Place the cats' food bowls on opposite sides of a closed door. This will encourage them to be close together while they're doing something that makes them feel good. Each day, have the cats switch rooms so that they both experience some variation and get access to each other's scents.
It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don't become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.
Cats that have set up separate territories in the house and don't really get along will: Chase or run away from one another and avoid contact. You may notice that one cat consistently leaves the room when one enters. Watch each other intently and may hiss or spit when they meet.
The initial process should take at least two weeks and, assuming that you see no signs of aggression at the door (no hissing, growling, etc.), you can introduce the cats to each other.
Don't be alarmed by hissing or growling. These are normal reactions. Encourage interaction through the door. Place your new cat's food near the door of his room so he stays near it.
Again, some hissing when they see each other is normal so don't be alarmed. Some light swatting is also common. Separate them if the hissing doesn't die down after 1 or 2 minutes or if there is any sign of threat (swatting with force, chasing, screaming, ears flattened, etc.).
Just like territory conflicts, a lack of individual resources such as food and water bowls, scratching posts and litter trays can cause cats not to get along. Aim to have one of each resource (plus one extra) for each kitty in the house, and check that each is easily accessible.
Play with them often.
Shy cats may prefer toys focused on a distant object, such as a feather wand or laser pointer. Others may respond well to catnip filled mice or other catnip toys. Once you find the ones they like, find a few moments each day for activities and play.
When resident cat approaches the blanket, observe closely the body language. Normal language would be sniffing, pawing, and even growling. Warning signs would be flattened ears, twitching tail and hissing, if you see any of these warning signs, you may be in for a bit of a battle when the two first initially meet.
Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Once cats feel this way about each other, it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.
If one cat keeps attacking a particular cat, the first step is to separate the cats from each other completely — in separate areas of the house. Do not allow them to paw at or smell each other through a door. If they must be in adjoining rooms, place a barrier at the bottom of the door.
Begin by having both cats play at a distance from each other. Or, keep one cat in a crate with food while the other is out with play therapy. Over time, put the toys between the cats and let them play with the toys together.
Raising two cats together can turn out to be a challenge the complexity of which can fluctuate on a case-by-case basis. The decision to raise two cat means double the responsibility and the patience on most of the occasions, however, if you love cats, then it's twice the cuteness and fun.
Can Cats Get Jealous of Other Cats? Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.
If you have a young cat at home and want a second, consider adopting one kitten of the opposite sex, as same-sex cats are much more prone to fight each other for dominance. Your resident cat will still be young enough to recall having fun with her littermates, and the new kitten will be more than happy to oblige.
Gender. Male (neutered) cats are generally believed to be more accepting of other cats, both male and female. Even though this has not been my experience, female cats may not get along as well with each other.
Because of the attachments they form, the answer is yes; cats can feel lonely! While each kitty has a unique personality and needs, the following signs could indicate a lonely cat: Destructive behavior. Loss or increase in appetite.
It may take weeks or months for a cat to adjust to their new lifestyle. Cats introduced too quickly may fight and never learn to get along.
Don't be alarmed; it's normal for cats to hiss at something new or something they don't understand. Hissing is a distance-increasing behavior. Simply put, it's a warning saying, “Please back off, and do not come any closer.”
Once your cat shows interest in trying to leave the room, or is begging at the door to come out, they're ready to explore the rest of the house! Most cats will adjust within one to two weeks. If you have a multiple-animal household, it may take several months for everyone to fully adjust.