Introducing a new cat or kitten to your existing cat might be stressful. You want them all to get along and welcome the new kitty into the family. However this rarely happens even if your primary motivation for obtaining another kitten is to keep your current feline company. Careful introductions can assist in the easy transition of animals into a peaceful union. Managing the circumstances rather than leaving the animals to figure it out for themselves will ensure a smooth meeting and the best possible start together. Make sure to check out simple steps about how to get cats to get along? and tips about how to stop them. Let’s get into it.
How to Get Cats to Get Along?
Ever wonder how long does it take for cats to get along? Our furry friends don’t always look each other in the eyes! While it’s natural for your pets to get into a fight now and then. It’s critical to try to interfere in regular catfights to prevent problems from getting worse. Fortunately, there are many ways to encourage our pets to be friends rather than foes, or at the very least to be civil kitties. Keep in mind that some pets prefer to be alone and may never wish to be as friendly with others felines as we would want. We come up with complete guide on how to make cats get along, check it out.
#1 Make an appropriate introduction
Allowing a second cat to roam freely inside the house is not good. That’s a great way to get off on the wrong foot with the pet and cause them to hide somewhere in the house. Instead, separate the kittens and keep them in different rooms. The cats can sniff each other but can’t see each other in this way. You can also switch the cats’ mattress pads to expose them to each other’s scent.
#2 Determine What is Causing the Conflict?
The easiest method to help your cats get along is to figure out what’s causing them to fight! If you’re not sure why your pets are fighting? The first step is to observe them throughout the day and seek triggers of unpleasant conduct. You can assist in decreasing kitten conflict once you’ve identified the causes. If you’re still wondering why your cats aren’t getting along?, Consider classic triggers like territory, food, over-excitement, and diseases if they appear out of form.
#3 Organize your Feeding Schedule
Wondering how to deal with cats that don’t get along? It’s unlikely that your kittens will feel comfortable feeding next to one other at first. Cats take food very personally, and if they fear the other pets will steal it. They may become very territorial in their bowl. Feed the cats in separate corners of the room to ease the tension. If one pet refuses to eat with the other, you should temporarily separate them into different house areas. Some kittens will guzzle their food and then chase the other cat away so they may eat their share. Such bullying must not be tolerated!
#4 Attention and Reward
Looking for best way how to get cats to like each other? Treating is a best way. When your cats are quiet, make sure you give them attention or treats. This aids in the reinforcement of calm behaviours. Before it worsens, you can always try to divert aggressive behaviour with a distraction, such as a toy or a delicious treat. If food isn’t the root of conflict, mealtimes might be a fantastic opportunity for your pet to adapt favourably to each other’s presence. Reward your cats for remaining calm and non-aggressive when they’re near together. Regular one-on-one playtime with your pets can help your cats expend any surplus energy while also limiting aggressive competition for your attention.
Types of Aggression in cats
Cats have an intrinsic aggression reaction necessary for survival as solitary, self-sufficient predators. Aggression is a natural or aberrant based on the circumstances, but it’s usually linked to a pet’s self-preservation and fearfulness. Cat aggression is a serious issue that can cause harm to both humans and pets. Even though feline aggression toward humans isn’t as common as dog assaults, it’s a significant burden for cat owners, a public health concern, and an issue that regularly leads to withdrawal.
#1 Fear-Based Aggression
Scared cats may become violent. It is more common in cats who have been inadequately trained. Some kittens are more fearful than others due to poor human interaction during the sensitive kitten period (2-8 weeks). This type of fear-anxiety struggle occurs when a cat is exposed to new triggers such as new people, a new pet, a strange or obnoxious situation, or negative experiences. When confronted, a feline that feels frightened may react defensively. If you try to comfort while scared physically, you risk injuring him and exacerbating his anxiety. Pet owners should avoid forced interaction with new people or pets, and it helps in stress reduction approaches and behaviour modification.
#2 Predatory Aggression
Hunting activity is an essential aspect of cats’ play, but it is redirected towards people and appear as hostility. Pouncing is preceded by a quick attack of hands and feet, indicating misdirected play/predatory attention-seeking behaviour. The most common cause is unsuitable interaction between kittens and their owners, who play with them with their hands. Adult felines who were not taught to control their impulses as kittens may play too violently with humans. Teach kittens to divert their energy into lifeless items such as ping pong balls or ‘fishing rod’ toys to prevent misplaced play and predatory aggressiveness.
#3 Aggression Induced by Pain
Cats in discomfort from disease or injury may lash out with aggressive behaviour. A sick cat may unintentionally lash out due to a decreased tolerance, as they commonly experience pain, anguish, and annoyance. An aggressive reaction in a distressed cat could be due to the anticipation or perception of pain when touched, which is context-dependent. Degenerative joint disease, hyperthyroidism, dental problems, and brain abnormalities are common ailments linked to aggressive behaviour. When dealing with discomfort, veterinary consultation, pain control, and complementary therapies should be considered.
How to Stop Cats From Fighting?
Seeing your cat get into a fight, whether with their companions at home or with other cats outside the house, maybe incredibly upsetting. However, there are techniques to prevent cats from battling in the short and long term. Here is how to help cats get along, let’s check it out.
#1 Fighting Can Engross Cats
However, you can try to divert their attention. Make a noise with something you know and enjoy, such as a toy. This may pique their interest and bring the struggle to a halt. The most important thing to remember while intervening to stop the fighting is to avoid getting wounded and not utilize practices that will make your cat(s) more worried or scared. As a result, avoid being aggressive with your feline and refrain from using harsh methods.
#2 Avoid Wild Cats
what to do when two cats don’t get along, it may be attacked by another cat. These attacks can be systematic: some owners report that a single cat fights their pet every time they leave the house. It is particularly concerning if your cat is gentle and mild-mannered and is unlikely to fight back. The injuries sustained in these battles sometimes necessitate multiple visits to the veterinarian, which can be concerning. Keeping your cat indoors is the most excellent way to prevent cats from fighting in this situation. It’s hazardous to let them out after dark.
#3 Consulting Animal Behaviourist
You can take your cat to an animal behaviourist if your cat isn’t sick but still has a lot of unresolved aggressiveness. These pet experts are skilled at addressing issues with cats who are always fighting, and they can teach your cat to handle their anger better.
Conclusion
Your cats are guaranteed to get along if they are happy in their environment. Keep in mind your cats have a lot of hiding spots. Some cats prefer to sit on cabinets and perches in kitty houses. On the other hand, disturbed cats will hide under and behind things, so make sure there are plenty of hiding places at ground level. Food, drink, and litter boxes should all be out in the open so your cats don’t feel intimidated when using them.
Ensure you have at least one spare litter box for each cat. Some cats are unable to coexist harmoniously. Because persistent stress and tension are unhealthy for people and pets. It may be more compassionate to keep them perpetually separated in the house or find another home for one of them than subject them to years of unpleasant coexistence.