How long does it take for 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.
What is the fastest way to introduce cats to each other?
Introducing cats to each other in three simple steps
- Step 1: Give your new cat time to settle. Remember that your new cat needs time to settle so provide her with an area where she feels safe and can start to adjust to her new surroundings.
- Step 2: Let them catch a glimpse.
- Step 3: Relaxed first meeting.
How do I get my cat to accept another cat?
The idea behind scent swapping is that both cats become fully comfortable in the presence of the smell of the other cat before physically meeting. By ensuring this, there is a greater chance they will accept the physical presence of one another as they are more likely to consider each other as part of the same group.
Should I let my cats fight when they first meet?
You should play with both cats at first, so they can smell and greet one another in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart. You may have to do this several times before their personalities no longer clash.
How long until my cat stops hissing at my new cat?
If it takes more than seven days for the hissing to stop, things need to go more gradually. Allow the cats to see each other while maintaining a physical barrier, such as stacking baby gates in the doorway, opening the door an inch or two and using a door stop to keep the door open, or putting in a screen door.
Should you let cats hiss at each other?
Don’t be alarmed; it’s normal for cats to hiss at something new or something they don’t understand. Hissing is a distance-increasing behavior. Simply put, it’s a warning saying, “Please back off, and do not come any closer.”
How do you know if your cats don’t like each other?
They may freak out a little if they accidentally touch each other. You might also see signs of insecurity in one or both cats. These signs can include hiding, pooping outside the litter box, spraying in inappropriate places outside the box, or becoming extra destructive and even lashing out at you.
Should you let cats growl at each other?
Don’t punish the cats for hissing or growling as that can form a negative association about the other cat, as well as you. Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.
What do I do when my old cat doesn’t like my new cat?
Separate the kitten into its own area, which is completely cut off from your older cat, for example in a spare room. This may seem counter-productive to getting them more used to each other, but your older cat will need time to settle down and re-establish their comfort level in their own home.
How do you know if your new cat is getting along?
How to tell if your cats get along with each other – six key behaviours to look for.
- They head-butt each other. Don’t worry, not in an aggressive way!
- They groom each other.
- They snooze together.
- They touch noses.
- They hang out together.
- They have a rough and tumble.
What do you do when cats don t get along?
Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your cats get along again.
- Give Them Their Own Territory. Cats often don’t like to share and can become selfish with resources.
- Visit a Veterinarian.
- Use Calming Diffusers.
- Look for Triggers.
- Reintroduce Your Cats.