good deed, you can adopt a kitten from the street or from a shelter, but you should be prepared for the fact that the animal will be poorly adapted and may have health problems. All little kittens look cute, but the appearance of an adult outbred animal is difficult to predict. In addition, genetic diseases may appear in the future, since matings are random and occur in a limited area.
If the family already has pets, it is better not to take street kittens into the house: stray animals can carry viruses and infections
Purchasing a kitten from a nursery is a guarantee of the animal’s health. Breeders specifically select pairs to reduce the risk of disease. Even if the pet did not live up to expectations, buyers have the right to compensation if a contract was concluded. Show-class animals are sold already grown, so that future owners can evaluate the exterior and make sure that the kitten has no defects. However, you need to carefully choose a nursery: some breeders sell kittens from random matings, do not attend exhibitions and do not select pairs, which is why genetic diseases are often found in babies. It is advisable to check the reputation of the organization, contact the local club and make sure that the owners have the necessary documents for the animals.
Choosing a kitten is a responsible and ambiguous matter. There is always a chance to stumble upon an exception to the general rule, so it is necessary to evaluate the character and appearance of each animal separately. It is impossible to derive a universal formula, but some actions will help reduce the risk of error. For example, purchasing a kitten from a nursery with a good reputation.
The first days of a newcomer in the house: how to behave as an owner
Meeting cats suggests the presence of aggression. The owner must behave as carefully as possible and not interfere while the animals are sorting things out at the level of warning signals. Such signals include:
- fighting stance, heavily fluffed tail, hissing;
- slight waving of the paws, warning blows;
- attacking throws accompanied by instant rebounds.
Finding out the relationship between cats always begins with a period of warning signals
Newbie behavior can manifest itself in two ways:
- will show agreement with the leading position of the old-timer, lower his eyes and take a pose of humility;
- will show retaliatory aggression, expressing it through hissing and short paw strikes.
The owner can intervene in a cat fight only when it is really necessary, there is a risk of injury. That is, if the animals interlocked, forming a ball. You cannot get into a cat fight with your bare hands. It is better to use methods such as pouring water or throwing thick cloth over the conflicting parties.
What to do to make two pets in the same apartment friends
All breeders give the same advice on how to avoid fights between two pets in the same apartment: buy two kittens at once. It doesn't matter whether the babies are from the same litter or not. They have no gender or territorial aggression, so there will be no conflicts at all.
But since the simultaneous appearance of two pets is rare, you will have to try to make friends between the two individuals. To do this, you need to follow some recommendations from veterinarians:
- The old-timer needs to demonstrate his importance. Any cat is afraid of losing the territory that it owns, and a pet is also afraid of losing the love of its owner. Therefore, when meeting a newcomer, it is best to take your first-born in your arms, stroke him and talk affectionately.
- On the very first day, cats should not be confronted head-on. The new pet should be brought in a carrier, placed on the floor and the door opened so that he can independently get out and familiarize himself with the territory. You can’t limit the firstborn, you need to give him the opportunity to get acquainted with new smells. But you can’t leave your pets alone; you need to monitor their behavior all the time.
- You can use a manipulation such as mixing animal odors. For example, wipe the face, paws and genitals of one pet with a dry towel, and do the same procedure with the same towel with the second animal. This procedure will help dull aggression.
- Animals need to have areas where they can rest. The best solution would be to leave the first cat all the space where she likes to live, and isolate the newcomer in a separate room. It can be released under the supervision of the owner, and all doors can be left open so that in the event of a conflict, the pets have the opportunity to retreat. If you isolate an old-timer, he will decide that he has lost his territory and the love of his owner, this will increase stress and aggression.
- In the first days of acquaintance, cats can often become combat-ready. This is the norm. If aggression is not directly manifested, then the situation will soon settle down.
- It is important to provide each cat with its own tray. It has long been known that cats are overly clean. You cannot clean out the old resident's litter box before the new resident arrives. If a newcomer marks a toilet that is not his own, the cat may refuse to visit it again and will begin to leave marks anywhere. It is better to give the newcomer a different place for the tray at first, away from the toilet of the permanent pet.
- You cannot feed animals from the same bowl. Initially, it is recommended to give them food in different places so as not to provoke a fight.
- As soon as the animals begin to show kindness to each other, for example, rubbing against each other, you need to treat them with a treat.
How to make two cats friends
When introducing two cats, difficulty may arise if:
- One of them is pregnant. In another cat, such a pet feels threatened. In her position, she cannot boast of strength and dexterity, and sometimes she does not feel well, that is, she is weak. This means that anyone can defeat her. The cat experiences a stressful situation, and with it aggression.
A pregnant cat will instinctively react with hostility to a new pet
- Advanced age. If the first cat has reached old age, that is, if she is more than seven years old, and she has never lived with other cats, then it will be very difficult for her to accept the situation. It is generally not recommended for such pets to bring new animals.
- Sexual hunting. Hormones drive the animal's instincts. Aggression will be splashed out on a competitor, even if there is no male nearby. If offspring are not expected, then it is better to sterilize two cats.
How to make two cats friends
The majority of fights between cats are provoked by mating rights. Sexually mature cats can be extremely aggressive during the mating season, and conflicts cannot be avoided. To resolve the situation, it is worth resorting to castration.
It is important to distinguish between two concepts: castration and sterilization. A neutered cat will still want to date the cat, while neutering contributes to the loss of sexual desire. In both cases, the possibility of reproduction is lost.
How to make friends between a cat and a cat
Fights between a male and a female can occur when:
- The desire to injure an opponent who is physically weaker than oneself. The cat will try to demonstrate its authority, deprive the cat of food, and will interfere with taking a cozy resting place. Here it is necessary to take measures to feed animals in different places, from different bowls. Provide houses for each animal, monitor attempts to injure the cat and prevent them.
- Manifestation of sexual instincts. If the cat and the cat are sexually mature, then their communication threatens the cat’s constant pregnancy. If breeding is not planned, then both should be sterilized. The cat's character will soften, and the cat will not bear offspring. The use of hormonal drugs is undesirable. They will negatively affect the health of animals. A tender relationship between a cat and a cat will come very quickly.
I had a situation when I moved with my cat to my mother, in whose house there was a cat. The animals accepted each other very quickly. There was a wariness in their relationship at first, but the most they did was hiss at each other. Naturally, the matter soon ended with the cat becoming pregnant. While she was bearing kittens, we castrated the cat. After the babies were one month old, the cat was also sterilized. We did not observe any particularly tender feelings between the animals, but they coexisted very peacefully.
How to make friends between an adult pet and a kitten
How the baby will be accepted into the new family will depend on the gender of the old-timer:
- Cat. The female often accepts the kitten, as the maternal instinct is triggered. Clashes are possible, but they are more likely to be in the nature of education rather than manifestations of aggression. This applies only to those kittens that have not reached six months of age. If the kitten is older than 6 months, then it will be perceived as a full-fledged opponent, since at this age cats begin puberty.
- Cat. The cat will definitely not become a nanny for the baby. However, there will be no obvious manifestation of aggression either. Don’t forget that in nature, cats often kill the babies of other people’s cats. If the old-timer is jealous, then during the first few days they cannot be left alone; it is possible that the cat will try to strangle the baby.
A cat will more easily accept someone else’s baby, as her maternal instinct will work.
My cat (mother of three children) perfectly accepted the foundling I found in the trash. She didn't have any questions about his appearance near her tummy. He was immediately thoroughly washed, fed and warmed. But I heard that not all cats can accept other people's kittens. Then it is recommended to wet the baby’s fur in the cat’s urine. The cat will smell its scent and begin to lick the baby, and then accept it as its own.
If pets do not make contact
You need to prepare for failure in advance. Not all cats can live under one roof. If, despite all efforts, fights continue, and the pets begin to show signs of illness due to a stressful situation, then the newbie will have to be abandoned and another home will be found for him.
Video: how to make friends between two cats who have not lived together before
Stereotypes associated with the sex of caudates
The most common domestic animals on earth are cats. There are many conjectures, signs and superstitions associated with them. For example, it is believed that cats can be given milk and fish throughout their lives. Although dairy products are healthy only for kittens, fish in general causes serious illnesses.
It is also incorrect to say that a cat lands on all fours from any height without harm to its health. It all depends on the height.
The ability to see at night is also not very important for a cat. She navigates with the help of locator whiskers and thanks to her exceptional hearing.
Curious! Cats, like people, see the world in color.
In normal life, cats do not have a voice message. They communicate with each other using marks. Meowing attracts the owner's attention.
As for myths, they also do not stand the test. For example, cats can get along well with dogs. They shit outside the potty not out of vindictiveness, but because of stress (sometimes illness).
Black cat
Cats are also credited with mystical powers. Supposedly, by leaving or dying, they save the owner. Everyone knows about a black cat that there will be no road if he crosses it.
Possible causes of conflicts between cats
The main reasons for fights between cats are:
- War for territory. Any cat considers an apartment to be its own territory. If a new tenant appears at home, he is perceived as an invader who lays claim to the cat's domain.
- Hormones. Here we are talking more about uncastrated and unsterilized individuals. A battle between two cats is quite normal when the question of superiority is being decided. If two cats come into contact, one of which is neutered and the other is not, then training them to live together will become real torture. During the period of sexual desire, females can also start fights.
- Fear and stress. An old-timer finds himself in a situation where a newcomer is able to steal his master's love, which can provoke a stressful state. This can lead to aggressive behavior.
- Disease. Cats are very sensitive. If one of the animals is weakened by illness, then the second will not hesitate to take advantage of this and show leadership with the help of force.
- Lack of space to defecate, fight for food. Animals that see each other for the first time will not share one tray between two; they will organize real fights for it or find another place to defecate. Considering the stress, and possibly resentment towards the person, it may turn out to be the master's bed. In addition, cats suffer from food aggression, and competition for food can provoke a fight every time they feed.
I have 4 cats: a mother and her three daughters. They coexist very peacefully, sleep in the same box, lick each other. But as soon as it comes to food, one may well growl at the other or take a piece. Food is a sacred thing in the eyes of cats. There can be no relatives here.
Like a cat and a dog
Before bringing a new pet into your home, you should pay attention to whether your cat or dog shows any signs of aggressiveness towards other animals. It may happen that hostility towards the new tenant will threaten his health and life. Animals are very sensitive and can immediately sense that someone else has taken their place in the house. A cat and a dog will need the same amount of affection and love from the owner so as not to feel deprived. Only then can their hatred and aggression towards each other be avoided.
But it also happens that some cats get along much better with dogs than with their relatives. They may well become inseparable friends who play and even sleep together.
When a cat and a dog live together in a house, you should also take care of the feeding process, which is noticeably different for these animals. A dog has the habit of eating everything that is put in its bowl, but a cat can go to its cup several times a day to have a little lunch. Therefore, if her dishes are in a place accessible to the dog, then it is unlikely that anything will remain there. The cat's bowl should be placed somewhere high so that the dog cannot reach it.
How to make them friends
There is no single effective recipe for reliable feline friendship. Each cat has a bright, unique personality, and you will have to consider its personality to help establish peaceful relationships in your territory. It is difficult to say how long it will take for good neighborly parity to finally emerge. Perhaps a week, or perhaps several months.
Making cats friends will take time - but it's worth it
What to do if the animals still do not accept each other? Very rarely, but it happens. Then the cats refuse to eat and pointedly ignore the litter box, leaving “fragrant” marks in the most unexpected places; they may become depressed and even become seriously ill. You won’t be nice by force - don’t try to redirect them. You will have to keep the cats in different rooms or place one of them in good hands.
Getting ready for the reception
Do not immediately allow direct contact between animals - no one can predict how it will end. It’s better, of course, if the addition of a newcomer is not an emotional impromptu, but a planned event. Then you will have time to properly prepare for the moment of the meeting.
We drink a sedative
To be on the safe side, give both meeting participants safe sedatives in advance, such as the following:
- Feliway;
- Cat Baiyun;
Just one tablet - and the cat is calm, like a well-fed boa constrictor
- Stopstress;
- Phospasim.
Consult with your veterinarian which medication is best suited for your situation and be sure to calculate the dosage correctly - this is important.
Let's exchange "hellos"
If moving a new pet into your apartment is not entirely spontaneous, preparations for it can begin just a few days in advance. A proven and effective way of preliminary acquaintance is to exchange smells. Dry your cat thoroughly with a small towel, paying special attention to the locations of the scent glands.
Do the same with the second cat that you are planning to bring into your home. And then exchange the animals with towels - use them as bedding or in some other way. Let them sniff in advance and get used to the new smell. Sharing toys or other personal items also works well in this regard.
Smells play a huge role in a cat's life.
But it’s definitely not worth changing, even temporarily, cat houses - this will provoke problems when trying to exchange it back, because the housing issue for cats is sacred!
We buy a carrier in advance
A very correct approach would be to bring a newbie home for the first time not in your arms, but in a carrier. This way you will protect both the animals and your own hands. If possible, purchase a bag or container for transportation in advance so that the animal has time to get used to it and settle into it like its own house.
Carrying will protect the first acquaintance
Place a towel with the smells of a new home in the carrier, lock the tenant in it and start getting acquainted. Cats will see, hear and smell each other, but will not be able to reach each other with their claws and teeth. Most likely, the first acquaintance will not be long and will not take more than a quarter of an hour.
Make your own decision depending on the situation - if the cats are peaceful, you can try opening the carrier a little to let them smell directly, nose to nose.
In isolation
After trying to get acquainted, it is necessary to place the cats in different rooms, fully providing them with individual living conditions: bowls for food and water, a tray, bedding, etc. Let your cat remain in the same place, and the new animal will temporarily settle in a small room - on kitchen, loggia, bathroom. Perhaps at first the newcomer will begin to hide in a secluded place, do not force him out - let him get used to it and settle in on his own.
It’s good if two animals getting used to each other are separated by a glass door or mesh - this will give them the opportunity to communicate, but will prevent them from conflicting.
Communication through an obstacle in the form of glass will help animals get used to each other
Take the time to exchange bedding and toys every day, praise, caress the animals, and give them maximum attention. If everything is organized correctly, then within a week curiosity will overcome fear and the cats can be directly introduced to each other.
Video: someone else's animal in the house
Adaptation period
Don’t set yourself the impossible task of quickly making friends with cats. They may not become close friends at all, because a cat is an animal that walks on its own. But achieving a peaceful existence is quite possible in any situation. Even if not instantly, the pets will definitely rub against each other - both figuratively and literally.
Cats mark each other as their property
Rubbing itself against its fellow cat, as it were, puts the mark of its owner on it. She does this with all surrounding objects: both living and inanimate. And what is mine is not my enemy.
First meeting
By the time of the first direct contact, the cats will have already recovered from stress and realize that they are not a threat to each other. But a conflict between them at this moment is still quite possible, so the meeting should only take place in your presence. The owner must immediately stop the slightest attempts to fight. Forceful showdowns, if they do arise, will only delay the moment of reconciliation for an indefinite period of time.
Cats sniff - don’t stop them from getting to know each other
Let the pets look at each other live; let them get as close as possible. Let them sniff if there is no obvious aggression between them. It would be nice to stroke both of them at this moment, without depriving anyone of attention. Then the cats should be separated again to “digest” the information received. With each new meeting they will become closer to each other and will even become a little bored.
Let's eat together
Has the first contact been made? Then you can try feeding them together - in the same room, but from different bowls. Offer them treats, but place the bowls not too close - about a meter away or a little less. Practice eating together whenever possible - it brings you closer together.
Eating together promotes mutual understanding
For several days it will be necessary to be present during feeding in order to keep moods and relationships under control. Don't let anyone poke their nose into someone else's bowl - in a cat's understanding, this is unforgivable impudence. If any problems arise, place the bowls either at a greater distance or in different rooms.
Video: introducing two cats
Content Rules
Of course, when two or more animals are kept together, very different situations can arise. How should the owner behave? Often intuitively, persistently and decisively - but always with love, putting the interests of your pets at the forefront and, of course, taking into account the characteristics of each of them.
Most problems can be avoided if cats are provided with at least a semblance of territorial independence. Each one should have her own, and only her own, complete set for life and hygiene: a place to sleep, bowls, a tray. It’s very good if the “paths” by which the animals move inside the house do not intersect, and each of them has their own observation posts on a hill, and places where they can hide in the event of an impending conflict.
Every cat wants to have its own “perch”
Of course, it is much easier to achieve what you want in a spacious apartment than in a cramped living space. But you probably know examples where not even two, but a significantly larger number of cats coexist quite calmly on rather modest square meters. This means that this is, in principle, quite possible.
A caring owner will be able to make friends with two or many more cats.
If a cat hisses, growls and howls terribly, arching its back and pressing its ears, this is not so much aggression as fear. You must figure out what exactly causes fear in the animal, carefully observe the relationships of your pets and adjust them if necessary.
The cat hisses - she is not angry, but afraid
Cats, cats, kittens
All cat acquaintances follow a similar pattern, regardless of the gender and age of the animals - the temperament of each of them will play a very important role for the success of the enterprise. The greatest likelihood that fluffies will quickly become friends exists in the following cases:
- if the first was a cat, and the second was a kitten;
- if first a cat appeared, and then a cat;
- if both animals are young enough.
Usually the most difficult relationships develop between a cat and a kitten and a cat with a cat, but even here all problems can be solved - a lot depends on the wisdom and perseverance of the owner.
A cat will accept other people's kittens if they are “introduced” correctly
The most reliable way to place someone else's kitten with a cat is to time this moment for the time when she is raising her cubs. If you literally smear the “foundling” with their scent, the cat will accept it. Very often, breastfeeding mothers, together with their babies, raise other people’s children, who are properly placed in their care - not only kittens, but also, for example, puppies or even rat cubs.
Video: a cat makes friends with someone else's kitten
Psychologist's opinion
According to the psychologist, cats are owned for a number of reasons. This may be due to the family structure in the parental family. A person who grew up with a cat from childhood will most likely have an animal in his family. Sometimes lonely people are driven to adopt a cat by the desire to look after someone. This often happens to increase self-esteem, that is, a person feels like he is the arbiter of the pet’s fate in the absence of recognition from others.
From a psychologist's point of view, it is very useful to have a pet for children. Friendship with him teaches the child responsibility, compassion, and care.
Having an animal at home is not only entertainment. The owner and family members bear a great responsibility for the one who is tamed. Whatever the gender and breed of a pet, it is, first of all, a living creature, with a fairly high intelligence. You should create a comfortable environment for your pet. A kind attitude and respect can make him a loyal friend for many years.
About hygiene
When it comes to hygiene, cats win. They are much cleaner and are willing to spend hours “cleaning their feathers.” Cats are a little careless in this regard.
Their own appearance does not bother them so much, and they are quite capable of “going out in public unkempt.” Although, with proper care from the owners, this problem can be easily solved. However, the fact remains that you won’t have to spend so much effort on a cat, and it will always remain a decoration of the apartment, embodying neatness and comfort.
For people prone to perfectionism, it is better to choose a female. Those who are ready to love an animal, no matter what they look like, can get a cat.
How to make friends between a cat and a cat?
Animals of different sexes, as a rule, easily get along with each other. In many cases, neutrality develops into friendship and affectionate relationships. However, at first, most likely, the cat will often “educate” the cat - warning blows, hissing, expulsion from the rest area. It is especially important to feed such animals separately - the cat often leaves nothing for the cat, eating all the food simply to prove its leading position. As a result, the cat receives extra calories, and the cat remains hungry.
If we are not talking about breeding producers, one of the animals must be castrated. Cats are quite fertile, the period of “hunting” is not accompanied by discharge (as in dogs), and the cat is very inventive in its desire to get to the female who is in “hunt”. Therefore, simply separating the animals for a time in order to prevent fertilization is unlikely to succeed (either the owner will miss the deadline, or the cat will still get to the female). But even if you put a cat in a cage, the problem is only partially solved - crazy screams and constant marks can unsettle the most patient owner. In addition, the neighbors are unlikely to tolerate round-the-clock yelling, and they will be right. And for animals, it is very difficult to endure such stress - the consequences will certainly affect the health of both pets. We don’t even have to talk about constant pregnancy and childbirth - not a single cat can withstand such stress.
Cats healing people (felinotherapy): truth or myth?
Cats are not only our favorite pets who amuse and touch, but also good healers for many diseases. This is still unproven, but a fact that has existed since ancient times, when cats were considered sacred animals. Do cats heal humans? In ancient Rus', it was believed that cats, in some way known only to them, were able to transform the bad energy of a sick person into positive energy. It is interesting that it was in Rus' that the teaching of so-called cat therapy began.
Further, not only ancient Egyptian sages and Tibetan lamas, but also healers in America and Europe began to use the healing abilities of fluffies.
Neatness and cunning
It is believed that kitties are cleaner than cats. They can lick themselves several times a day. And very, very carefully. Cats perform hygiene procedures after using the toilet, after eating, after sleeping, and at least five more times a day. Males also do their toilet quite often, but females do it longer, more enthusiastically, without missing a single hair.
Although cleanliness is still a general quality of cats. And if, in general, cats are inferior to cats here, then your particular cat may turn out to be more tidy, and a particular cat may be less attentive to its toilet.
It is also believed that especially careful self-care in cats is associated with such a quality as mouse-catching. Since ancient times, cats have been kept precisely for this purpose - to rid homes and outbuildings of rodents. And to this day, mainly in rural houses, cats are especially valued for their ability to catch mice and rats well. It is believed that cats are superior in this to the male half of their tribe. They are more patient and attentive compared to fidgety cats. Cats, in principle, spend more time at home, unlike male revelers, and therefore catch mice more often. Well, the third reason is that the cat obtains food for its kittens, and therefore hunts more actively. Even, in general, if there are no kittens.
But there are also excellent mousecatchers. They also know how to prepare well for hunting, sit in ambush, and have quick reactions and agility. In addition, they love to eat delicious food. And mice have always been the food of cats.
At the same time, both male and female cats often carry their prey to humans. Usually they kill a mouse or a rat, sometimes they eat the head to be sure, and give the rest to their owners as a trophy. People's reaction is understandable. Here it is necessary, on the one hand, to reward the animal for a good hunt, on the other hand, to make it clear that there is no need to bring the prey. Therefore, the cat is affectionately picked up and, together with the killed animal, taken outside or indoors, where they can finish their meal. Screams of horror and punishment for bringing trophies can turn cats away from hunting.
Pros of the Scots
The Scottish cat is leaner and taller, and also less lazy. The weight of representatives of this breed rarely exceeds 4–6 kg. This is an ideal choice for children, because the cat is very playful, becomes attached to people and, as a rule, chooses a child as an idol among all household members.
Fold-eared Scots are more expensive than straight-eared ones.
Scottish cats have the following advantages:
- sociability;
- playfulness, but without excesses;
- ease of learning;
- patience with children's pranks.
A Scottish cat will never tear up wallpaper if you show her where the scratching post is. However, the pet misses its owners: if they are not at home, it can sleep all day, and when everything is assembled, it will follow around and even try to tell something. At the same time, cats of this breed are laconic and do not get bored with loud meows.
Pros and cons of keeping a cat
The cat can be called an exemplary clean girl. She can lick her fur for hours until, in her opinion, it becomes perfectly clean. In addition, by their nature, cats have a much less pronounced odor.
The vast majority of cats are big clean people.
The fluffy beauty is also a magnificent hunter. For a private home, having a cat is the ideal choice. You shouldn’t be surprised if she wants to show off her catch to her owners.
The cat is very accommodating with children - she allows you to play with her and even dress her up . At the same time, it will never hiss or scratch.
Cats are more child friendly
Bad habits of cats include the constant desire to leave traces of their claws on the upholstery of interior items. The way out of the situation is to purchase a scratching post, which the pet should be accustomed to from the first days of its stay in the house.
Several hypotheses as to why cats are able to heal people
How do different cultures “use” healing cats?
Treatment cats in oriental medicine
It is curious that modern specialists in oriental medicine have developed a whole system of treating various diseases with the help of healing cats. Thus, it is assumed that all human diseases arise due to energy imbalance in the body. For example, kidney and heart failure, hypotension and arthritis, chronic fatigue, neurasthenia are classified as “yin” diseases, characterized by a lack of energy.
In turn, “yang” diseases include those diseases that arise due to excessive amounts of energy. These include osteochondrosis, hypertension, stroke and heart attack. Eastern experts believe that treating cats can cure this imbalance, and consequently the disease itself, since whiskers are able to “take” negative energy onto themselves in a certain way.
There is also an assumption that cats simply need negative energy.
For example, have you ever wondered why cats love to lie on washing machines, laptops or TVs? It is known that these devices are sources of negative electromagnetic oscillations. The cat “collects” these vibrations. The same thing happens with a person.
The cat senses where strong fluctuations of negative energy occur and lies down exactly there. According to this hypothesis, cats are treated not only by “absorbing” the negative energy of the sore spot, but also by massage with their paws and body heat.
Medical cats from a scientific point of view
If you look at cat therapy from a scientific point of view, several very logical points emerge as to why a person experiences relief when communicating with his mustachioed pet.
Firstly, a cat’s purring plays an important role in treatment. Scientists suggest that the vibrations of this sound can speed up the recovery of the body at the cellular level. It is also assumed that in this way the kitty is able to cure not only a person, but also itself. Scientists are seriously talking about the energetic abilities of cats.
For example, in London, during research into the treatment of diseases with low-frequency current, a cat accidentally entered the laboratory. When the purr passed near the current generator, the device practically failed, as all the sensors simply began to go off scale.
Scientists measured the cat's electromagnetic field and concluded that it could generate more energy than their research device. It is this moment that helps in the treatment of many diseases. Of course, all this is speculation, but the fact that cats heal or at least influence their environment at the electromagnetic level is an indisputable fact.
An experiment was also conducted by Western scientists, which confirmed that the mutual love of a person and a cat affects the health of both.
How to make friends with cats?
Two cats in the house is not a bad option. Cats do not often defend their territory unless one of them is currently pregnant or nursing kittens. In nature, cats occupy a small area of land (compared to cats) and react more calmly to the presence of strangers. The situation becomes more complicated if one of the cats has already reached adulthood (about 7 years old) or has been the only pet all its life.
Most often, one of the cats occupies a dominant position, and the other tacitly agrees to the “second role.” A dangerous moment arises when one of the cats goes through the heat period.
Sometimes cats seem to get along well with each other, and then one suddenly kills the newborn kittens of a competitor. By cat standards, this is quite normal behavior. When raising kittens, only their mother can be allowed to see the babies, and the other cat must be isolated. However, if the “not mother” has accepted the kittens, you see that she gently licks them and cleans up their feces, and the mother cat calmly reacts to the presence of the “not mother” in the nest, you don’t have to worry about the kittens.
But how to make friends with adult cats if none of them wants to give up their place as the head of the family? This happens infrequently, but this scenario is the most unfavorable. Cats fight desperately, to the last. In such a situation, it would be wise to sterilize both pets, since it is almost impossible to reconcile cats that hate each other. After sterilization, cats will lose aggression associated with sexual instincts - the chance for normal, calm relationships increases.