When bringing a new cat home to meet your resident cat, it's never a good idea to just throw them into a room together. That can be scary for both of them! Go slow and introduce them. For both animals this can be a stressful time.
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. Then, let resident kitty do what he or she wants to the blanket, let him/her have it for a few days.
The introduction must be gradual. Following the initial introduction, it can take a very long time for a relationship to grow. 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.
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.
When you introduce them to each other in the same room, a bit of growling and hissing is to be expected. Although the two cats may be used to each other's scent; your first cat will still feel a bit awkward with your new cat being in his territory.
Cats with a strong link will frequently show clear indicators that they regard themselves to be members of the same social group. Grooming each other, sleeping, or lying next to each other are examples of these indicators. They may regularly greet each other by touching noses or making a little meow as they pass.
Jealousy is a normal reaction. Don't yell, scold or punish your current cat for hissing at the newcomer. When he acts nice—or at least nonthreatening—to the new cat, praise him and give treats. If fighting breaks out or either cat is highly stressed, separate them for a few more days.
You can test this by following a simple 3 second rule: If you pause after 3 seconds of stroking your cat, do they try to reinitiate contact (i.e. rub against you)? If not, your cat has probably had enough for now!
On average, a new cat may stay in the Bonding Room for 2 - 7 days, but generally the cat will let you know when he is ready for the next step. He will come to you when you enter the room and will be comfortable in your presence, and when he is ready, may try to follow you out.
The best way to introduce cats fast is to keep them separate. Cats may fight, and this will prolong the introduction. To introduce cats quickly, you can play with and feed the cats at the closed door. This will help the cats associate each other with a positive experience.
The initial twenty-four hours should be a calm period of adjustment so it's probably best for any children in the household to understand that the kitten should be left alone for a while. The kitten room should be prepared in advance to enable the new arrival to settle in comfortably with minimum disturbance.
Fortunately, neutered and spayed cats are much more likely to get on well together than intact adult cats. Generally, female cats tend to be more accepting of new cats into their home. They are more likely to accept another female cat than a male cat.
Having multiple food and water bowls, litter boxes, perches, and toys can prevent fighting over resources. Reinforce incompatible behaviors — any behaviors that cannot occur at the same time as the problem behavior. Praise them and toss healthy cat treats to reward your cats. Try using pheromones.
You might run into some problems when you bring a new kitty to your home without prior preparation. Your resident cat may not like it when a new cat gets into their territory. The resident cat may become hostile to the newcomer. They may hiss, growl and rumble and even show aggression towards each other.
Keep the sessions short and finish while they are still doing well, that is, interested in the food/toy provided and showing no negative behaviours or signs of distress. If either cat shows any signs of distress or negativity towards each other, separate the cats physically and visually immediately.
This is normal, and as long as it's just hissing and swatting and nothing more concerning, try your best not to interfere and allow the cats to work it out on their own accord. The older cat is asserting their dominance, and the younger cat is learning all about boundaries.
For example, if your resident cat enjoys sleeping in your bedroom, ideally the new cat is kept in a room other than your bedroom. During this separation period, you can switch the cats' bedding so that they get used to each other's scent.
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.
As long as fresh water is available, some cats can be left alone for up to 24 hours. However, longer or more frequent periods of time away, such as full days or nights away from home can be more disruptive. Your cat should not be left alone for long periods of time.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act was enacted December 20, 2022, to end the private ownership of big cats as pets and prohibit exhibitors from allowing public contact with big cats, including cubs. It places new restrictions on the commerce, breeding, possession, and use of certain big cat species.
The definitive answer is that you can leave a cat alone for up to 72 hours if you have to. If that's all you're looking for, then be on your merry way. However, you may be wondering how you can make those 72 hours bearable and safe for your cat?
However, if your cat shows hostility to other cats, or hisses, growls, or marks territory if they enter your yard or garden, then obtaining another cat is probably not a good idea.
By having both cats experience something positive (a meal or yummy snack) while they are nearby, they can learn to form positive associations with each other. If either cat is growling or hissing at the other through the door, donot put them together anytime soon; take things very slowly and continue feeding this way.
It may only take a day or two or it may take several weeks for cats to tolerate each other. It may take months before the cats are relaxed with each other, but you are on your way to success if you reach the stage of a calm truce between them.