Cats are typically solitary and territorial creatures that love their space, especially an adult cat. So, adopting a new cat may seem daunting. However, selecting a cat whose temperament compliments your cat and properly introducing one another can ensure long-term harmony. And before you make a list of “Things I wish I knew before getting a second cat,” we are here for you.
Also, if you are wondering, "How to get cats to get along?" sit back and read on because this is a comprehensive guide on how to prepare your home for a second cat and how to introduce a new cat to your cat. This will surely help you get your cats to become friends and live in peace.
Is It Better to Have Two Cats?
Yes, it is! If you already own a cat and wonder if they feel lonely or would want another cat to play with, maybe getting a second cat is a good idea. In general, cats need a lot of physical and mental stimulation, enrichment, and social interaction, and bringing home another cat can keep them active if they get along well with each other.
Selecting Your Second Cat
There might be some things you need to keep in mind while selecting your second cat.
Age and Temperament
When selecting a second cat, remember to consider their age and temperament because these can influence the cats’ interaction with each other. Also, if the cats have been alone for a long time, the two may not get along with each other very quickly.
Generally, two cats growing up together get along with little to no issues. However, if you have an adult cat, bringing a kitten home is a good idea because they can adjust to the current environment more easily, which is more complicated in the case of an adult cat. Even then, keep an eye out for signs of stress or fear.
Another aspect to consider when getting a second cat is their temperament. Try choosing a cat with a personality that compliments your older cat. Typically, cats with similar energy levels get along well. If your cat is active and playful, try getting a cat with a similar personality so that both cats can enjoy playing.
Preparing Your Home for a Second Cat
If you have decided to get a new cat, preparing your home for them is one of the most important parts that will ensure that they are comfortable in their new home:
Setting up a quarantine area for the new cat
Before bringing home your new cat, set up a confined area for them – maybe a spare room, which the resident cat does not use, and you do not need to go there constantly. Give them comfortable bedding, litterbox, food, and water for 6-7 days, or until they are checked by the vet.
Providing separate feeding and litter areas
Keep your new cat’s feeding and litter areas separate from the resident cat. This way, your new cat will not feel uncomfortable around the other cat. You can gradually decrease the distance between the feeding bowls of the cats; ideally, when your second cat gets a little more comfortable.
Additional litter boxes, beds, and toys
Always get plenty of litter boxes, beds, and toys, you need more than the number of cats. Ensure to provide new beds and litter boxes to your new cat because if you give your resident cat’s belongings, the new cat may feel uneasy from the smell of another cat.
Safe spaces for both cats to retreat
To set your cats up for success, you must provide plenty of safe spaces around the house where they can retreat. It could be hiding spots, shelves, or kitty condo perches. Also, place food, water, and litter boxes near these spots so the cats can use them.
Introducing the New Cat to Your Resident Cat
Introducing the new cat to your resident cat is crucial when bringing home a second cat. Hence, take proper measures before introducing them to each other because first impressions are just as important between felines as they are between people. The following essential steps you can take for success include:
Initial Isolation
When the new cat comes to your house, keep them confined in a separate room. This way, the cat can get settled down, and you will introduce them to the resident cat gradually with the help of scent.
Scent Swapping
When the cat is finally comfortable in their own space, you can begin introducing them to your first cat. You can do that by gradually introducing the smell of the cats to one another - at this point, the cats do not need to physically meet. This is important because cats use scent to identify other cats or to know if the cat is in the same social group.
What you are doing by scent swapping is making sure the cats recognize each other as part of the same social group. You can swap the clothes the cats have slept on and toys. Place them somewhere the cat will come across in their own space. This way, there is more chance of your cats accepting each other's physical presence because they probably already consider one another part of the same group.
Gradual Visual Introductions
When the cats get familiar with one another’s scent, you can start introducing them, which is getting a sight of each other. Use physical barriers when your cats see each other at first. There are different ways you can achieve that, which include:
A tall baby gate
Screen door
A door held slightly ajar (so the cats cannot pass through)
A portable pen
Feed each cat on either side of the baby gate or barrier. This way, the cats will associate the pleasing experience of eating with the presence of one another.
Supervised Interactions
According to an article by the VCA Animal Hospitals, you must let the cats approach each other or interact through the baby gate. The cats can play through the barrier with a common toy. Keep an eye out for signs of stress. If the cats are comfortable, you can let them share some space; however, under supervision.
Short, Positive Meetings
Keep the interactions short and positive. Allow them playtime with sufficient resources for the cats, such as multiple cat trees and plenty of toys.
Using Treats and Toys
When the cats interact with each other, you can reward the behaviors you want to reinforce. According to PetMD, you can offer treats and toys whenever you notice positive behaviors like gentle mouthing and rubbing against each other.
Signs of Aggression or Fear.
It is essential to watch for signs of aggression or fear in your cats. The negative body language to pay attention to include:
Ears flattened against the head
Fur standing on end
Dilated pupils
Bared teeth
Stiff body posture
Strategies to Calm and Reassure Both Cats
When the tensions between the cats start to mount or they get into a fight, distract them by throwing a towel near them and then separate the cats from each other. Get the new cat back to their room and let them calm down. Give the cats some time before reintroducing them.
Ensuring Long-Term Harmony
To ensure long-term harmony between the cats, you must consider the following aspects.
Routine and Consistency
Maintain a routine for both of your cats. Be consistent with their feeding, playing, and sleeping schedule. This way, the cats feel more confident and less stressed because they know what’s coming next. It is especially essential for the new cat.
Environmental Enrichment
Proper environmental enrichment is essential for long-term harmony among your cats. You can provide them with plenty of interactive toys, scratching posts, hiding spots, litter boxes, puzzle feeders, shelves, and tall cat trees.
Conclusion
Introducing a new cat to the first one takes care and consideration. It also needs patience and consistency. Provide your cats with a positive and enriched environment for positive interaction, which helps them get along. Also, reward with treats and toys when you notice signs your cat is accepting the new kitten.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to introduce a kitten to a cat?
Keep the kitten confined in a room with the resources for at least a week when you bring them home. After a few days, introduce both cats to the scent of one another. Finally, when the cats get comfortable with the smell, introduce them physically under supervision.
