How to make friends with two adult cats and a kitten

Play with the kitten as much as possible, at least two hours a day. If the kitten doesn't communicate enough with you, he will find ways to cheer himself up on his own, often at the expense of the older cat. He may start ambushing her, trying to play wrestle or otherwise terrorize her, which she is unlikely to like. Don't dump on your cat, who didn't actually dream of having a baby in her old age, the responsibility of entertaining the newcomer.

How to make friends with adult cats: my experience with the problem (I took a cat from the shelter, I wanted the best, but it turned out …)

Cat lovers are sometimes faced with a situation where the desire to get another pet is met with strong opposition from the pet. The cat categorically does not want to share its territory with any newcomers, whether it's a small kitten, a cat of the same age or an individual of the opposite sex.

Often such a situation resolves itself quickly and safely within a few days. But sometimes….

Yes, such a problem has formed with me, too. Some people will think it's nothing: the cats will sort themselves out. I also thought so at first, but this tense (to put it mildly) situation lasted almost 2 months! So, I want to share my "findings", how to make friends with two adult cats in one apartment.

I had looked out for a cute "girlfriend" for my adult cat at the shelter. I thought that a young kitty would brighten up my Tasia's boring days.

Dreamed a rosy picture of a happy cat's life. Girlfriend will stimulate Tasya to active games, and she, in turn, share her feline "experience" of life. Both will take care of each other, as Tasya used to do with her mommy, who lived to a ripe old age. An idyllic picture!

My two-year-old shelter cat, Margo, won me over with her affectionate disposition, sociability, and curiosity.

This lively and cheerful green-eyed cat trusted me right away. At the shelter Margosha climbed into the carrier and quietly dozed in it all the way while we were driving in the car. When we arrived home, I let her out of the carrier, and here it began!

I didn't think that my quiet and even a little bit cowardly Tasya would act like that! In the blink of an eye, she came running at Margo with a terrible howl. I didn't have time to see what she had done, but the cat's fuzz and bits of hair were already scattered aside. Dumbfounded by such hospitality, Margo jumped onto the table and pressed herself against the wall.

How to help the animals to make friends

How to make friends with a cat and a kitten without stressing or hurting each other? The friendship between an adult cat and a kitten is a matter of time. The result of their meeting and long-term dislike can be unexpected.

Sometimes a cat immediately accepts a kitten as its own baby and becomes protective of it. The cat may show sexual attraction to it, if the owner has not resorted to neutering.

But most often, without human assistance, friendship or at least acceptance does not occur. Therefore, the owner of an adult animal should learn some simple reconciliation techniques and have good patience. From your own experience, you can learn how to introduce a cat to a kitten.

1. Maintaining personal space.
2. Accustoming the kitten to his litter box and bowl.
3. Sniffing at the first introduction.
4. Playing together.
5. Gradual convergence of bowls at meal times.
6. Getting equal attention from your owner to all pets in the house.

Personal space

The first thing a cat or cat does is perceive a small cat as a challenger to their territory. The owner's job is to change this perception.

The pet needs to realize that the kitty is not an invader and is not claiming his or her space. For the first few days, the baby should be isolated in another room and not allowed to cross paths with the cat. The kitten should be provided with its own bowl, cot and litter box.

Attention! Many adult pets refuse their usual litter trays and start to go to the toilet all over the apartment if their toilet was marked by a foreign animal.

After a few days when your cat is used to eating from its bowl, going to its litter box and sleeping on its bed it can be let out in a shared room. This will start the gradual getting to know the pets, and that will be the first step to them living together.

Getting to know

The animals first get to know each other through smells. Even a cat that has been locked in another room can sense the kitten very well. The newcomer emits smells that are keenly picked up by other pets. The cat will come to the door, sniff it, maybe even ask to go into that room.

Ways to reconcile pets

The reaction of a cat and a cat to the arrival of a small alien kitten in the house is often different. A cat is aggressive for one reason, a cat may have different motives.

But their dislike has one thing in common: they are hardened loners, and they do not like the unwanted neighborhood. The owner must remember that different reasons for aggression require different solutions. Consider in detail how to reconcile the kitten with the cat and the cat.

Friendship between cat and kitten

Many owners believe that the cat when meeting the baby may wake up the maternal instinct. Sometimes this happens. The animal accepts the new member of the family as its own child, but this rule can only work if the cat is currently nursing, or has recently lost its kittens.

In an outburst of longing for her babies, she takes someone else's kitten as her own. Although such cases are also possible with non-feeding females. But most often the brought baby is perceived as an adult animal, a threat to her life, and to reconcile them at first is not possible.

Attention! To reconcile them, the kitten should be shown to the cat gradually.

At first you should isolate them from each other. Let her get used to its smell. Then try to introduce them to each other. The cat will cautiously sniff it and consider whether it is dangerous for its life.

Joint play, no punishment for aggression, and the separation of bowls and litter boxes will do the trick – after a while the cat will accept the kitten, even if not as her baby, but as a safe friend.

A mature cat may show inadequate sexual attraction to the kitten. This is due to the baby's odor or the hormonal surge due to unmet sexual needs. In this situation, the animal should be spayed.

A cat meeting a kitten may awaken its maternal instinct

The main causes of conflicts between cats

The reasons that pets do not want to be friends with each other are not only in their character. We must not forget that the ancestors of modern domestic cats are predators. Therefore, the main reasons for conflicts are explained by their instinctive behavior:

• Fighting for territory.. The house or apartment where the cat lives, it considers its property. Only by controlling it completely, the pet feels safe. And the appearance of a stranger on it can easily provoke aggression.
• Competition for food. Although domestic cats no longer need to feed themselves as their distant ancestors, food they still perceive as a legitimate prey, and to share it with other cats exactly do not want.
• Sexual behavior. A territory for cats is not only their "hunting ground" but also their personal space where they can attract females or males with special tags. Competition for the continuation of the species is also a frequent cause of conflict if the animals are not spayed.

Understanding these reasons is half the battle in building future friendships between pets.

Does breed affect the relationship

Since cats are the most common pets on our planet, experts have long studied their behavior through various experiments. For example, a group of scientists from Finland in 2021 conducted a large-scale study of the character of different breeds of cats by questioning their owners. It turned out that the representatives of different breeds treat their congeners differently: some are more friendly, while others in most cases are hostile. So if your "first-born" is a purebred, or if you want to have a second pet of a certain breed – learn about the peculiarities of their attitude to their fellows, consult experienced breeders or specialists-felinologists.

Introducing cats properly

A foreword from me. Almost every day on Pikabu there are posts like "We picked up a cat, and there is already a cat at home, and they fight and are not friends, so help me to settle the podobrashku! I find these posts terribly upsetting. First of all, the fact that people can't google. The post I'm reposting was 3 for "How to Introduce Cats." Well, it's not hard to google. Secondly, the podgy is threatened in such posts, with "Take it away or we'll have to throw it away/still it" reading between the lines. Third, people decide for themselves the happiness of a two-cat. Two cats – it's three times more fun than one cat ) Watching the relationship kittens incredibly fun, and the cats themselves (after they are properly introduced and accustomed to each other) really like to play together. So, read it, memorize it, send it to your friends, love cats, introduce them properly, and enjoy their company!

I'm going to ask for a raise, because I'm not posting for pluses/karma/fame/etc, but for the sake of the kitties and their owners. There will be comments for minuses for fans of balance!

Although cats are not solitary creatures (as you probably already know) and many of them benefit from having feline companions, nonetheless, cats are also territorial animals, so the process of introducing a new resident into your home will require some finesse and patience on your part. If you simply throw the cats together and let them sort themselves out, you will put both cats in a very dangerous situation and put them under tremendous stress, as well as putting them at risk of bodily harm. The wrong or rushed introduction of a new cat into the home can make the cats nemeses for the rest of their lives. A proper introduction, on the other hand, can open the door to a lifelong and touching feline friendship.

The proper technique for introducing a new cat into the home should address both the emotional and physical needs of both cats. From the old-timer cat's point of view, the new cat is a trespasser and a potential enemy. From the newcomer's perspective, he has just been dumped into hostile territory without any support. Our job is to make both cats feel safe. If they feel as if there is no safe place for them in the house, then their bodies switch to hostile survival mode and you will see panic, fighting and possibly tagging. If, however, they feel they can stay in their comfort zone, as if checking out the situation and looking out for each other, then their gradual familiarity is more relaxed and you can always keep your hand on the panic button.

How to help an elderly cat make friends with a kitten

Often I am approached by cat owners with a request for advice because the older cat does not accept the new family member – a kitten. Owners underestimate this problem because it is believed that kittens adapt more easily to the new home and should not cause any trouble. But what is often overlooked is the older cat and her opinion on the new pet in the house.

When selecting a new pet you need to consider not only the species, breed, and character, but also the age, especially if other animals already live at home!

Many cat owners do not realize that their adult cats, may not accept a kitten, and suffer from the arrival of a new pet in the house. A new kitten usually wants to make friends with everyone, but older cats may not want anything to do with a fussy, active and clingy baby.

Often older cats, after the arrival of a kitten, become sad, aloof, hiss a lot, and sometimes even stop eating if they have a hard time adjusting to a new family member. This behavior is because cats don't like change, especially at an older age.

Often I hear things like this. "Our elderly cat has become very boring, doesn't move much, has gained weight. We want to take a kitten, so he will cheer her up a bit and play with her." .

A story like this is a road to failure and problems! An elderly animal, often, needs only one companion – you! If you can't give your elderly cat enough time to have a varied life, to keep her moving and not gain weight, to keep her learning new things and solving problems and training her brain, then how will a kitten help with that? It will take up all the time you could have spent with your cat. And it's not a fact that the appearance of a kitten will cause at least some positive emotions, rather than continuous stress for an elderly cat.

Undoubtedly, positive stories, when people got a kitten and an elderly cat came to life and became more active, happen. But not 100% of the time.

How to bring home a second cat and not to upset the first

Contributor(s): Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years experience in veterinary surgery and treating companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Number of sources used in this article: 8. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.

Cats have very complex personalities, so no one knows how a cat will react to any other animal in the house. There are times when even two cats can't find common ground. Nevertheless, it is possible to take some measures that can prevent and/or minimize possible negative emotions. Many cats can live together harmoniously, especially if you help them get used to each other. Taking the time and care to "introduce" your cats properly is the only way to encourage a good relationship.

Preparing for a new cat

Spend enough time with your cats. Both of your cats need your love and attention. Pet them and play with them. Allocate twenty minutes to the cats twice a day. If they don't want to play together yet, try to give them the same amount of time.

• Cats are territorial animals by nature, so be prepared for conflicts over territory. [1] X Reliable source The Humane Society of the United States Go to source
• If you're going to get a second cat, be prepared that each cat will need about two square meters of space.
• If you are getting a second adult cat, try to find a cat about the same size as the first if possible. There is a chance that the smaller cat will be afraid of the larger one, so it's better if both animals are about the same "weight class."

How do animals of different breeds get along?

Each breed has its own temperament. This is worth considering when wanting to keep two pets in the same house. Here are a few examples.

Short-haired British and ragdolls are the most malleable. The first are phlegmatic, so they easily get along with almost all animals of their species. The latter prefer quiet neighbors, but experience stress in the company of active pets.

Persian cats do not need company, but adapt easily. With the right approach, they can share territory with other animals.

Sphinxes and Siamese cats are not very fond of neighbors. Sphinxes are fearless, highly intelligent, untrusting, and prefer to be the center of attention. Siamese are jealous, not tolerating the owner's attention to others.

How to stop fighting?

If you want or need to help an animal from the street, you need to breed. But sometimes it is better to wait and think about the first pet.

Cats over 5 years old have a hard time adapting to this kind of change. An adult animal may become depressed and even die.

Sexually mature young males pose a danger to kittens younger than 3 months. Castrated cats can easily get along with babies.

Pregnant or nursing females should not be housed with other animals. Under great stress, they may kill their own kittens.

How to make friends with an adult cat (cat) and a kitten?

Let's say you already have an adult cat . And suddenly, after some thought, you decide to get another pet and buy a kitten. How to make the first acquaintance of two cats go smoothly? How do they make friends, that they accepted each other and reconciled to the fact that they will have one owner for two? Here are 8 simple tips. Follow them and your pets won't fight:

1. The day before a kitten comes into the house "bribe" your adult pet with a new scratching post, catnip-scented toy, or different treats. Put him in a good mood.

2. When you bring the kitten in Allow him a room to live in for about two days. Put bowls of water and food in the corners, toys and small or broken objects out of the room: a kitten is a kitten. You don't want to let an adult cat into this room. Let him smell the kitten for the time being, but not see it.

3. The next day do the following Let the kitten and the adult cat sniff each other out. Let the cat poke its nose into the gap between the door of the "baby's" room and the floor. This way he will remember the new scent and begin to get used to it.

4. Mix the cat's scents: take a wet towel and wrap the kitten in it, then rub the adult cat with this towel.

5. The kitten has been living in your home for two or three days. . Now it's time to swap places with the adult cat. The older cat should be isolated in the room where the kitten lived, and the baby should be given complete freedom – let him get acquainted with the apartment.

6. Put the kitten in a carrier, and let it communicate with an older companion through its mesh door. A hiss from the adult cat will mean roughly the following: "Hey, buddy, I'm in charge here, remember!" Don't make a big deal out of it.

7. Show the kitten that the older cat is in charge. At first give him first food, and give him the best toys. After a while you can show the animals that you love them equally.

Causes of aggressive cat behavior

You brought a small kitten into the house, and the cat refuses to accept it? Let's figure out why an adult cat hisses at a kitten. The fact is that the cat most likely perceives the new tenant as a threat to its usual way of life. She may be jealous of her owner and demonstrate this by her attacks and hisses. If the cat's reaction is very negative to begin with, making friends with the cat and the kitten may be a bit difficult, but it is possible nevertheless. Situations where at first an adult cat does not accept a strange little kitten, and then becomes his best friend, are very common. You probably know cases when several cats live in the house at the same time and get along fine with each other.

Of course, cats are extremely jealous of their territory and privacy. When you get a new pet you have to pay as much attention to your first cat, and better still more than usual, and let her know that you still love her in every way. She has to be sure of you and of your attitude, this will reduce the heat and make her accept the new cat.

If you realize you don't have the time or energy for two equal pets, consider smaller animals such as birds, reptiles or rodents. But only if your cat's breed isn't overly predisposed to hunting, otherwise it could be a problem. If you decide to have an aquarium, it should be securely set up and access to it should be closed off to avoid trouble. The same goes for cages with rabbits and rodents – you shouldn't leave them under your cat's nose. Even if the cage is firmly closed, both animals will be stressed.

A dog can also make a great friend, but you may need a little more time and effort to get the cat and dog properly acquainted and friendly. If you manage to discuss the situation with a professional dog handler, you can get a lot of helpful advice and valuable information, and the adjustment will go much easier and faster.

How do you make friends with the new pet and the mature cat?

Your pets will need time to get used to each other, mark their boundaries, and eventually become true friends. Of course, in theory you could have adult pets as well, but it's better to opt for a baby cat. Being unsophisticated in communication, kittens and puppies are much friendlier, they are more curious and this pushes them to get acquainted, and an adult cat does not perceive a new kitten or puppy as a rival, because it understands that it is still small. With a small kitten it will be easier for an adult cat to "negotiate".

However, if the kitten is very small (younger than 1-2 months), there may be difficulties of another kind. The cat may not be jealous of the kitten but take it as her own offspring, and then everything will depend on how she will evaluate the viability of the kitten. Until the kitten is strong enough, it should be near the cat only in your presence, to avoid serious trouble.

Do not be frightened or upset if the adult cat hisses at the kitten. What to do in this case should be decided according to the situation. Of course, at first the cat will demonstrate that she is the mistress here and will not let anyone encroach on her territory. At first you should not leave the cat and the new kitten together unattended. The new pet must know its place and not violate the privacy of the first cat – in this case a peaceful coexistence of the old cat and the kitten is guaranteed. Moreover, until the new kitten has undergone all the necessary checks and all the preventive vaccinations it is better not to let it near the other cat. You should first make sure that he is healthy, or provide him with the necessary treatment if the kitten is found to have any infections or diseases. When the necessary tests have been done, but the results are not yet available, let the kitten be quarantined in an area that has been fenced off. Try to spend time with both pets and if a tense situation arises, one of them should leave the room for a while. When you are not at home, the animals should be in separate rooms and doors should be closed, so that in your absence the animals could not penetrate into each other's territory. If the adult cat does not accept the kitten, what you should not do is to push the animals together on purpose – do not force the events, let the pets get used to each other.