Having Multiple Cats Get Along
If you already have a cat and you are looking to bring a new one home, you’ll soon realize that there are many things that you need to think about. When you introduce two cats, no matter how sweet-tempered or shy they are, you might be surprised at how vicious they can be and how bitterly they can react to each other. If you are looking to make sure that the introductions go smoothly, you’ll find that there are several things that you need to keep in mind.
When starting out, you want to introduce them slowly to each other. This will ensure that the introduction is safe, and with as little stress as possible. Prepare a small room, such as a bathroom, or bedroom where the new cat can be for a few days. The cats can interact through the door and that is the only way. They need time to get used to each others scents. Plus, the new cat will see this small room as their safe place, and since it already has the new cats scent in it, the other cat will get the idea with little resistance.
After they have spent a few days being separated by a door, bring the new cat out for a small period of time. You might find that you need to step in if things start getting a little too rough, but the truth of the matter is that you should be able to step in without too many problems. Most cats will be more interested at this point in investigating each other rather than wanting to hurt each other, so take some time and let them play together for a bit.
If either cat is feeling particularly aggressive, or if you are familiar with their behavior and are worried about a more dangerous introduction, take the time to put the new cat into a carrier and leave him out for the other cat to investigate. This is one measure that you can use to introduce them to each other and this can go a long way towards helping the cats feel safer and more secure around each other. Take the time to really let them get used to each other.
Restrict meetings to a few minutes at first and then a few hours. It can take you a few weeks before a cat can be completely integrated into your home. When you are looking to make sure that you an introduce your cats to each other, remember that patience and good timing are key. Don’t rush it, and sooner than you might think, you’ll have your cats getting along with no problems at all!
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- Kathrynn Kelley
