Cat to Cat

Having more than one cat share your household can sometimes be a bit tricky, but it can also be very fulfilling for your pets as well as for yourself! Before getting a new cat, there are many factors to consider. Territory, age, background, the personalities of each cat, gender and spay/neuter status all play a big role in how well the cats will get along.

 

Cats can be very territorial, therefore making sure your household can accommodate multiple cats is important. Four cats in a studio apartment is unwise, however four cats in a large apartment or home could be ideal. Make sure that each cat has his own place to nap, hide or just hang around. Remember too, cats like to perch, so make sure they have high places to jump and play.

 

Preferably the new cat should be younger than, or very close in age to, your current cat(s). An older cat who is dominant or aggressive may intimidate your current cat. Be careful not to get a kitten that is too young. Kittens younger than three months may have not developed the social skills they will need to protect themselves. They can easily be intimidated and/or abused by older cats to the point where it can cause damage to their personalities.

 

A "middle aged" cat, between eight and ten years is more settled and may be less active. Be considerate of these things when you are looking for a pal cat. A spitfire ball of energy may not be much appreciated by this type of cat.

 

Elderly cats, twelve plus years, may have health problems and could be a little crabby. They may not tolerate any new cat, no matter the age. Though this is not an impossible situation, consult a veterinarian and a behavior specialist before you bring in a new kitty.

 

The gender of each cat can be very important. Although each cat and each environment is different, statistical evidence supports SAME genders get along better than opposite. This is contrary to what most people have believed. This is probably because among dogs, opposite genders tend to get along better. Until recently, little research has been done regarding cat behavior. Experts simply based much cat behavior on what they knew of dogs.

 

However, if one or both of the cats have not been altered, no matter the gender, there can be hormonally related problems such as urine marking, fighting, or breeding. Cats who have been altered have a greater chance of getting along.

 

To avoid reproduction it is not advisable to have cats who are of the opposite gender and able to breed. If your current cat is not "fixed" (spayed or neutered), have that done before you adopt another cat. Wait six to eight weeks after the surgery to bring a new cat home. Since a "fixed" animal's scent changes somewhat after a spay or neuter surgery, he will need this time to adjust. If your current cat is altered, but the new cat is not, try to have that surgery performed before you bring him home.

 

Try to find out as much about the new cat's background as possible. Has this cat lived with other cats before? Did he get along well? Was he an indoor or an outdoor cat? What type of personality did the parent cats have? What was his previous household like? Were there children there? Has he exhibited any behavior problems in the past? If the cat is a stray from a shelter or the streets, obviously there will not be much information. In this case, try to get as much information about the cat from shelter employees or from your own observations of the cat.

 

It is also important that each cat has his own litter box. While they may not use the box you assign them, each cat also may not appreciate having to share one box with another cat. Try not to move the boxes around as this may be too disruptive. Separate food bowls, away from the litter boxes, are recommended, though a communal water bowl is fine.

 

When you finally bring the new cat home, keep him in a separate room for up to seven days. This is very important. The current cat needs time to become accustomed to the scent of the new cat before seeing him. The new cat also needs time to acclimate in his new environment. This is also a good time to assess the health of the new cat without jeopardizing your current cat's health.

 

Once you feel most of the tension has passed between the cats, allow them to see each other through a screen or a small opening in the door. Continue to do this for a few days. When the hissing has turned to interest it's time to introduce the cats face to face.

 

Make sure you are home on the day you decide to introduce the cats. Don't leave them alone together. Be sure to be calm and relaxed. You will be creating the atmosphere in which your cats will be meeting for the first time. If you are nervous, they will be too.

 

Do not restrain either cat in any way. This does not allow the cats to feel they have a choice to run away or to stay. It may make them feel defensive and a fight could break out. Instead, let the new cat out of isolation and let the cats encounter each other on his or her own. Expect some hissing, growling, swatting, and general nastiness. You are best not to interfere unless the cats are causing severe physical damage to each other. At that point, break up the cats by squirting water at them or throwing a pillow at them. Do not punish either cat. They are doing what is normal for cats who are strangers to one another. You also do not want them to associate punishment with the other cat.

 

It is all right to leave the cats out and about when someone is home, but when they are to be alone it is wise to separate them again. Be patient. It may be several weeks before you feel comfortable to leave them alone together. The first time you do, leave them alone for a very short period and gradually increase the time as they get along better.

 

These cats may become great friends or they may learn to just tolerate each other. Whatever happens, feel confident that your cats will work things out one way or another. Be aware that even cats who are well bonded to each other will sleep together, groom each other, and still have an occasional spat.

 

Signs of a big problem include litter box lapses, severe fighting (in which blood is drawn), lethargy, depression, and lack of appetite. If your cats show any of these signs, or if you have a question, do not hesitate to call The Anti-Cruelty Society's animal behavior specialists for advice.
Remember that good relationships do not happen overnight. It sometimes takes months for your animals to iron things out. Your patience and perseverance will pay off in the long run.