How to make two cats friends?

Before you get a second cat, you should weigh the pros and cons. Often cats really quickly find a common language. But, unfortunately, there are exceptions. In case of mutual hostility, it is extremely difficult to make friends with animals, and, most likely, someone will have to look for a new home. If you are determined to get a second cat, here are a few tips to help make the process easy.

Preparing to meet

The appearance of a second cat in the house should occur gradually, and you need to prepare for it. First of all, buy a second set of bowls, a separate tray and a house. The new cat should have everything of its own so that it does not touch the cat’s bowl, confident in its master’s position, and even more so does not go into its tray.

Stage 1. Acquaintance with the smell

Any cat perceives the new inhabitants of the apartment as invaders of the territory, therefore it is so important to show the old-timer that the newcomer will not cause harm.

At the first stage of dating, cats should not see each other. Set them up in different rooms. At the same time, it is important to observe the hierarchy: a cat that has been living in your house for a long time has the right to occupy a large territory, sleep in its usual favorite places. A beginner, for now, can be content with little, for him the main thing is to get used to a new home and smell it. Feeding should take place at different times, trays should be at a distance from each other.

This period lasts about one to one and a half weeks. Sometimes it can take up to a month.

Stage 2. Visual contact

At the second stage, you can start arranging short acquaintance sessions for animals, observing a number of rules:

• For meetings, choose a large room so that each cat has space to end contact;

• Just in case, prepare a blanket and thick gloves. It is impossible to predict how the first meeting of pets will end;

• Acquaintance is best done after feeding: so the level of stress will be lower;

• Watch the reaction of cats and gradually increase the time of meetings.

When the cats make the first contact, you can help them get to know each other. During feeding, gradually move their bowls closer, play with pets at the same time. However, remember that even after establishing contact, it is always necessary to observe the hierarchy adopted in the house.

How not to do it?

The main mistake that the owners of two cats make: at the first meeting, they try to speed up the process of acquaintance, pushing the animals towards each other. But instead of peaceful sniffing, you can get the exact opposite effect – a fight. In order for the acquaintance to be successful, you need to be patient and bring the animals together gradually.

August 16 2017

Updated: December 21, 2017