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.

How long does it take cats to get used to each other?

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.

How do I get my cat to stop attacking my other cat?

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.

How do you stop two cats fighting?

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.

Will two cats hurt each other?

But such fighting is also common among cats who live together. ... Cats are rough when they play – this may look like aggression and fighting, but it is not. Still, such play could escalate into a fight or cause harm to both or one of the cats. In such cases, it is best to separate your cats if you can do so safely.

How to Make Two Cats Get Along

28 related questions found

Should I let my cats fight it out?

Never let the cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting, and the fighting usually just gets worse. ... Don't try to calm or soothe your aggressive cat, just leave her alone and give her space. If you come close, she could turn and redirect her aggression toward you.

How do I stop my new cat from attacking my older cat?

With these ideas in mind, here are the steps to resolve—or, better yet—avoid aggression between cats:

1. Spay or neuter your pets. ...
2. Introduce cats slowly. ...
3. Make sure there are enough resources in the home to avoid feelings of mistrust and competition. ...
4. Make sure everyone is getting enough play time.

Why does my cat hiss at my other cat?

Sometimes cats hiss at other adult cats to show dominance. Cats are territorial and may have specific spaces in your home marked as "theirs." When another cat encroaches on that space, hissing might occur to re-establish the hierarchy in your home until they learn to get along again.

Why is my cat obsessed with my other cat?

There are many possible reasons why your cat might be attacking your other cat including lack of space, social maturity, a medical issue, or environmental changes. Fortunately, solutions can usually be found that allow the cats to continue to live together and to overcome their aggression.

How do you deal with a territorial cat?

Squirt fighting cats with water or use a whistle to distract them. Never try to pull them apart or you may get hurt, and never punish them for territorial behavior or they may become more aggressive. If the problem is ongoing, you may need to separate the cats while you work out the problem with professional help.

What should I do if my cat hisses at another cat?

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.). Try again when the cats seem to be calm.

Are my cats jealous of each other?

Cats may show signs of jealousy when you pay more attention to an object, person, or another animal. ... A lack of personal space, beds, or other belongings can also encourage jealous behavior if a cat feels threatened by another pet.

How do I make my cat less aggressive?

Here are 5 great ways to help calm your aggressive cat.

1. Find the Source of Aggression. In order to resolve your cat's aggression, you'll first need to find the source. ...
2. Interrupt the Aggressive Behavior. ...
3. Use Calming Diffusers and Sprays. ...
4. Provide Alternative Stimulation. ...
5. Try Behavior Modification.

Can I introduce cats right away?

It's a good idea to separate the cats at first when you will not be around to supervise them. ... Getting another cat will have a big impact on your resident cat, so considering your decision carefully and introducing them properly is the right thing to do.

Is growling normal when introducing cats?

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.

Is it normal for older cat to hiss at new kitten?

Your older cat may have a period of time when it tries to establish a hierarchy with the new kitten. Your older cat may hiss and swat at the kitten when the newcomer does something unfavorable. This is completely normal and as long as it is just hissing and swatting, do your best to not interfere.

How do you know when two cats are ready to meet?

Signs that your new cat is comfortable with its new environment include:

1. Friendly behaviours when you enter the room such as approach, rubbing around your legs, chirruping, purring and meowing.
2. Resting on its side with belly exposed and rolling over.
3. Playing with its toys.

What do you do when cats don t get along?

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your cats get along again.

1. Give Them Their Own Territory. Cats often don't like to share and can become selfish with resources. ...
2. Visit a Veterinarian. ...
3. Use Calming Diffusers. ...
4. Look for Triggers. ...
5. Reintroduce Your Cats.

Will catnip calm an aggressive cat?

Some cats are more prone to aggression than others but basically any breed can develop this behavior. The good news is there are many ways to calm an aggressive cat naturally like catnip, valerian, or CBD to name a few.

How do vets deal with aggressive cats?

Most important, never punish an angry cat. It's not her fault that she's afraid or unwell, and punishment will only make things worse. Instead, your veterinarian may recommend managing the problem with feline pheromones, a ThunderShirt and behavior modification in the form of desensitization and counterconditioning.

Why does my cat get aggressive out of nowhere?

Aggression Due to Medical Issue

Aggression with a medical origin is also common. ... Arthritis, dental disease, trauma, and infections are just some of the conditions that can cause pain and subsequent aggression when a cat is touched or thinks he or she might be touched, in a painful area.

Will my cat be mad if I get another cat?

Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.

How do I make my cat comfortable with each other?

First – Visual contact between cats

1. Separate physically with screen door or baby gate. ...
2. Give cats treats so they spend time close to each other or play with a feather to encourage play. ...
3. When comfortable with each other they will sniff noses, play through the door or rub against the door.

Will getting a second cat change my cats personality?

Those differences in personality can have a profound effect on how two cats may get along. 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.

How long will it take for my cat to accept a new kitten?

It can take several weeks to several months for a cat to get used to a new kitten—and even longer for them to become "friends." Some cats will learn to tolerate a newcomer, but may never be interested in playing or napping together. In other cases, the cat will take to the kitten right away.