Without a doubt, the question " how to introduce a second cat into the house?" It is the most common among cat guardians who consider that their best friend needs company. We know how difficult it is for us to adopt a single kitten, either because we love these beautiful animals, because we want to expand the family or because we have found an abandoned cat in the street that urgently needs a home, and therefore, We explain how to carry out the presentation.
Unfortunately, introducing a new cat into a home where a feline already lives is not that easy! So much so, that if the introduction between cats is not carried out correctly, the introduction of the new member can be very stressful for both the old feline and the newcomer. Many are those who opt for the technique of putting them together and waiting to see what happens, however there are few cases that result adequately. The animals are most likely to be nervous, anxious and even aggressive towards each other. For this reason, we have prepared this article on our site on how to introduce two cats, take note!
How to introduce a second cat into the house
There are several steps you must follow to introduce a new cat to the family and thus ensure that both animals tolerate each other and also become friends. Above all it is necessary to have a lot of patience! Never force cats together because if you do, they will most likely attack each other.
Remember that cats hate changes in their routine and are very territorial animals. How do you think your feline will take the arrival of a new cat if you don't follow the correct steps? Although it is a slow process, you will see that in the end it will be worth it and you will get your reward when you see the kittens sleeping together, playing and spending hours side by side. Regardless of the age of the new cat, be it a puppy or an adult, the process is similar. We explain step by step what you should do.
Before bringing another cat into the house
Even before the new kitten arrives, you can start the adaptation process. Buying synthetic pheromones in a diffuser (such as Feliway) to place in the new member's room is more than recommended. Of course, the ancient feline will not be able to access this space, for now. In this sense, in addition to including the pheromone diffuser, you can start preparing everything necessary to ensure that the new member has their own room, litter box, water, food, toys, scratchers, etc. This space will be like a monastery for the new kitten, a place to take refuge and feel safe. The feeling of safety is essential to the adaptation process.
Day One: Introducing Two Cats
Place the new family member in the space provided for him. At this time, you should not let the old cat into the room, since, for now, each must have their own space By smell, both animals will know that they do not live alone and will feel uncomfortable, which is why at first it is important that they identify each other only by smell.
If you notice that the cats are each standing on one side of the bedroom door, hissing or growling, do not scold or punish themTry to distract the animals, get them out of that place, play with them and calm them down. The most important thing of all is that they are relaxed to start associating themselves with positive stimuli, and a shout from you would mean a very negative one.
How to introduce a kitten to another adult cat
The presentation between the cats, whether they are the two adults, puppies or one of each, is exactly the same, so you should follow the advice aboveLikewise, the recommendations that we share in the following sections are equally valid for kittens and adult cats. In fact, in cases where it is necessary to make some adaptation, we also indicate it. The important thing in all cases is to associate the animals with positive stimuli and foster security among them.
How to get a cat used to another cat
After having properly housed the cats, each in their own space, it's time to show them that this change brings positive things. To do this, it is worth remembering the importance of positive reinforcement, essential in the education of any feline.
An excellent way to get them to start associating as something good, is, even when separated and after two or three days after the arrival of the new cat, place a bowl of food to each near the door that separates them. In this way, they will come closer to eat and begin to get used to each other's presence. The distance from the door should be enough for the cats to be comfortable, but if one of them starts to hiss or ruffle his fur, move the food bowl away until he is in a comfortable position.
Each day that passes, bring the bowls closer until the time comes when they are glued to the door. Remember that you cannot open the door yet, as we have mentioned, it is a slow process that must be done correctly to obtain good results. A little carelessness can be enough to return to the beginning.
Get used to the smell of one and the other
Smell is how cats know each other. The pheromones they release are the main method of communication between felines. For your cats to get used to and get to know each other's smell before seeing each other in person, you must place an object of each of them in the other's space Also you can lightly rub the cat with a towel or cloth when it is calm and peaceful. For this, pass the fabric through the cheek region, where they release more pheromones. The most important thing is to do it when the cat is calm, in this way calm is transmitted to the other cat when he smells the towel with the pheromones.
Now just put the towel near the other cat and carefully observe its behavior. If he just sniffs it and does nothing, reward him! It is a very good sign that they do not transfer or show signs of aggressiveness. Play with the cat near the towel and reward him. It is very important to associate the smell of the other cat with positive things so that he recognizes it as something good for him.
Room Swap
Once the cats have become accustomed to each other's scent, it's time to move them to another room. Start by introducing the old cat in the space provided for the new member and leave it locked up for a moment. In the meantime, let the new kitten loose around the house and let her roam freely. You may find that he doesn't want to get out of his comfort zone, if so don't force himand try the exchange again another day. Whenever one of them behaves appropriately, remember to positively reinforce that attitude with food and lots of love.
If at any time your new cat starts to get stressed, return him to his safe space and try to calm him down and relax.
Let the old cat explore the space of the new
When the new cat is completely comfortable at home, without the old cat nearby, lock him in a room and go find the old tenant so that he can explore the space of the new member quietly. As we have pointed out with the previous one, if the old feline does not want to collaborate or is restless and stressed, do not force it. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary, and it is to remember the popular saying: "haste is the enemy of perfection".
Introducing a second cat at home is not an exact science. Each feline has a different rhythm of adaptation to new situations and, therefore, it is important to respect the rhythm and limits of each one of the cats Always adapt the rhythm and the training sessions for the most shy and nervous cat.
The first meeting between the two cats
When the cats are totally calm and comfortable in the environment, it is time to introduce them. This moment is very important and you must be very careful to avoid any situation that triggers aggression between them.
There are different options to make the cats see each other for the first time. If you have an area with a glass or window in the center, this is an excellent idea. Another possibility would be to place the new cat in her room and repeat the previous feeding session but with the door slightly open so they can face each other. If they are calm, you can use the toy known as a fishing rod to play and associate with fun moments.
If the new kitten is a puppy, putting him in a carrier so the old cat can come closer can also be a good alternative.
And if any of the cats get stressed or aggressive, throw a treat or toy far away to distract them and separate them. As we have already mentioned, some animals take longer to accept the other and you can always try to try again tomorrow. The important thing is not to spoil everything by wanting to do things quickly.
When the cats no longer show any type of aggressiveness or discomfort in relation to the other, congratulations! You have managed to tolerate each other. Now you can let them get to know each other, be together, smell each other and play, but always with caution. Keep an eye on them during the first days of total freedom to ensure that no altercation occurs between them. Also, keep treats and toys nearby in case you need to use them to ward off one of the felines.
How to make two cats get along
Now, if after discovering how to introduce your cat to another cat you have been able to verify that you did this task wrong and, therefore, your cats do not get along…, there is still hope! Our advice is that you perform the entire process exposed in the article, as if the newest one had just arrived, and make a space for it. Although we cannot guarantee success, it is possible that by following these steps you will be able to bring your animals closer together and at least get them to tolerate each other to return peace to the home.
If, unfortunately, none of this works and you can't get your cats to stop fighting, you should see a feline ethologist for professional help
