Will my 2 cats accept a kitten?

While cats can live very happily together in the same household, they don't really 'need' other cats, and some may struggle to accept a new kitten. A few preparations ahead of your kitten's arrival and some carefully managed introductions should give your cats the best chance of getting on well in future.

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Can I introduce a kitten to my two cats?

Introduce the Cats Slowly

Anticipate keeping the kitten separated for at least a couple days. After the first day or two, give each of your cats an item with the other animal's scent on it, like a blanket, cushion, or fabric toy. Place this item in an area where your cat feels comfortable.

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How long does it take for a cat to get used to a new kitten?

It can take a few weeks for pets to adjust to a new environment (and new animals), but with patience, your older cat will (hopefully) accept your new kitten. As pet parents, we can help our furry friends live their best lives.

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Is it better to get a kitten if you already have a cat?

If you're set on adopting only one kitten, I recommend doing so only if you do have another playful cat in the home already. A kitten can certainly adapt to life with a young cat, and will benefit from the feline mentorship.

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Will my 2 cats accept another cat?

An easy-going cat may accept most other cats, while a timid and shy cat may be reluctant to accept another cat, depending on the new cat's personality. An active and assertive cat may overwhelm quieter and more timid cats, making introductions difficult.

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My Cat HATES my New Kitten - Help? How to Introduce Cats!

28 related questions found

What if my cat hates my new kitten?

You just have to be calm, encourage the cats to play and eat together, separate them if there's aggression, and BE PATIENT. The cats will need to first get used to each other, and then establish their social order in the household. But they usually DO work it out.

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Are cats happier with two?

Most feline behaviorists agree that cats generally lead healthier, happier lives if there is another feline in the household. Even if the cats never become bosom buddies, just sharing the house with another living creature while you are away helps to break the monotony and loneliness.

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What is the best age to introduce a second cat?

The younger they are when introduced, the greater the chances of their getting on amicably most of the time. After about two years of age, acceptance of another cat can be a bit random, but they will very rarely totally reject another cat in the long-term.

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Is it better to have two cats of the same gender?

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.

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Do male cats get along better with male or female cats?

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.

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Will my cat stop hissing at my new kitten?

Don't interfere in their interaction unless necessary—Some hissing and growling are normal and will stop as the older cat gets used to the kitten. Step in and separate the cats only when the situation escalates.

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Where should a kitten sleep on the first night?

Where should my kitten sleep on the first night? In the first few nights, have your kitten close to you in a warm and cosy spot next to your bed.

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Can two cats share a litter box?

The ideal number of litter boxes for a multi-cat household is one for each cat and an extra box more for security, however, if you cannot afford this or if your cats are trained to use one litter box, it is okay to use the regular one, but it is still best recommended to use the self-cleaning or automatic litter box as ...

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How much hissing is normal when introducing cats?

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.).

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How many litter boxes do I need for 2 cats?

Follow this simple rule: one box per cat, plus one extra. So if you have two cats, you should have three boxes. Making sure everyone has their space can help ease elimination issues. Some owners prefer a hooded box, but some cats don't like them.

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What I wish I knew before getting a kitten?

5 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Getting a Cat
  • Cats Are Affectionate in Their Own Way. ...
  • Get Your Hands Out of the Way. ...
  • Cats Are Natural Explorers, But That Doesn't Mean They Should Roam Free.
  • Observe Your Cat Closely Before Acquiring Any Toy or Product.
  • Cats Like to Climb a Lot.

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What is the single kitten syndrome?

Single kitten syndrome is the idea that young kittens, when raised with other young kittens and cats and then adopted into a home by themselves, can become aggressive, anxious, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues like inappropriate chewing/scratching and inappropriately using the litterbox.

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Is it harder to have two cats?

* It can be time-consuming to take care of multiple cats. Clipping nails, brushing their coats and litter box maintenance may begin to take their toll. On the upside, don't get discouraged. It takes time to develop a routine that all of you can be happy with.

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Do boy and girl cats get along?

So, it is possible for a neutered male and spayed female to live together in peace. In the case of both sexes, cats are much more likely to get on well with another cat if they are raised together from a very young age. This is more important than the sex of the cat.

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Am I ready for a second cat?

It can be a long and sensitive process of acclimating each cat to the other—and you should get another cat only if you're prepared to do the work. “Any time you're introducing any pet into a household, you have to be patient and know that there will be a period needed for adjustments,” says Brian C.

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How do you introduce two cats quickly?

Ask a friend or family member to help you with the introduction. Have one cat and one person on each side of the door, and start the introduction by setting each cat down a few feet away from the screen or gates. When the cats notice each other, say their names and toss treats to them, aiming the treats behind them.

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How long should you keep a new cat in one room?

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.

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Are 2 cats easier than 1?

Pairs Make Happier Pet Owners

Because two cats tend to live happier and healthier, there's less chance of bad or destructive behavior, which means less damage to furniture and belongings, and happier pet owners.

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How do you tell if cats are starting to get along?

Signs your cats are getting along
  1. Your cats headbutt each other. It's a sure sign of friendship if your cats rub or butt heads together. ...
  2. They groom each other. ...
  3. Your cats sleep together. ...
  4. They bump noses. ...
  5. They spend time together. ...
  6. Your cats play with each other.

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