Keep the new cat separate in a room of your house at first.
The compatibility between two cats depends on several factors like size, age, dominance and gender. Usually two female cats get along better than two male cats. When introducing a new female cat to a home with an existing female cat the ideal conditions would be one in which the new cat is younger, less dominant, smaller and similar in background. However, even an ideal situation can turn sour if you don't know properly introduce two female cats.
Isolate the Newcomer
The new cat will need to be isolated to allow the existing cat to acclimate to the new situation and prevent the new cat from infecting your existing cat with any virus. When bringing the new cat in your home, keep it in a separate room like a spare bedroom or bathroom. If you don't have the space put the cat in a large kennel but cover it with a blanket so that the cats don't have any contact.
Know When it's Time to Mingle
At first your existing cat may react aggressively to the new cat's scent on your clothing or smell the cat itself. Wait until your cat stops reacting aggressively to begin basic mingling. Separate the cats but allow them to be able to see each other and have basic contact. Use a tall baby gate between the isolation room and the rest of the house or use door stoppers to keep the door open just a crack. The cats will sniff and even bat each other but after a few days or weeks will stop acting aggressively.
Be Ready to Break Up Fights
When you first introduce the cats you may have a fight on your hands. Don't physically separate the cats; you may get injured. Spray water or make a loud noise by banging on a pot or whistle to scare them. The cats will need time to cool down separately before you can check for wounds. It may take several months until the cats stop seriously fighting each other, though you may have to deal with the occasional brawl.
Look for Signs of Stress
The cats will let you know if things are not working out. Look for stress signs like excessive licking and grooming or changes in appetite. If one cat is suddenly not using the litter box the more dominant one may be blocking access for the weaker cat. In some cases cats may need separate litter boxes in different areas. Other signs of stress include mewing, hiding, sleeping too much or spraying to mark territory. Curb these behaviors as quickly as possible and give attention to each cat separately to ease the transition.
Related posts
This puppy is adorable, but she will get big.Raising a puppy involves more than basic food and water care. The dog must see a veterinarian on a regular basis and the owner must train the dog. At t...
Pit bulls are good family dogs.American pit bull terriers, or simply pit bulls, are good family dogs known for loyalty and intelligence. When considering a pit bull for your home, take into accoun...
Unneutered male dogs will whine if they smell a female in heat.Female dogs are in heat twice a year, each time for around three weeks. Male dogs get very excited and stimulated during these times...
Vets help cure kennel coughKennel cough, medically known as bordetella, is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes cats to have varying levels of problems with their respiratory systems....
Calm a Male Dog When a Female Is in HeatMale dogs become sexually mature by nine months of age. Vet4Petz.com explains that intact male dogs have a strong urge to mate when they smell a bitch in he...
