How To Tell If Your Cat Wants Another Cat

Signs Your Kitty Would Love A Second Cat

For the vast majority of cat owners, we are the proud owners of a number of cats. How can you know whether your cat would welcome having a second cat in your home if you aren’t sure you are and you haven’t considered it already? Change, of course, is not always a good thing, especially when it comes to your cat’s sensitive mental state. However, if done correctly, a gradual introduction of a second cat into your family may be a positive experience. Consider whether your cat would like having a feline companion in the house with whom they may become best fur pals for life.

Kitty Likes To Play

Is your cat energetic and active, and does it appear to have an unending supply of energy? As a result, adding another cat to your home can assist them in expanding their territory in the purrfect manner! This might be especially beneficial if you work a profession that requires you to be away from home for lengthy periods of time each day. After all, if you don’t put in the effort, you won’t be able to provide your cat with the happy life he deserves. By including another cat in your home, you may be able to provide your active feline with someone to keep them company while you are away.

1: Although some people (often dog people!) believe cats to be lonely creatures, this is not always the case.

However, cats can grow melancholy or nervous if they are left alone for an extended period of time.

Their sharp senses are always on the lookout for signs of prospective prey, such as the sight, sound, or scent.

However, it is truly your perfectly crafted buddy, who is prepared for everything at any time.

Affectionate Kitty Cat

Is your cat affectionate and gentle with you? Perhaps they might also share their affection with another cat in the house. Gentle and loving cats are often more welcoming of other cats and do not perceive them as a threat (at least, we believe that is the case for the most part!). Spread the love by bringing in another cat so that they may show their affection to their new feline companion as well. There will be extensive profiles of many shelter cats available, and if you find one that gets along well with other cats, this may be the purrfect fit for your household.

Kitty Misses Their Old Friend

Cats will grieve following the death of a loved one, whether that loved one is a human or another feline companion. Although they will not tell you about it, believe us when we say that it does happen. If your cat has shared a house with another cat with whom they got along, there is a good probability that they will be receptive to the concept of sharing a home with another cat in the future as well. It is almost certain that you will need to take your time with the introduction and learn patience.

However, while no cat will ever fully compensate for the loss of a person’s greatest fur companion, it can help to repair a broken heart once some time has passed and introducing a new cat seems like the perfect choice for your family’s needs.

Do you have a lonely kitten on your hands? The presence of certain alterations in behavior, such as changes in sleeping, feeding, and grooming patterns, may suggest that a cat is lonely and might benefit from some feline company.

Clinger Cat

We like it when our cats shower us with attention, but when this behavior crosses the line into neurotic or obsessive territory, it might be an indication that your cat would benefit from having another cat in the house. Your cat does not have the capacity to communicate with you when they are bored, restless, or insecure in any way. It is possible that adding a second cat to your home will assist to alleviate their unease by easing some of their nervousness. At first glance, it may not appear to be the case, but with time, they may develop a lasting friendship that will provide them with the companionship they so desperately need.

Your Cat Suddenly Eats Much More Than Usual

While changes in your cat’s eating pattern might indicate the presence of a medical problem, boredom can cause your cat to overindulge in its food. Because of a lack of mental and/or physical stimulation, your cat may consume more calories than they should as a result of boredom. In the same way that people turn to food when they have nothing else to do, cats may turn to food when they have nothing else to do. Pam Johnson-Bennett, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Cat Behavior Associates in Nashville, explains.

Naughty Kitty

The fact that your cat has a lot of energy may cause them to get themselves into problems when their playful nature becomes destructive. It is possible that introducing another cat to your household can assist them in redirecting their energy in a more positive direction. According to Johnson-Bennett, if there is nothing to do and no one to play with, the cat will discover something to do on its own. “Because they are predators, they are programmed from birth to wander around and discover.” Bringing a second cat into your life is a significant choice that affects both you and the cat that already resides in your household.

This will ensure that the transfer and pairing are as smooth as possible for all parties concerned.

My two dogs are the greatest of friends, and I consider myself quite fortunate that their pairing worked out so well in such a short period of time.

REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVESSPAY AND NEUTER!

A related story:A feral kitten protected his brother from the California wildfires, and now the two of them are looking for a loving furever home. Together! Watch this video to learn how to introduce two cats.

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Multi cat households

Cats are inherently solitary creatures, and they are frequently content to be alone or in the company of other cats of their own species. They are territorial creatures who dislike fighting with other cats
They are not social animals. When it comes to getting along with other cats, related cats tend to get along better than those who aren’t related, so acquiring littermates is ideal if you want more than one cat. Provide one litter tray per cat, plus an additional one to ensure that all of your cats are content. It takes time and patience to introduce a new cat to an existing cat in the family – but don’t worry, we have some suggestions to help you with this

Domesticated cats are descended from African wild cats, and while their social structure has altered significantly as a result of domestication, the vast majority of today’s moggies retain many of their natural instincts that were passed down from their ancestors. Cats, in contrast to gregarious creatures such as humans, dogs, rabbits, and rodents, are naturally solitary predators that are frequently satisfied to be alone, even when they are not in the company of their own kind. However, these creatures have evolved to living in our modern society, and when given the correct circumstances and a sufficient supply of resources, cats can frequently coexist happily with their own kind, and some may even become excellent friends with one another.

However, in order to guarantee that their connection is as harmonious as possible, you’ll still need to make certain that your house is set up in a way that will make them comfortable.

To ensure that an existing feline companion and a new feline companion are comfortable with one other, it’s vital to introduce them gradually and gently so that they may become acquainted.

Getting a cat when you already have one (or more)

It is quite difficult to predict whether or not a cat (who is often a solitary animal) will be content to coexist peacefully with another cat that joins their family. Some questions you may ask yourself that will help you choose the best selection for your current cat, but following a meticulous introduction procedure will ensure that they get off on the right paw from the very beginning.

What is the relationship between your current cat and the other cats in the neighborhood? If your cat is uncomfortable with other cats entering their territory and becomes agitated or violent when this occurs, it might be a hint that they would not tolerate another cat living in their house. Bengal cats, for example, are particularly well-suited to being an only cat. Because of the lack of hormones, neutered cats tend to get along much better with their littermates than their non-neutered counterparts. Cats from the same family get along better than cats from other families. As stressed cats might get ill, it is not a good idea to add another cat to your household if your current cat is already ill. When it comes to accepting new feline members of the home, younger cats are more inclined to do so than older cats. Is your home of a size that allows each cat to have their own room where they can get away from the other cats in the house if they so want
And

When a cat that has previously shared a home with another cat passes away, it is normal for owners to wish to obtain another cat to ensure that their surviving cat does not get lonely. In addition, cats have distinct social requirements, which means they may not feel the need for a second partner, even if they have coexisted peacefully with another cat for a number of years. It is possible that they will not bond with a new cat at all. It is recommended that you give your surviving cat time to adjust to life without their buddy before adopting another cat or kitten.

Adding a new cat to your household shortly after the loss of an existing cat may give your pet more worry.

How do I know if my cats like each other?

A tight friendship between cats will generally manifest itself in the form of evident indicators that they believe themselves to be members of the same’social group.’ Grooming each other, rubbing their bodies together, sleeping or laying very close to each other are all examples of indications of affection. They may greet each other on a frequent basis by rubbing noses or letting out a little meow as they pass each other. Cats from the same family get along better than cats from other families, so if you want more than one, it’s a good idea to have littermates.

How do I know if my cats aren’t getting along?

Unlike people or dogs, cats are not sociable creatures, and hence have limited means of conveying their emotions with one another. Tension between cats that live together isn’t always visible, so it’s vital to be aware of some of the more subtle behaviors that may suggest a lack of harmony in a household of cats. These may include the following: Over-grooming, over-eating, or under-eating are all possibilities. Keeping hidden and avoiding the other cat(s) character shifts such as not wanting to play as much or seeking as much attention from yousoiling and/or urine spraying about the house are examples of character shifts.

Despite the fact that most cats would like to avoid major fights, you may witness some hissing, yowling, or chasing.

If this is the case, it is critical to seek medical attention immediately since cat scratches and bites can be life-threatening.

Keeping cats happy in a multi cat household

Cats are not naturally inclined to share valuable resources with one another, and when placed in a circumstance where they must do so, this can result in unneeded tension and conflict amongst them.

The good news is that modest changes may frequently make a significant impact in how cats feel about living in close quarters with one another. These suggestions should assist them – as well as you – in living a peaceful life:

Food

Separately feed your kitties in various sections of the house. Beyond the fact that they do not like to share, most cats do not want to eat in the presence of other cats. If your cats are of a healthy weight, try placing food out on a permanent basis for them, since most are quite adept at self-regulating their diet. If this is not possible, for example, if one cat requires a special diet but the other(s) does not, divide their usual daily ration into smaller, more often meals to give the appearance that there is plenty of food available.

Water

When given the choice, the majority of cats choose to drink in a separate area from where they are fed. We frequently witness them drinking from puddles, our own cups of water, or even the tap when we are out and about. Ensure that your cats have access to numerous water bowls throughout the home so that they can select where to drink from
Cats frequently prefer broad, shallow bowls that are completely filled with water so that they may drink while maintaining an eye on their environment. Ceramic bowls are frequently preferred over plastic bowls.

Litter trays

When it comes to toileting, cats might feel quite exposed, and this is especially true for cats that live in households with more than one cat. It is distressing for most cats to have to share litter pans, and it may be a contributing factor to stress-related cystitis. In addition, placing many different types of litter trays (both open and hooded) in various spots throughout the house that are easily accessible and quiet would be quite beneficial — the usual rule of thumb is one tray per cat, plus an additional tray. Generally speaking, most cats will prefer fine gravel or sand textures to dig in, and it is critical to remove damp or filthy litter on a regular basis. If you are worried that your cat is experiencing toileting difficulties, it is critical that you call your veterinarian immediately since a blockage may be quite harmful.

Human interaction and play

The opportunity to play and be groomed by you while other cats are out of the room may be quite useful, particularly for more frightened or shy cats. Because this is something cats like doing, it’s critical that you set aside some time for it, especially if they are reserved around the more confident cat.

Safe sleeping places/retreats

Considering that cats spend a significant amount of their time sleeping or relaxing, it’s critical that they feel secure when doing so. Particularly when they are fragile, they will frequently seek refuge in elevated locations. Making sure that such locations (such as the top of a wardrobe or the inside of a closet) are available when they are needed can assist to give children a sense of space and safety as they grow. Cat scratching posts with a variety of surfaces are also useful in this situation.

Pheromones

The use of plug-ins and sprays like as Feliway and Felifriend, which produce pheromones that can help a cat feel more safe and comfortable, can be beneficial. In a multi-cat home, the usage of these products can be useful in lowering stress and fighting amongst cats.

Does Your Cat Need A Friend? Introducing a Second Cat

How to identify whether your cat wants a friend, how to find the perfect companion, and how to set up a meet-cute between them are all covered in this article. In principle, there is no such thing as an excessive number of cats (okay, barring hoarding scenarios). Because, after all, we’re talking about more kitten kisses, feline pastries, and feline naps! But how can you know whether you and your present kitty are truly ready to take on a new feline companion? Take a few moments to consider your options before approaching your cat with the prospect of adding another member to the family.

What is it about one that you desire?
No matter what the reason for your decision, it’s vital to remember that no matter how many cats you bring home, they will all demand a great deal of your time and care.
Now that you’ve worked it out, how do you know when your cat is ready to go outside?
There are no obvious signals that your cat will be tolerant of a new cat in his or her life.
Cats require time to form an opinion of one another, which might take days, weeks, or even months depending on the situation.
Nonetheless, if you are considering expanding your family, there are steps you can do to make the adjustment easier on both you and your cat.

Picking “the One”

The first step is to build a profile for the cat that you wish to adopt from a shelter. One of the most important considerations is the age and personality of the cat you want, both of which should be consistent with the age and temperament of your present cat. Example: If your cat is adolescent, he would most likely appreciate the companionship of another cat who is similar in age to him or younger. For example, if your cat is older, his concept of having fun is most likely dozing by the window, and a kitten would be incompatible with his leisure plans in this case.

If your cat is shy, adding a somewhat more confident cat to the household as a second cat may encourage your shy cat to become more interested and courageous.

This is what we would refer to as a healthy balance. Getting two shy cats at the same time is not a good idea since it might result in them connecting with each other instead of with you. The toes of two assertive cats might be stepped on by the other, resulting to a standoff.

The Meet-Cute

Having a general notion of the type of cat you’d want to adopt, it’s time to set up your house and prepare it for your new companion. To begin, mark the safe areas for your current cat, which would include his sleeping area, resting area, play area, and hiding sites, among other things. Layout the litter boxes, scratching posts, cat trees, food and water bowls, and other necessities for your feline companion. Aside from the new cat’s safe zone, your current cat will have his own safe spots as well as the rest of the house to wander in, if you haven’t already.

Make the room seem and feel like the secure haven for your resident cat.
Do not attempt to introduce the two cats at the same time.
Allow him to adjust into his new home over the next several days, and make sure to give him enough of opportunity to bond with you alone in a safe environment during this period.
If your new cat is settling in well, you can typically tell by how eager he is to see you every time you come to visit him or by how well he is eating.

Next Steps for Introducing a Second Cat

Allowing for a gradual introduction is necessary when a suitable amount of time has elapsed, which may range anywhere from a few days to a few weeks (depending on your cats’ personality), and both cats appear to be satisfied. You might start by giving them each an item that has the aroma of the other person’s clothing so that they can become acquainted. If both cats appear to be open to the smell switch, it’s time to try a room shift and take scent swapping to a higher level of sophistication.

Create pleasant associations as a next step.
Feed them on opposite sides of a closed door so that they may smell each other while eating.
Once you’ve cracked open the door a breach or two at meal times and observed your cats’ reactions to one another, you may gradually open the door a crack or two more based on their reactions.
In order for both cats to be happy and healthy at home, Sarah Welsh, Feline Support Liaison at the San Francisco SPCA, stresses the need of providing them with ample stimulation.
“Puzzle toys, for example, are a terrific method to keep children entertained.” The time to begin laying the groundwork for future integrations can never be too early.
Early socialization helps prepare your kitten to cope better with life’s transitions, such as the addition of a new cat to the family, later on in life.
Starting now, start taking your cat to your friends’ homes, provide her with enough opportunities to play with other kitties, and introduce her to automobile travel.

With patience and the above-mentioned game plan, you may soon find yourself in the midst of a thriving multi-cat family.

Considerations When Getting a Second Cat

Cats are devoted to their families and want to live with their kin. Cats will sleep together, share shared food locations, and groom one another if they are living in a group with others. As a result, cats are frequently better off when they are adopted in pairs. With that said, there is a caveat to this assertion. Families that adopt two kittens from the same litter are far more likely to retain those cats in their household for the long term than families who adopt a single kitten, according to research findings.

When adopting an adult cat, it may be desirable to keep the number of cats in the household to a bare minimum.

If I already have a single cat, should I consider getting another cat to keep it company?

Unless your cat is an adult and has been established as the lone feline in your home, you should use caution while considering whether or not to add another feline to your household. While it should be feasible to gradually integrate a new cat into an existing family over time, good gradual integration might take many days, weeks or even months to complete. Some adult cats will never welcome another adult cat into their household, even if they are treated with great care. To summarize, each individual cat’s personality and genetic propensity toward or away from sociability with other cats will eventually determine whether they love living in a home setting with other cats or whether they prefer to be an only cat in a home environment.

In certain cases, if your cat has been seen in the presence of other cats without displaying extreme fear or aggressiveness, it may be possible to introduce a new cat into the home.
Keep in mind that most feline relationships are formed between pairs of feline companions.
Some cats are inherently easy-going and sociable, while others are timid and shy, and yet others are quite pushy and active in their behavior.
Based on the nature of the new cat, an easy-going cat may accept most other cats, however a timid and shy cat may be reluctant to accept another cat, depending on the personality of the new cat.
Although the current housecat(s) may have a problem with the new addition to the household at first, in some households the existing cat may want to begin play while the new cat is the one who displays the greatest aggressiveness, this is not the case in all households.

The process of matching personality types may be beneficial while looking for a new mate for your feline friend.

My cat was raised with its littermate from an early age but has now been left on its own, due to the death of its sibling. Should I get another cat as a replacement companion?

Because of the particular link formed between kittens, when one of a littermate dies before the other, the surviving kitten may exhibit indications of feline mourning, which are similar to human grief. Following the death of a sibling, the following changes in behavior may occur:

Finding the other cat
Vocalizing
Changes in food habits (increased or decreased)
And more. Alterations to one’s grooming (increased or lessened)
Increased or reduced social behavior, as well as increased or decreased attention seeking from owners
. or you may not see any indicators at all

If you absolutely want to bring another cat into your home to serve as a friend for your family, you might consider waiting until your surviving cat’s behavior has returned to normal before doing so. If the sole reason you would contemplate bringing another cat into your house is to serve as a friend to your current cat, you should rethink your decision. This has the potential to increase stress rather than reduce it.

I have decided to adopt another cat. I would like to know what age and what sex might be most acceptable to my resident adult cat?

We have no idea what is going on! In spite of the widespread belief that cats from the same household are the most suitable housemates, there is a noticeable paucity of knowledge and study on how cats from other households interact with one another. Some recommendations that may be useful include selecting a younger kitten to join an adult cat and selecting cats with personalities that are compatible with one another. For example, matching a very shy cat with a highly extroverted cat may prove to be too stressful for the timid cat to handle successfully.

I have just adopted a second cat, and I want to maximize the chance of successful integration. What should I do?

Integration should always be approached cautiously and gradually. Separate a part of the house for the new cat and set up bedding, food and elimination stations, and exercise stations for him or her in that area. First, keep an eye out for indicators of stress, such as:

Hiding
Walking with one’s back to the wall and holding it
Moving away/avoidance Muscle tension
Dilation of the pupils Hair is sticking up around the back of the neck
Tail that has been puffed Ears tucked to one side or to the rear
Hissing, growling, yowling, or any other vocalization that is louder than mild meows is prohibited.

While keeping an eye out for indications of stress, try some of these activities. Spend at least a few days on each phase to ensure that there is as little stress as possible. If you see indications of stress, you should slow down the procedure and consider enlisting the help of a behavior specialist. Routinely rotate bedding between the two different sleeping spaces so that each cat may acquire acquainted with the scent profile of the other. The cats should be fed and played with numerous times a day, close to the door that separates the two sides of the house.

Visual introductions including food and play are particularly effective.
Beginning in a safe location away from the door opening, let the sight and scent of the other cat to become connected with delicious food and enjoyable playtime.
Moving the cats from one location to another: If everything has gone well, you may be allowed to move the cats from one space to another for short periods of time, such as a few hours or a day at a time.
Keep an eye out for indicators of stress.
It takes a lot of effort to integrate a new cat!

Because most cats’ normal social patterns do not entail socializing with cats from outside the family group other than for mating purposes, specific precautions and care are required to ensure the best possible outcome.

Is it cruel to keep a cat as a single pet?

Cats require a high level of social connection, physical activity, cerebral stimulation, opportunity for play, and companionship to be happy and fulfilled. These requirements are frequently satisfied by the human family! Remember to provide for the requirements of your cat or cats on a daily basis. Every cat, whether they are a single cat or a member of a multi-cat home, needs to be a part of a family that is interested and involved.

Does My Cat Need a Companion?

Just so you’re aware, this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our affiliate links, OurFitPets may receive a portion of the sale or other income. Amazon Associates receive a commission on eligible sales made via their website. Is it difficult for you to decide whether your cat requires a buddy or not? When deciding whether or not to adopt another cat, it might be a difficult decision. And it’s a choice that should be given considerable thought and deliberation before being made a final determination on.

Alternatively, she may be feeling lonely since you are away from home all day.

Does a Cat Need a Companion?

The quick answer is that it depends.on your cat and a variety of other factors. There’s a common misconception that cats are solitary creatures. Despite the fact that this is true for some cats, it is not true for all cats. Each fur baby has a distinct personality, temperament, and set of requirements. There are many cats that would be far better off with a buddy than they would be if they were left alone. When siblings desire to remain together, it is possible that they are acting in their own best interests.

They only flourish when they are in close proximity to their friend.

Cats who prefer to be alone, on the other hand, can be found in small numbers.

The struggle for food, territory, and even mates has been difficult for them.

Is It Cruel to Have Only One Cat?

Price may be found on Amazon. In certain instances, having only one cat is quite acceptable. As we’ve already seen, some cats prefer to live on their own and receive the majority of the care from their pet parents and guardians. Alternatively, if you’re thinking about adopting a kitten, it may be preferable to adopt two at the same time. Separating kittens from their moms and siblings, and then relocating to a new environment with unfamiliar people and other animals, may be challenging.

When two kittens from the same litter are raised together, it makes it easier for them to acclimate to their new home and family. After all, the procedure is made a bit simpler when there is a buddy.

Should I Get a Second Cat Quiz

In order to assist you in making the best decision possible, we’ve created a brief questionnaire that includes questions to consider before adopting a second feline companion. Let’s get down to business with the questions! 1) Does my cat get along with other cats? It’s important to know whether or not your cat enjoys or gets along well with his or her feline companions. You don’t want to introduce a territorial fight into your and your cat’s house, which is exactly what would happen if you brought an unwelcome friend home!

Is she agitated when she smells cats on you or your family?
Then this would be a sign that she isn’t ready, or that she doesn’t want or need a partner in the first place.
2) Is the new cat for you or is it for your current cat?
Before you bring a new furry friend into your house and introduce them to your cat, think about your personal motives for doing so.
Is it because your cat appears to be lonely that you’ve come to this decision?
If you’re simply concerned with your own well-being, it might be best to prioritize your pet’s demands over your own.
If your primary incentive is because you’d want a second cat, you should probably hold off.

3).

If you’re set on getting another cat, are you prepared to go to whatever lengths are necessary to ensure that both cats get along?

It will be necessary, instead, to pay close attention to the cats’ ages and temperaments.

They’ll be in the same period of life, have the same energy levels, and so on.

You’ll be OK if you just strive to maintain a healthy balance between the cats.

Do you want to be a referee:Okay, now that you have two cats, you can anticipate that there will be fights every now and again.

You might get into trouble over food, territory, or other issues.

5).

The solution might be simple and quick, or it can take some effort to figure out what works.and what doesn’t.

In any case, your second kitten will be adopted by a loving family. It’s not your fault if your cats don’t get along; the problem will be determining when to call it quits and finding a new home for your second feline companion.

Does My Cat Need a Friend?

Let’s take a look at some of the indicators that your cat wants a companion. Price may be found on Amazon. 1). Make a decision based on your cat’s age, temperament, and gender: as previously said, kittens may have a tough time adjusting to their new home and family; however, including a sibling from the same litter might be beneficial. This way, they’ll be able to keep each other company and have a strong friendship for the rest of their lives. To prevent the introduction of inbred kittens into the world, it is necessary to spay and neuter your cat’s brother and sister before bringing them home.

The fact that two female cats frequently get along better than two male cats is another point to keep in mind.
2).
Cats, even indoor cats, are extremely territorial creatures.
Is your cat too protective of its territory to accept a new companion?
Consider being practical: keep in mind that you’ll need two of everything, including food and water dishes, litter boxes, and maybe kitty beds, among other things.
Do you have the financial means to provide food and care for two cats?
Buddy for a mourning cat: If your furry friend has just lost her companion, it may be beneficial to provide her with a new one.

Keep in mind that your mourning cat may reject the newcomer; this is true whether or not she is grieving at the time of introduction.

If your cat seems clingy, it’s possible that she’s missing a dear buddy and wants someone to share her time and energy with.

Price may be found on Amazon.

Changes in food and grooming behaviors: If your cat has just experienced a loss, you may notice a shift in her feeding and grooming habits.

Because of a lack of socialization, your cat may get melancholy as a result of this.

Seventh, cats suffer a lack of energy when they are melancholy, lonely, or bored, among other things.

These are just a few indications that your pet could benefit from some companionship.

Some of these indicators, on the other hand, might also signal that your cat is suffering from a medical condition. In any case, taking her to the veterinarian for a checkup would be a good idea, simply to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical condition causing her discomfort.

Introducing Two Cats

Price may be found on Amazon. Assuming that all of the evidence point to yes, you should proceed with the adoption of another cat to serve as a companion for your present fur baby. The following considerations should be kept in mind when introducing the cats to one another. 1) Make a gradual introduction: keep the new kitty in a separate room from the other cat for approximately 3 days to a week until the other cat is comfortable with the new cat. Make sure she has her own litter box, food, and water, as well as a comfortable bed to sleep on at all times.

Scented swapping: Allow your kitten to move in close proximity to the room where the new kitty is staying.
Additionally, you may use a towel to assist in introducing one cat to the fragrance of the other.
After that, let the cats to sniff each other’s towels and rub the cats with the towels to introduce the odors to each other.
However, it may take numerous attempts in order to get the cats used to the smell of one another’s fur.
Allow them to see each other: this can be difficult, but it can be accomplished by stacking two pet gates on top of each other, or by using a glass door or something similar.
During this time, you may also continue to use the towel approach to introduce their odours to one another.
They may also engage in combat at other times.

Make an effort to feed the cats and allow the cats to congregate.

Treats can also be really beneficial.

It may take a few tries to get it right.

Just take your time.

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If you have any questions about your pet’s medical condition, you should always seek the counsel of your veterinarian. Because of whatever you have read on this website, you should never reject expert advice or put off obtaining it.

Introducing another Adult Cat or Kitten to your Cat

It is always going to be challenging to welcome a new cat into your household with your current resident cat. However, it is vital to remember that even when the introduction procedure is carried out with the greatest care, there is no assurance that the cats will get along well with one another. Cats have a natural aversion to living with other cats, and it is critical that you be able to recognize and address this in order to ensure that the cats in your care have the greatest possible welfare, both in terms of their physical health and their psychological well-being.

Your cats may be with you for a long period of time.

In addition to the fact that owners feel much better when their cats get along rather than dislike one another, the stress level of the cats is decreased significantly as well.

Setting up the home for your new cat

In the event that you have decided to adopt a new cat, the first step you should take when you bring the cat home is to restrict the new cat to a single room. In an ideal situation, choose a space that is not frequently used by your resident cat and to which you do not require regular access, such as a spare bedroom or office. Make certain that the new cat’s room has the following items:

Food, water, comfortable resting spaces with bedding, hiding spots, a litter box, toys, and a scratching post are all provided.

Scent swapping

The procedure of introducing the cats to one another should begin once the cat has become completely comfortable in its own area of the house. Begin by gently introducing the scent of the other cat to each of the cats in your household (without actually physically meeting). This is necessary because cats use the scent of individual cats to determine whether or not they are members of the same social group. To do this, we will create a common fragrance that will allow all of the cats to recognize one another as members of the same social group.

This increases the likelihood that they will accept one another’s bodily presence since they are more likely to perceive one another as members of the same social group if this is accomplished.

Step 1: Exchange bedding

Begin by removing one item of each cat’s bedding (for example, a single blanket) and placing it in one of the other cat’s beds to start the fragrance swapping process. There should be enough bedding for both cats so that this change in bedding does not result in either cat having a limited number of sleeping or resting spots after the transition. We anticipate that each cat will lay onto the bedding of the other cat, so blending their two distinct odors to form a more cohesive overall aroma. Keep a close eye on both cats’ responses to the new bedding.

As a result, the cat may need to move through the steps at a much more leisurely rate.

For more than one piece of bedding, you can repeat the technique described above.

This will allow you to measure your resident cat’s reaction to the new cat’s scent as soon as possible after bringing it home.

It is possible to wear a light cotton glove while stroking the cats (one glove for each cat) or use a cloth to wipe over each cat’s facial glands (under the chin, cheeks, and areas in front of the ears) and then wipe it onto the furniture in the part of home where the other cat lives to make the cats feel more comfortable being stroked by the human.

This will allow for increased smell exchange as well as the potential for the cats to face rub on top of the markings, resulting in the creation of a collective aroma among the cats.

Step 2: Allow exploration of each cat’s area

The resident cat might be temporarily restrained (for example, during the night, to the owner’s bedroom) to allow the new cat to investigate the resident cat’s part of the home if they do not display any unpleasant reactions to the smell of one another on their bedding (and on their rubbed regions). Nonetheless, confinement should only be implemented if it is unlikely to result in any suffering, such as frustration. Instead, the new cat might be temporarily taken from its room (and confined elsewhere) to enable the incumbent cat more freedom of exploration.

Step 3: Allow visual contact

The cats should only be permitted to interact with one another when they have been completely comfortable in the home as a whole and after they have detected the scent of the other cat. The ability to see each other should be achieved through the use of a physical barrier. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, including the following:

A door that is slightly ajar (to prevent them from passing through)
A mesh barrier – some individuals build a wooden door frame that fits within their current door frame and is coated in mesh wire
A door that is slightly ajar (to prevent them from passing through). a stair gate designed specifically for toddlers

Advice for using crates positively for kitten introductions only

The use of crates, such as those used for dogs, for adult cat introductions should be avoided at all costs since the limited size of a box limits their ability to flee from the other cat. For kittens who have become accustomed to being house-trained during their early development or who have been positively trained to enjoy being in a crate, it may be possible to use this method during introductions if your home does not have separate rooms or cannot be divided in any other way, such as using a crate. If you want to bring a cat or kitten to your home, never confine one or both to a cat carrier since they do not allow any option for escape. Cats can be introduced to their new environment through the use of a large crate in a room that is strategically placed in the corner and partially covered with a blanket to provide an area where the kitten can be out of sight. In addition to a blanket covering one area of the cage, the crate should always contain a hiding place within it where the cat can remove itself from visual view. The crate might be furnished with a cardboard box or an igloo bed in order to accomplish this. Having a place to hide when the resident cat comes gives the kitten the opportunity to relax. The entrance to the room may then be opened and the resident cat can be let out to explore the room while the kitten is contained in the crate. The kitten can be distracted with a few treats or high-value toys, and the resident cat can be fed a high-value food reward as well, in order to establish good connections between the two cats. These goodies should be saved for times when the two cats are exposed to each other in order to retain their value. Crates should be spacious enough for the kitten to be able to walk around freely and should have essential resources such as food, water, a litter tray, and a hiding spot. These materials must be placed as far apart from one another as possible, which means that the larger the container, the better the result.

When people are in visual proximity to one another, they should experience positive sentiments. As a result, cats can be played with or provided food treats, with each activity occurring independently of the other. It should never be a competition of stares. Instead, the cats should be content with going about their own business while yet being able to gaze at one another sometimes. Allowing them to smell one another through a barrier is acceptable; however, any signs of negative behavior toward one another (e.g., growling, hissing, flattening or rotating of ears with tense body posture) should be immediately distracted, for example, by luring the instigator of the negative behavior out of sight of the other cat using a toy such as a fishing rod toy.

If there is more than one resident cat, visual contact should be established between only two cats at first (one resident each time and the new cat), and subsequently the number of cats should be increased as necessary (more residents and the new cat).

As soon as one of the cats displays symptoms of anxiety or antagonism toward the other, remove the cats physically and visually from one another immediately.

As a result, the cats may begin to feel more comfortable with one another once more.

In these situations, Feliway Classic and Feliway Friends can be used in conjunction with one another.

Step 4: Physical access but supervised contact

This following stage should only be carried out once the cats are completely familiar with the idea of seeing each other via a barrier. It is preferable if the removal or opening of the barrier occurs softly, particularly at a time when both cats are engaged in a joyful activity such as playing or eating. Never push the cats together and always try to be as passive as possible. The primary goal is for the cats to feel comfortable in each other’s company; they do not need to be physically engaging in order to achieve this.

If cats appear to be at ease when in the presence of one another, then physical access should be provided as frequently as feasible under supervision.

Step 5: Free access without supervision for short periods

As long as there is no bad behavior between the cats during the ‘physical access but monitored touch’ stage, free unsupervised access for brief periods of time (a few minutes) is permissible. Once free unsupervised access has been established, it should be made available as frequently as feasible. During the rest of the time, the new cat is kept apart from the others. If pleasant behaviors are observed between the new cat and the resident, they can be kept together for increasingly longer amounts of time; however, they should always be allowed access to their respective areas of the house when separated.

The separate room can be left permanently open over time if everything is going smoothly.

Cats can access the entire environment while also retreating to areas where they are not in conflict with the cats with whom they are in conflict in some cases.

Increased chances for vertical space use, such as shelves, pathways, and perches, can assist cats in maintaining their own personal territory.

If you are having difficulty completing this introduction procedure, or if the cats have a breakdown after an initially successful introduction, it is a good idea to seek expert assistance.

Contact your veterinarian, who will be able to provide you guidance or send you to a skilled behaviorist if necessary.

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