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.
Common causes of conflict between pets
It is possible to accustom fluffies to life within the same apartment or house. However, this will require patience and effort on the part of the owner, especially if the cats have character. It is quite difficult to predict how pets will behave during acquaintance and further communication.
The reasons that usually provoke conflict are:
- refusal to live in one territory;
- reluctance to share the attention of a loved one;
- different gender and age;
- fear of a new neighbor;
- aggressive behavior of one of the cats;
- psycho-emotional characteristics of animals;
- physiological characteristics (sterilized, pregnant, lactating).
All this must be understood before taking a new pet into the family. Many mustachioed friends feel good alone. It’s not always worth getting another furry just so that the first one doesn’t get bored. In order for two cats to live in the house and not cause problems with their behavior, you will have to make a lot of effort and develop cunning tactics.
Possible behavior scenarios
Each animal is unique, so there is no clear script for each of them. But there are recommendations and advice that can smooth out possible conflicts, reconcile and even make furry neighbors friends with each other.
Two kittens
The meeting of two kids is the simplest situation. Kittens easily adapt to a change of housing and new living conditions. If little fluffies have just appeared in the house, then they will not have any territorial claims. The little ones are very playful and quickly switch from one object to another.
Kittens are inquisitive, eager to get to know everything around them. Therefore, playing together and exploring a new space becomes the best reason for the emergence of friendship between them.
We must not forget about a personal place for each of them. Kittens should each have their own bowl and place to sleep. In this case, conflicts will be minimized.
If trouble does occur and the kittens begin to show aggression towards each other, then they should be distracted. Toys or pieces of treats are suitable for this. The quarrel will quickly be forgotten and, most likely, will not happen again.
Adult and kitten
What kind of reception awaits the little kitten depends on the gender of the old-timer. So, an adult female will be wary at first and will show her dissatisfaction, but gradually the mother’s instinct will take its toll. Knowing this, it is not difficult to understand how to make friends between a cat and a kitten in the same territory. You just need to give a little time for the female to get used to the presence of the baby. As a last resort, she will simply refuse to be friends with him, but she will not show aggression.
A mature male, regardless of whether he is castrated or not, almost never accepts a small cub good-naturedly. He will not beat him or offend him, but will simply ignore his appearance and stay away. In the future, the situation will change, especially if the kitten is a girl.
Master cat and novice cat
The old-timer male and the adult female get along well with each other. Some couples take time to get to know each other properly, and some stop showing mistrust from the very first days. They may even become friends, but the result of such friendship will be mating and the birth of offspring. Carrying out castration and sterilization operations will be a way out, how to make friends between a cat and a cat without consequences for the owner.
If the male is not attracted to the female, then there will be no problems with excess offspring. And a strong representative will most likely take the girl under his wing and protect her.
The owner cat and the newbie cat
Females are considered more demanding, so they will not be able to accept a male right away. If the “mistress” is sterilized, then she will hiss, show aggression, and will not let her neighbor near her. Over time, she will calm down and be able to get used to the newcomer. The cats are unlikely to start sleeping together, but playing together is a very likely option.
Two adult cats
The main task of the female is to give birth to offspring. She is very self-sufficient and considers a house or apartment her personal nest. If another female appears on the territory, the first one will begin to fiercely defend her rights. It is especially not recommended to bring sterilized and unsterilized cats together. The instincts of females who give birth are associated with the protection of offspring, even future ones.
If there is no way out, the owner should devote a lot of time to ensuring that the “girls” stop arguing and learn to live peacefully. They won’t make friends, but peace in the family will be restored after a certain period of time.
Two adult cats
Males have a more good-natured character, so it is easier for them to get used to new living conditions. The difficulty arises when another male appears. From this moment the competition begins. This model of behavior helps to control territory and fight for a sphere of influence.
If both males are sexually mature, then getting to know the rivals will be very difficult. The solution to how to make friends between cats may be to castrate two individuals. After this, they will become kinder and friendlier to each other.
But uncastrated males will definitely not find a common language. They will tolerate living together, but will never become friends. Their coexistence will be marred by regular fights and territory markings.
Safety first
However, safety must come first. You need to keep everything under control until the cat and dog get used to each other. Pet your pets one at a time without washing your hands - this will allow their scents to mix. Subsequently, the cat will acquire the smell characteristic of the house and become a member of the dog pack. Again, a large pen is ideal for the first acquaintance - the situation will be under control, and the cat will be safe. Let your dog sniff the new occupant through the bars and get over the initial excitement of the encounter. The cat may hiss, but she is safe. If the pen is large enough, you can leave the cat inside it overnight in the same room where the dog sleeps - this way, your pets will get used to each other over several days or weeks (depending on how accustomed the dog is to the company of cats) . Some dogs, especially those who have no experience with cats that are overly excitable or aggressive, need special attention when introducing the cat. Make sure that such a dog is as calm as possible, keep it on a leash and force it to sit still. The cat should occupy a safe place in the room and be able to get used to the dog and, if desired, approach it.
How will the relationship between the two pets develop in the future?
No one is able to predict with one hundred percent certainty how the relationship will develop in the future. The owner’s task is to regulate the cat’s behavior during the first days of acquaintance. Then, when the likelihood of fights drops to zero, the animals will decide for themselves whether to be friends or simply ignore each other.
At best, the “neighbors” will become friends and become good friends. They will play and sleep together, protect each other from strangers. But there are other scenarios. For example, two cats are able to remain indifferent or continue to compete with each other until the end of their lives.
Dating two cats
Improper introduction of an animal into the house will make cats enemies for life. Proper technique is aimed at meeting the physical and emotional needs of pets. The owner's main task is to make both cats feel comfortable.
It is better to make an “official” introduction when feeding the animals, then hunger will overcome all other irritants. The cats will “get to know” each other and will be able to stay nearby for lunch or dinner. You need to prepare for cats to hiss and grumble. Hissing is a normal reaction of animals.
After dining together, animals must be kept in separate rooms. At the next feeding, it is recommended to increase the time the cats spend together. When cats are together, treats should be shared equally to reinforce the positive bonding experience.
The owner must be present when the cats are introduced in order to control the situation. If your pets start fighting, you need to throw a blanket or blanket over them. You should not separate participants in a fight with your bare hands.
Features of some breeds
Representatives of different breeds differ in their character. You need to pay attention to this before choosing another favorite.
"Flocking" breeds
The most easy-going animals include British Shorthairs and Ragdolls. The British are very phlegmatic and easily get along with most of their relatives.
The same can be said about ragdolls. They are the happy owners of a good-natured disposition. Ragdolls find it easiest to get along with calm neighbors. But too active and assertive relatives cause them fear and, in the future, severe stress.
Other easy-going breeds include exotics, Russian Blues, and Nibelungs. They are also very likely to accept a second cat into the flock.
Single breeds
Persians love peace and therefore show aggression towards other relatives. The correct approach to the situation on the part of the owner and the absence of serious stress will help to cope with conflicts.
Siamese and Sphynxes are the least tolerant of any pets. Siamese are jealous individuals who are not ready to share the owner's attention with someone else. Because of this, peaceful living of relatives is almost impossible.
Sphinxes have a distrustful character and are suspicious. Because of these characteristics, it is difficult for them to perceive any changes in their lives or come to terms with a new neighbor.
Among the breeds that are difficult to accept competitors are the Abyssinian, Burmese, Burmese, Siberian, Savannah and Bengal.
What not to do
It is strictly forbidden to lock an old-timer in a separate room, even if he shows aggression. From the cat's point of view, it looks like you are depriving him of his territory. Of course, this will cause justified anger in the pet, which will be followed by attempts to restore its status. This also implies ways of self-affirmation with the help of a newcomer. In addition, the old-timer will experience stress, which is why he will become more aggressive.
It is not recommended to pay more attention to the new cat and feel sorry for it even in case of attacks. An old-timer will perceive this aggressively: from his point of view, the leader of the pack gives more resources to those who are lower in status. This will also cause hierarchical conflicts.
An aggressive cat should not be punished by beating or other similar methods. This will escalate the situation due to stress. As a result, the pet will become more nervous and will be forced to more actively defend its position in the pack. This is especially true in cases where the owner of the animals is not their leader: then the cat will begin to attack the owner. At the same time, you should not talk affectionately to a growling and hissing cat. This will become an unwitting encouragement of unwanted behavior.
We cannot speed up the development of events. There is no need to force cats to get to know each other if they are not showing interest or are trying to hide. Let this happen as naturally and slowly as possible. Cats get to know each other not only visually, but also through smells.
Is it even worth getting a second cat?
When bringing a second furry creature into your home, you must not forget about the feelings of the first. In some cases it is better to wait.
Veterinarians and experienced owners do not recommend bringing a neighbor to an elderly mustache. An active relative will take a lot of attention from the owner. The old-timer will feel deprived, become depressed, and begin to refuse food. Particularly sensitive old people can die from stress.
An adult uncastrated male poses a threat to a baby up to three months of age. Therefore, a small kitten is an undesirable neighbor in such a family. There is no need to bring a new animal if there is a pregnant or lactating female in the house. She will begin to attack the stranger, protecting her nest.
But there are situations when a second animal is practically necessary. We are talking about sociable pets who stay at home for 10-12 hours every day. Alone, a cat or cat feels uncomfortable: they begin to act out and even take a crap. Then a second pet is the only right way out.
If the pets got into a fight
Fights between furry neighbors are provoked by various reasons: fear, struggle for territory, sexual conflict, defending personal interests. The owner needs to monitor the behavior of his pets and adequately respond to aggression towards each other.
How to break up a fight
At first, owners may observe clashes between pets. Such manifestations of aggression will have to be responded to. But before you make friends with cats, you need to understand that hissing sounds and blows are part of the communication of mustachioed fighters.
The attempts of animals to bite each other painfully, to release their claws to inflict a wound, or to chase each other become dangerous. At these moments, the warring individuals scream heart-rendingly and arch their backs before attacking and clinging into a ball.
Such fights lead to serious injuries, so they must be stopped. A spray bottle filled with cold water will help separate cats fighting each other. Spraying is unlikely to please both whiskers, and they will stop the fight.
You can also wear thick mittens (such as oven mitts) or cover both of them with a thick towel. It is important to disorient the fighters without using your hands - cats in the excitement of battle can cause serious injuries to a person.
After the fight stops, you need to separate the pets into different rooms, and the next day try to reconcile them.
How to make peace between cats
The reconciliation process can take a long time and require persistence and patience on the part of the owner. Before you make friends with two adult cats, you need to know the character of each of them. In addition, a furry pet that lives in a family for a long time rightfully considers itself the owner of the territory and is unlikely to want to share it.
Only time can reconcile the old-timer with the newcomer. Gradually, the first mustache will get used to the presence of a relative and will be able to calmly perceive it.
Pet and treat everyone equally, encouraging peaceful proximity. Don't force cats to sniff each other - just watch them while they do it themselves.
Do not scold the old-timer for his aggressiveness - on the contrary, calm him down, proving your love every day. It is better to play with a newcomer more, thereby demonstrating the safety of being in the house.
Cat and cat
It is not easy for different-sex, non-sterile animals to live in the same house. A male in heat will annoy the cat, causing the pets to be in constant stress.
If the cat is neutered, then gender differences have absolutely no effect on friendship. For a castrato, a female is not a competitor in the fight for territory, so making friends between a male and female is not difficult. There may be a little hissing and careful sniffing, but it all ends in peace and joint games. Sterilization for a female is also protection against a number of diseases of the genitourinary system.
What to do if you plan to bring a second pet into your home
A person’s actions depend on the age of the pet, its place in the house and its breed. However, there are key points to consider before any newbie moves into an apartment.
Preparing the Carry
The best option for a newcomer to appear in a house or apartment is to place it in a carrier. While in it, the cat will not be able to scratch its future owner or escape during transportation. You need to take care of preparing the carrier in advance.
A diaper or towel is placed at the bottom of the container, which has the smell of a new home. The fluffy is closed in a carrier and placed on the floor in this form. After this the acquaintance begins. Relatives will see, hear and smell each other well, but will not be able to fight.
The dating procedure usually takes no more than 15 minutes. If the mustaches are in a peaceful mood, then the carrier is opened slightly. In this case, relatives will sniff directly. However, obvious aggression on the part of one or two barbels at once will be a reason to leave the newcomer in the carrier for a longer time.
Equipment of a separate room or corner
For a comfortable life for your furry relatives, it is important to place them in different rooms - at least for the first time. It is advisable to leave the pet in the same place, but allocate a small room for a new friend: loggia, kitchen, bathroom.
There is no need to forcibly drag the new one out of a secluded place. He needs to get comfortable and get used to foreign smells. Over time, he will come out of hiding and explore the house or apartment with curiosity.
It is convenient to place cats behind a screen or glass door. This will provide an opportunity to communicate, but will prevent the development of conflict situations.
Purchasing personal items
The planned arrival of a second cat requires additional preparation. So, having separate bowls, bedding and trays will help avoid conflict situations. Pets will know their household items and will not fight or swear over them.
In order for your furry neighbors to have less time for quarrels, you need to buy them toys. You cannot give the first cat’s favorite ball or other object to the second. This will lead to resentment and a desire to take away the familiar toy. When purchasing an interesting thing for one cat, you need to buy the same thing for another.
Taking sedatives
Before getting a second pet, it would be a good idea to contact your veterinarian and ask for advice on sedatives. They are used to relieve stress and restore the normal emotional state of furry friends. The most popular sedatives are:
- Cat Baiyun;
- Feliway;
- StopStress;
- Phospasim.
The drug can be given to two relatives in advance (about 5 days before the first meeting and 3 days after it, the duration is indicated in the instructions), and then the acquaintance will be calmer. When using medications, it is important to calculate the dosage correctly and not offer the medication to your cat too often.
The first days of coexistence
It is necessary to ensure that by the time of direct communication both animals are out of stress. In the first days, the presence of a person during contacts is important. This will help prevent conflicts and maintain a peaceful environment in the family.
All of the above rules must be observed not only in the first days, but also in the future - so that jealousy and envy do not flare up between the furries.
How to feed
It is best to place bowls with water and food in the same room at a distance of at least half a meter from each other. Each cat needs its own bowl. They need to be fed at the same time, because eating together brings them closer together faster.
The owner will initially have to be present and control the behavior of the mustaches. They should not be allowed to get into someone else's plate and steal tidbits from their neighbor.
As soon as the cats get used to each other, there is a 90% chance that they will have a ritual called “castling.” After eating from their bowls, the animals will change plates as if on command, even if they contain exactly the same food and portions.
You only need to intervene if one pet is clearly malnourished because of the other - or if the animals eat different foods for health reasons. If both are satisfied and have no complaints against each other, leave everything as it is.
How to equip toilets
Cats are very clean and fastidious creatures, so visiting someone else's litter box is unacceptable for them. Each pet will have to be equipped with a complete personal hygiene kit: a tray with filling and a mat in front of the toilet. Only in this case the owner will not find unpleasant surprises in unexpected places.
Later, if the animals are castrated and friendly, it is possible to use one tray - but then it will be problematic to constantly clean it. The optimal number of litter boxes for two cats is 2 or even 3. An exception: a self-cleaning toilet that can serve up to 5 animals.
Cooperative games
Playing together is the best option for making friends between a cat, a male cat and even a kitten. You need to devote equal amounts of time to two pets and play with them. However, in the first days you should avoid playing games together.
You can begin to involve your second favorite in games after he adapts to new conditions and stops hiding in secluded places. When this happens depends on the individual.
Joint games with an old-timer should also attract a new mustachioer. The owner’s task is to organize the fun so that both relatives are involved in it, and no one is offended.
Games with a laser pointer that is pointed at the wall are great for bringing together. Both mustaches will happily hunt together and chase the red dot, making the owner laugh with their funny attempts.
Toys and devices from the pet store are perfect for joint activities. So, fishing rods, balls and mice will be a great way to bring neighbors together. Just you can’t take an object from one individual to give it to another - in this case, jealousy is inevitable.
Owner's attention
It is important to pay enough attention to both pets during the adjustment period. It is necessary to build communication so that the old-timer cat understands his importance to the owner. He must feel an advantage over a newcomer.
During the first days, you need to often take the animal in your arms and caress it. To prevent conflicts, you should not give his bowls and toys to another inhabitant of the house.
But we must not forget about the second cat. He also experiences discomfort due to a change in environment, smells, and the appearance of a competitor. Affection, patience and care are the main points that will make both cats feel loved and needed.
How to make friends between cats in an apartment or house and how long it will take depends on the characteristics of the furry pets. Peaceful coexistence is influenced by the breed, character, age and gender of animals. In any case, both the old-timer cat and the newcomer experience severe stress. Only the owner's patience and knowledge of the basic methods of reconciliation will help restore the emotional state of the first and accustom the second mustache to a new family.
The article is a recommendation!
How to use a carrier or pen for the first time
Place the kitten/cat in the pen/carry and allow the first cat to enter the room. If you use a carrier, place it slightly above floor level so that the cats do not have direct visual contact - this can cause aggression. When your first cat comes into the room, give her attention and encouragement. If the animal decides to leave the room and not get to know its new neighbor, do not force things; remember that the introduction procedure may take some time. Perhaps your cat is the type of animal that does not show aggression when meeting a new neighbor, but rather gradually gets used to his presence. If cats show signs of aggression, distract them with some noise and then praise them for being calm during the introduction. By using treats, you can encourage cats to stay close and be comfortable with each other's presence. Make their communication positive, let it be accompanied by pleasant events, and not screaming and chasing. If you are using a large pen, after a few days of the new kitten being in it, you can allow the first cat to come freely while the cat is inside so that they can gradually get used to each other. If you use a carrier, you'll need to be a little more proactive and schedule more frequent appointments.
In both options, you can start feeding the animals at the same time: the new cat inside the pen/carry, and the first one outside nearby. At first, cats may hiss at each other, but gradually this will turn into curiosity and they will learn to accept each other - this process can take from several days to several weeks, depending on the individual characteristics of the animals.
