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.
Friendship
The most favorable development of the situation, except in the case where animals grow up together from a very young age, is the immediate sympathy that arises between them.
This happens when a kitten appears in a house with an adult cat. And then the owners do not have to think about how to make friends between a cat and a kitten, since thanks to maternal instinct, a cat is extremely rarely aggressive towards the baby. On the contrary, she, as a rule, takes him under her wing. But if a kitten is purchased for a home with an adult cat, then there is a chance that at first the old-timer will ignore the newcomer. But later, a warm and strong friendship can also begin between them.
Kittens learn life lessons together
Little kittens are energetic and active creatures. Many objects in the house become targets for them to hit or play with. Owners will not be able to constantly entertain kittens. There is a right solution - to have two animals. Kittens constantly entertain each other and never get bored.
In doing so, they learn valuable life lessons while playing together. Together they learn social and hunting skills. Playing two cats at the same time strengthens muscles and helps develop coordination.
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How to reconcile fighters?
It is impossible to force pets to treat each other with tenderness and trust. But you can minimize the problem by eliminating the cause of the conflict - that very throne of omnipotence.
Extreme measures are to destroy it to the ground: replace the sofa favored by cats with other furniture, block access to the window sill, etc.
But it’s not always clear why cats are fighting – are they fighting for a specific place or for the entire apartment, for a person’s attention or for territory? Or maybe out of boredom? Therefore, it is easier to artificially delimit possessions by providing each cat with a personal “throne”: a separate tray, a separate bowl, a couple of high play complexes, several loungers and houses
But this is not always enough; sometimes a little more effort is required from the owner:
feed cats at the same time, in different places, but at the same height
Rivals will fight for the bowl that is higher, and under equal conditions, the hooligans will switch their attention to food; the same goes for vacation spots. All houses, beds and play complexes should be located at approximately the same height. If cats choose the same bed, move it to another place or temporarily remove it; keep windows closed and interior doors open
A retreating cat should be able to retreat, this will significantly reduce the frequency and severity of conflicts. In addition, various shelves, steps, ladders, etc. help. If the owner is not at home and the cats are fighting, what should I do? The distraction method will work here. For example, interesting toys left in secluded corners: a mechanical mouse, an automatic laser pointer, birds on springs, etc. Toys must be extremely attractive so that curiosity overcomes the desire to sort things out. And there should be several of them, so that an interesting thing does not become the cause of a new conflict; If cats get into a fight in the presence of the owner, it is necessary to sharply and rather harshly distract the hooligans from each other. You can throw half a glass of water on the hissing woolen thing or throw a thick, heavy blanket over the cats. Of course, scaring your pets is not very right, but it is better than treating torn ears and bloody faces; If cat fights continue despite all the efforts of the owner, one of the pets will have to find a new home or resort to sterilization (castration). Deciding on an operation is not easy, but such drastic measures almost always work: castrated (sterilized) animals gradually lose interest in the struggle for territory and power, and this is the right path, if not to friendship, then at least to friendly relations with the former “enemy.”
If cats choose the same bed, move it to another place or temporarily remove it; keep windows closed and interior doors open. A retreating cat should be able to retreat, this will significantly reduce the frequency and severity of conflicts. In addition, various shelves, steps, ladders, etc. help. If the owner is not at home and the cats are fighting, what should I do? The distraction method will work here. For example, interesting toys left in secluded corners: a mechanical mouse, an automatic laser pointer, birds on springs, etc. Toys must be extremely attractive so that curiosity overcomes the desire to sort things out. And there should be several of them, so that an interesting thing does not become the cause of a new conflict; If cats get into a fight in the presence of the owner, it is necessary to sharply and rather harshly distract the hooligans from each other. You can throw half a glass of water on the hissing woolen thing or throw a thick, heavy blanket over the cats. Of course, scaring your pets is not very right, but it is better than treating torn ears and bloody faces; If cat fights continue despite all the efforts of the owner, one of the pets will have to find a new home or resort to sterilization (castration). Deciding on an operation is not easy, but such drastic measures almost always work: castrated (sterilized) animals gradually lose interest in the struggle for territory and power, and this is the right path, if not to friendship, then at least to friendly relations with the former “enemy.”
And remember that love is capable of miracles: communicate with your pets equally affectionately, do not scold the instigator of the conflict, do not feel sorry for the victim. Cats should feel the same warmth and care. Sitting together in front of the TV, playing games together and having “conversations” before bed are an excellent remedy against aggression from domestic predators.
Prohibited actions
What is prohibited to do if two animals live in the same apartment at once - a cat and a female cat:
- to get acquainted, lock them in one room or forcefully bring them nose to nose;
- take them to different places, not allowing them to get to know each other at all;
- from the first day, arrange a common toilet, sleeping area and food bowls;
- give food alternately, while being in the same room;
- allow the “new” tenant to use the things of the “old”;
- leave them alone until cats get used to each other;
- give one of your pets more love, affection and attention.
Options to correct the situation
It is quite easy for a person to cope with the aggression of an animal. The main thing is to understand exactly what caused it. The cats need to be separated, given the opportunity to calm down, fall asleep, feed them, and only after that, after a while, start trying to introduce them again. The following tricks will work for this. You can build a transparent wall between the cats, which will help them see each other, but not get into fights. It is especially better to start doing this when the cats are friendly and relaxed. This therapy can take up to two weeks.
You can also divide the room or apartment into zones in which cats will live separately. They can watch each other, but not enter someone else's territory. After a while, the new resident will not irritate the cat, and he will slowly begin to get used to him.
Important! It is not advisable to forcefully introduce a cat to a newborn baby. The animal itself must express a desire to get acquainted with it. The pet needs to get used to its smell
The pet needs to get used to its smell.
Sexual aggression can be removed by removing the gonads, which secrete hormones that cause animals to be attracted to the opposite sex. Males are neutered until they are one year old, and females until their first heat.
Outdoor cats are more accustomed to harsh sounds. But the home can react strongly to a sharp signal. He will confuse her, and she will dramatically change her behavior. Here a bunch of keys, which at that moment were in your hands, can come to the rescue; you need to throw it on the floor, or you can clap your hands sharply.
Note! A proven way to influence animals is to spray them with water from a spray bottle. Over time, they may develop an instinct where the animals will scatter just at the sight of a sprayer. You always need to remember one thing: you cannot forcefully raise animals with your hands and you cannot yell at them.
Disorientation is considered an effective way - placing them in different rooms, different boxes or beds
You always need to remember one thing: you can’t forcefully shake animals with your hands and you can’t yell at them. Disorientation is considered an effective way - placing them in different rooms, different boxes or beds.
You can’t punish too much; you must always understand that any aggressive behavior of an animal is caused by some factors, and which ones, the owner must figure out himself and eliminate them.
It may take several days for your pet to get used to it.
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.
Two cats (cats) in the house: pros and cons
So, there are now two cats living in your house. What are the pros and cons of such a situation? First, let's talk about the disadvantages:
- if your pets remain full-fledged cats, then during the mating season you will be threatened with “fights” of local significance, in addition, the animals will actively mark their territory;
- The consumption of cat food and litter doubles.
And the positive points:
- despite prejudices, cats are emotional animals, and having a friend or girlfriend will make their life much more active and fun;
- your home will receive twice as much fluffy happiness!
If you are mentally and financially ready to have another pet in your home, then do not be afraid of possible problems. Your patience, consistency and perseverance will certainly yield results, and the animals will become friends. And after a while, they will give you many funny and warm stories together.
When purchasing at the same time
If you buy two pets at the same time, then the question of how to make friends between two cats or male cats in the same apartment is practically not worth it, especially if they are still kittens. The animals find themselves in a new home for both of them, with unfamiliar things and smells, and the owners have a good opportunity to set the necessary rules of residence.
When buying a cat, you need to pay attention to choosing a pet house.
At the same time, try not to single out anyone and treat both pets gently and patiently. In addition, at this young age, kittens find a common language well and easily get used to their personalities.
Of course, if the animals are already quite old, then everything is unlikely to go smoothly, so in order for the cats to get used to each other as quickly as possible, you should:
- divide their territory into two halves with a metal mesh;
- swap animals twice a day so that they quickly get used to each other’s smells;
- place bowls with food and water near the mesh on both sides, and they should always be full;
- an aggressive cat must be stopped by splashing water on it or making a loud sound;
- a couple of days after the pets begin to be friendly towards each other, remove the net;
- observe the cats for two to three weeks: if everything is in order, then they can be left unattended.
Important! It would be great if, even before a new pet arrives in the house, it is possible to create a mixture of animal odors. To do this, you need to wipe two cats one by one with a dry terry towel, paying special attention to the cheeks, paws and genitals of the animals. And leave this towel in their shared home.
Cat and kitten
When a small fluffy cat appears in the house, an adult cat, of course, is not ready for such a turn of events, so aggression on her part cannot be avoided
Judge for yourself: her cat's heart already belongs to you and she does not intend to share your attention with anyone. Therefore, the appearance of a new “family member” in the house is perceived as a betrayal
The cat will demonstrate its resentment by its behavior: it will hiss at the kitten, perhaps throw itself and in every possible way drive the “uninvited guest” away. What to do in such a situation?
Step one
You should not force the company of a kitten on your pet. If you see obvious irritation on her part, there is no need to put additional pressure on the animal: for her, a new tenant is already stressful. It is best to take the kitten to another room, if the apartment allows, so that the cat cannot get to it.
Naturally, each pet must have its own bowl and place to rest. After a while, switch places between the kitten and the cat so that the animals get used to each other’s smell. Then let the kitten wander around the apartment to adapt to the new environment. Let your cat watch him through the doorway.
Step three
This is a closer acquaintance. Place the kitten and the cat in the same room (maybe the kitchen). Place two bowls of food. First, pour food for the cat so that the new tenant understands who is boss, and then for the baby. First, place a partition between the cat and the kitten to prevent them from stealing food from each other's plate. Gradually bring the bowls closer together as the furry “family” stops fighting.
Step four
Try to appease a cat who feels unwanted - give her a toy, pamper her with a treat
Give her extra attention so that she feels your love and care. Over time, you will be able to share love in equal “proportions” with two pets. Even if a strong friendship between a kitten and a cat did not work out, do not be upset: animals can have different characters
All you need to do is just teach your cat and kitten to get along and not fight.
Cat and cat
If you already have an adult pet, this does not mean that you cannot also get a cat. Of course, helping adult animals adapt to the same apartment is much more difficult, but it is quite possible. We will tell you how to make friends between a cat and a cat.
Step one
Often the first meeting may be unsuccessful: two adult pets will simply hiss at each other, trying to sort things out. As in the case of the kitten, you have to place the warring animals in different territories. If there is only one room in the house, then you will have to stock up on cages.
Step two
After a while, you still have to introduce the cat and the cat a little closer. To do this, have a spray bottle ready, because you will most likely have to separate fighting cats. Let your pets out into one room and watch them.
As a rule, uncastrated animals can show interest in each other. But even if both one and the other are deprived of the opportunity to have kittens, the newly-minted “neighbors” still have a chance to make friends. If the cats suddenly get into a fight, separate them again with water.
Step three
When the animals calm down, you can try placing them in the same area again. Most likely, this time they will not show aggression. Meanwhile, be vigilant and try not to leave them alone, without your attention. Sometimes the cat and cat behave calmly in the presence of the owner, but in his absence they can resume sorting out the “relationship”.
This may be a normal hiss, but the animals may also start fighting again. What to do in this case? Just pour water on them from a spray bottle. You can also shout at cats - pets subtly sense the mood and intonation of the owner of the house.
Step four
When the difficult stages of “grinding in” are left behind, the cat and cat may well become friends under the roof of your house. The most important thing in your case is to be patient and let the animals know that you both care about them. And, of course, we should not forget that each furry pet should have its own accessories: bowls, rugs, toys and a toilet. Don't let these two fight for your love - just love them equally as much.
How to make friends?
cat and cat
Two adult males in an apartment cause a lot of inconvenience, as they almost always conflict. In nature, it turns out that the habitat of cats is much larger than that of females. Consequently, how many cats he will impregnate depends on the vastness of this territory. This is why cats have a negative attitude towards the fact that someone occupies their premises.
Adult pets can treat each other well for months, but there will still be periodic conflicts. With the help of a fight, they will be able to determine who is in charge, and, if possible, remove the opponent from their room.
If there is a female nearby who is ready to mate, then the fight between the cats will be especially brutal, and will most likely end in serious injury or death of one pet, if the forces are not equal.
In addition to fighting, pets will mark the territory every time, trying to kill the smell of a competitor, which will lead to an unpleasant odor in the house that is difficult to remove.
Cat and cat
And if it is almost impossible to make friends between two males, then pets of opposite sexes can get along quite well. But be prepared for the fact that in the first days of communication the cat will periodically show his temper, hissing or hitting the cat. This is how he shows his leadership.
Pets should be fed at the same time, but in different rooms. If they eat from the same bowl, the male will constantly eat everything himself. Consequently, the cat will quickly gain extra pounds, and the cat will constantly be malnourished. Both will have a negative impact on your health.
Many owners, in order to avoid fertilization of animals, simply separate them into rooms.
Kitten and cat
Males are more skeptical of kittens than females. Cats, by their nature, never care for kittens, and in the event of a conflict, they can even kill them. But an adult cat is unlikely to quarrel with a kitten, because the male understands that he does not pose any danger. And after a couple of weeks, the pets will definitely form a friendship. However, you should still be on the safe side: at first, do not leave the animals alone. As the kitten grows up, further communication will develop based on its gender.
Cat and cat
Cats have different personalities: they can be stubborn, proud and even fighty. Aggressive breeds rarely make friends with newcomers. It is not recommended to use force in raising pets, as this will cause the cat to develop an even greater dislike for its competitor. You will have to be patient and persevere.
Getting ready for the reception
Acquaintance goes smoother if it is planned and you can prepare for it. In any case, you cannot immediately push animals together.
Calming for purring
To prevent conflict, both animals can be given a sedative before the first meeting. In this case, “Feliway”, “Cat Bayun”, “Stopstress” are used. In order not to harm your pets, you should first consult with a veterinarian who will calculate the dosage.
"Cat Baiyun"
"Stopstress"
“Feliway” Similar article: Why does a cat constantly meow for no reason
Preparing the Carry
Place a towel or blanket with the smell of a new home in the carrier. A beginner should have time to get used to the carrier as if it were his own house. Having brought an animal into the apartment, you should not immediately release the new pet; it is better to give the cats time to look at each other through the bars.
Isolation
After the first meeting, you should not leave the animals together or bring them near each other. The new pet should be shown a designated place to rest. Every day you need to change their toys among themselves and pay a lot of attention to the animals. If the new pet hides, for example, under furniture, there is no need to get it out by force - let it get used to it.
First meeting and adaptation period
Before the first full meeting, the animals will already know about each other’s existence and will get used to it. The first stress will pass, but conflict is possible. During contact, you need to take your time, let the cats sniff each other, and come as close to each other as they want. It is recommended to pet both of them so that everyone feels the love of their owner equally.
There is no need to try to reconcile pets as quickly as possible. They should have time to get used to each other. Ultimately, cats always remain animals that walk on their own.
Is it worth getting several cats?
If one cat in the house is not enough for the owners, then they can get a second one. This solution has both pros (cats are great stress relievers) and cons (increased maintenance costs). Therefore, you need to think about whether you have enough free time to care for both animals and whether you can support them financially.
Many people get a second pet, thinking that the first one is boring being at home alone while the owner is away. This is not reasonable. It should be understood that representatives of the feline breed are not pack animals, so they do not require company
The owner’s attention is another matter; it must be given to any pet: both dogs and cats.
You should only get a second cat for company if you are away from home all day and cannot devote enough time to your pets.
However, it is important to understand that some pets are not able to find a common language and will constantly conflict, even if the owner does everything to reconcile them
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.
Two animals in the house: behavior options
Cats are one of the most skittish pets. When two animals appear in one apartment at once, a conflict between them is almost inevitable. It's easier for an adult cat to accept if she has to adopt a kitten. It is very difficult to make friends between two sexually mature males.
Representatives of the cat world are jealous of their territory, the owner’s attention, and food. Having got a second cat, the owner must make every effort so that the first one does not feel deprived. At the same time, the new animal must be provided with the necessary comfort.
Several types of relationships can be established between two adult cats:
Friendship. At the first meeting, the animals will quickly find a common language. They will sniff each other without showing hostility. In the future, the animals can sleep peacefully together, play, and calmly be in the same room. They do not mind sharing trays and food bowls and can lick each other. Fright. Often the pet experiences real horror from the new environment. He hides under a sofa or closet and refuses to eat for several days. A frightened cat may hiss and even fight. Competition. Each animal can feel disadvantaged and offended
Pets will try with all their might to fight for a bowl of food, the best warm place, and the owner’s attention. A few days after they met, you can watch how each of the cats approaches a person, arches their back, rubs against their legs, and purrs.
In these ways, animals try to get affection from the owner.
The behavior of two animals largely depends on the character of each. Often, behavioral characteristics can be adjusted depending on the situation. For example, an adult cat calmly accepted a kitten, but when it matured, it began to experience pronounced aggression towards it. However, competent actions by the owner can minimize problems in the relationship between the two animals.
How to properly raise a kitten from an early age?
Content Rules
There are several simple recommendations that will help you quickly establish friendly relations between purrs.
Meals
You can feed pets in the same room only after contact has been established. Animals should have separate bowls. You should not allow a cat to climb into someone else's bowl - the animal may perceive this aggressively. For the first 2-3 weeks it is better to be nearby during feeding. Eating together strengthens the bond.
At first, animals need to be fed from different bowls.
A place for privacy
Each purr needs to be given its own personal place where it can hide and relax alone. This could be the top shelf of a closet or the top of a wardrobe. The pet will appreciate it if the owner provides him with one or more boxes.
Toilet
There should be as many trays as there are pets in the house, or preferably one more. If animals go to the same tray, it is better not to remove the second one, or at least not immediately.
One tray for all pets is not the best solution
Games
Each cat needs to be given equal attention and play time. It is better not to practice playing together with two cats at the same time at the initial stage of acquaintance.
Beating and humiliating a cat is useless and dangerous
Beating and humiliating a cat for educational purposes is the worst thing the owner of a guilty animal can think of. Humiliation and physical violence will not achieve obedience from your pet. He will not be able to grasp the cause-and-effect relationship between his behavior and moral and physical pressure; he will not be able to somehow connect these events.
Beating and humiliating a kitten or an adult cat is also prohibited for another reason. Felines have an extremely vulnerable psyche. Anything can throw them out of emotional balance. Many cats have a hard time traveling in a car, a change of scenery, the appearance of a child or a new four-legged inhabitant in the house, even moving to another room can have a negative impact on their psyche.
Screaming and physical impact on them can lead to severe mental disorders that will require long-term and expensive treatment. However, there is no guarantee that it will be successful.
Tailed bully is not recommended:
- Poking your nose into urine and feces. Poking in its own excrement will result in severe stress for the animal. It will begin to fear its owner, and its behavior will become even more unpredictable, if not inadequate.
- Beat. In the mind of the pet, physical punishment will be fixed not in connection with the action committed, but with the offender or the object with which he was punished, for example, with a slipper. As a result, he will begin to avoid shoes and the person who offended him, but will not stop doing what he was beaten for.
- You can’t stop doing something using the “no” command. These animals do not understand the meaning of this word, and perceive prohibitions as a violation of their personal boundaries.
Beatings and humiliation will not solve the problem. This will only push the pet away, but will not improve the situation. The only thing that can be done without harming the cat’s psyche is to lightly slap it on the back with your palm at the moment the “crime” is committed.
Aggression
Unfortunately, sometimes animals show real aggression towards each other. Cats may start jumping on each other, hitting each other with their paws, or chasing them around the room. If this happens, then there is no need to intervene, but simply observe, letting the animals find out whether two cats will get along in the same apartment and “who is the boss.” However, if the aggression has turned into a full-fledged fight, it is worth scattering the animals (without separating them with your hands!) and temporarily separating them into different rooms.
And then, after a pause of a couple of days, try to get acquainted again. This should be done until the cats get used to each other and become calmer when they see their relatives.
By the way, the most effective way to separate fighting cats is to pour water on them. If this does not work, then you can throw a thick blanket over them; the darkness should scare the animals. If this does not work, then try to pull them apart in different directions using any long stick, for example, a mop. Act firmly, but carefully so as not to injure the animals.
Most often, people at home prefer to have cats of such breeds as: Sphynx, Scottish Fold, Munchkin, Burmese, Persian, Siamese, British, Burmese, Ragdoll, American Curl, American and Masquerade.
Often the cause of aggressive behavior is the sexual instincts of cats. In this case, if it is impossible to reconcile them, the only option is sterilization.
Preparing for a second cat
Before a second cat appears in the house, you need to prepare the space by dividing it into several zones. Two cats in the house will get along much faster if they do not collide with each other in the resting, feeding and toilet areas.
Rest
The “new” cat should sleep separately from the “old” one, and preferably in a different room. The place where an old-timer relaxes is taboo for a newcomer. Be sure to prepare a comfortable mattress or house that will be located at some distance from your cat’s “bedroom”. It is advisable that there be a door between the seating areas that will need to be closed at night (at least for the first time).
Feeding
Two cats that don’t know each other well and have not yet established contact will most likely be most aggressive near food bowls. Therefore, the new cat needs to be fed from a separate dish, preferably not in the room where the “old” cat is used to eating. Over time, if the cats get along, the bowls can be moved. Cats need to be fed at the same time so that each is busy with its own bowl and does not try to take food from its rival.
Toilet
Be sure to buy a separate litter box for the “new” cat. The filler in the old tray should be dirty by the time the new one arrives. So the likelihood that the “new” cat will go into a clean litter box is higher (if the second cat soils the litter box first, a conflict may arise; the first cat may compromise cleanliness and start dirtying the corners). Over time, if the cats become friends, you can leave one tray.
The second cat should be placed so as not to disturb the old-timer. For your first cat, everything should remain the same. In no case should she feel violated in her rights due to the appearance of another animal in the house.
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.
How to prepare for the introduction of two cats?
In order to introduce and, most importantly, make friends between a cat and a kitten, it is important to initially prepare an apartment or house for the arrival of a new furry. Please note that each of them needs their own separate space - otherwise conflicts are inevitable. There are rooms and separate areas where cats can interact closely with each other
However, it is much more important to determine the places where two fluffies should not intersect:
There are rooms and separate areas where cats can interact closely with each other. However, it is much more important to determine the places where two fluffies should not intersect:
- toilet;
- dining room;
- bedroom;
- your own corner;
- toys.
Toilet
The number of trays should increase in proportion to the number of pets. Not a single cat can go to the toilet in another animal’s litter box - purrs are terribly squeamish in this matter. In addition, the tray must be selected based on the age of the animal - high sides are completely unsuitable for small kittens.
Dining room
As with litter boxes, each of the two cats in the house should have a separate food and water bowl. It is advisable to place them at a distance from each other. Of course, you won’t be able to regularly ensure that your four-legged friends don’t steal each other’s food. However, severe conflicts over food may be preventable.
Place to sleep
Never will a cat who has lived with you for several years allow a newcomer to sleep somewhere nearby. At the bedding-in stage, a hierarchy is clearly visible between the two cats in the house. Therefore, it is better for two animals to sleep not just separately, but also in different rooms. In the first few weeks, it is better to even lock the animals separately to avoid fights.
Your personal corner
Regardless of the age and gender of the cat, it must have its own “shelter”, so to speak - a place where neither people nor other pets can find it
This is especially important for new fluffies - the “oldies” already know the house inside and out and can hide, for example, in a closet or under the sofa. So, to make your cat more comfortable, place an empty box in the room - this is an excellent shelter for the first time.
Toys and accessories
Two cats in the house should have a separate set of toys. This is not necessary - if the pets quickly found a common language, they may well share balls or teddy mice. However, for the first couple of months it is better to take care of two scratching posts and toys.
After arranging the apartment, it is also important to take all necessary measures in order to make friends between two adult cats or furry cats of different ages. This process consists of two simple steps:
- Place the cats in different rooms. Leave most of the territory to the old animal.
- Introduce cats in one common room. It is better to do this 2-3 days after the new kitten appears in the house.
- If communication goes smoothly, increase the number of meetings. If not, isolate the cats for a couple of days and try again.
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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.
