1
How can I get my adopted cat to respond to the other cats and get along with them?
2
How do I get the 1 yr. old female and 2 yr. old male cat to "be nice" to my new kitten? All they do is swat and hiss at the poor little guy. Should I referee, or let them work it out?
3
Is there any way to help two cats learn to get along with each other. My two cats came to me at different times, the second about 3 months ago. My other cat hisses at the newcomer and they end up fighting. Will they ever be able to co-exist happily?
4
We recently got a male kitten, 8-10 weeks old. We already have a male cat. The older one is hissing at the kitten. What's the best way to handle the situation?
5
Will a male cat and another male cat fight with each other?
6
How do I introduce a new cat to my 6 year old male indoor cat? Should I get a kitten or an older cat?
7
How do I get my 3 adult cats to get along with a baby kitten I just brought home?
8
My boyfriend and I just brought home an 8 week old kitten last night and my 2 year old cat growls and hisses at her and then runs and hides. They're both female calicos. Are they going to eventually get along and play together?
9
I have 2 female adult cats and my daughter is moving back home with her adult male cat. They all hate each other, so is there any way we can make the transition any easier. They are all neutered so that isn't a problem.
1
How can I get my adopted cat to respond to the other cats and get along with them?
How cats respond to other cats is often influenced by two things, their personality and their experience with other cats. Some cats are by nature very social and outgoing and get along with other cats, while others are shy and timid. Since cats can also live solitary lives, some have no experience with other cats and do not like to be near them. The first step is actually to keep new cats separated from one another to get them familiar with the smell and sounds of each other. This might take several weeks. Then short periods of time where they see each other can be tried and then separate the cats again. The key to determine if more or less time is needed is to watch how the cats acts. Going slowly, taking the time to allow the cats to adjust usually works over time.
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2
How do I get the 1 yr. old female and 2 yr. old male cat to "be nice" to my new kitten? All they do is swat and hiss at the poor little guy. Should I referee, or let them work it out?
It is not uncommon for resident cats to be upset when a newcomer enters the home. Things often go best with gradual introductions and times of separation. The two older cats probably need time alone away from the kitten and he needs time away from them. Make sure that they all have easy access to litter boxes, food and water bowls. Since the kitten is likely to be more energetic, be sure to have active, daily play time with him and petting and grooming time with the older cats. Given several months they should gradually work out a schedule they all can live with.
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3
Is there any way to help two cats learn to get along with each other. My two cats came to me at different times, the second about 3 months ago. My other cat hisses at the newcomer and they end up fighting. Will they ever be able to co-exist happily?
It may take quite some time for two cats to get used to one another. In the meantime things can be helped along by making sure that all the resources they need are spread through out the house. This means there should be at least two litter boxes, two food bowls, two water bowls and two beds each in different locations. If the cats are really irritated with one another, it may help to keep them separated unless they are supervised. Associating good things such as play time or treats with the presence of the other cat can also help.
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4
We recently got a male kitten, 8-10 weeks old. We already have a male cat. The older one is hissing at the kitten. What's the best way to handle the situation?
It is not uncommon for a resident cat to be a bit reluctant to accept a newcomer. It is often a good idea to create a separate location for the new cat with food, water, a litter box and resting area. This will allow the resident cat to become used to the smell of the new cat through the closed door. After several days the hissing may diminish. At that time, they could briefly be allowed to interact, but then would have to be separated again. As things improve they can be left together with supervision for longer periods of time. Going slowly and allowing time for them to each get to know each other usually works out for the best. Introductions can take several weeks, but the care and time is usually worth it.
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5
Will a male cat and another male cat fight with each other?
Whether two male cats fight depends on several factors. If both cats are intact (not neutered) they may fight about territory and mates. If both cats are neutered, but have never met before, they may fight when they first meet, but after some time may get along. Two male cats, especially litter mates that are raised together from a young age, often get along just fine.
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6
How do I introduce a new cat to my 6 year old male indoor cat? Should I get a kitten or an older cat?
Some cats are more social than others and introductions may take time. A kitten will be quite lively and may overwhelm a quiet and sedate cat. An adult cat may not be as social as a kitten so each one has its good and bad points. Introductions should proceed slowly allowing the cats to smell each other through a closed door for 1-2 weeks. Once they no longer are upset, short meetings can take place. Using food rewards to facilitate good behavior is helpful. Most introductions take 1-2 months for the cats to feel comfortable with each other.
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7
How do I get my 3 adult cats to get along with a baby kitten I just brought home?
Introducing resident cats to a new cat or kitten can be a challenge. The first step is to keep them separated and make sure introductions are short and structured. It also may help to introduce the kitten to one cat at a time and use food treats to help make the association pleasant. When you cannot supervise the cats and the kitten, it is best to keep them separate. Over time they should learn to accept one another.
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8
My boyfriend and I just brought home an 8 week old kitten last night and my 2 year old cat growls and hisses at her and then runs and hides. They're both female calicos. Are they going to eventually get along and play together?
Given enough time a cat and a kitten often resolve their differences. It helps however, to keep the kitten isolated at first and allow the resident cat to get used to the smell and sound of the kitten for a few days before they are introduced. Then, introductions are kept short and at a distance as the kitten and the cat get used to one another. Often using food treats helps to associate pleasant things with the presence of the other cat. Until they are more relaxed they should only be together under supervision.
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9
I have 2 female adult cats and my daughter is moving back home with her adult male cat. They all hate each other, so is there any way we can make the transition any easier. They are all neutered so that isn't a problem.
It often can be difficult to integrate a new cat into an existing home. The first step is to separate the cats initially and allow them to get used to each other through a closed door. As long as they are agitated as evidenced by hissing, growling, tail twitching or other signs they should not be put together. If they seem calm, they can be together for short times. It is important to go slowly and allow the cats to get used to one another before proceeding.
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