In line with the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation (AVMA), about 37 million households have cats. That comes out to 1.78 animals per house. With these numbers in thoughts, it’s a protected assumption that many cat homeowners have been confronted with the problem of introducing two cats to at least one one other, and a few pet mother and father have extra success than others.
It’s inconceivable to foretell how lengthy two cats will get alongside. Many variables can have an effect on how the animals reply to a brand new family member. It will probably typically take a minimum of just a few weeks of supervised introductions, however generally it takes years. Some cats could by no means turn into quick associates. Nevertheless, understanding the feline thoughts may also help easy the way in which to a peaceable house.
The three Components Affecting How Cats Work together With One One other
Cats are extra in contact with their wild facet than canines. Whereas people domesticated canines round 40,000 years in the past, it was a more moderen occasion for felines roughly 12,000 years in the past. Canines proved themselves useful proper from the beginning. Nevertheless, scientists stay puzzled as to why individuals accepted cats so readily to the purpose of worshipping them, as they didn’t assist us like canines did of their varied roles, except for mousing, after all.
Our cats have developed to turn into much less reactive, fearful, and aggressive towards us. Nevertheless, what impact has evolution had on their relationships with one another?
1. Looking Habits
![Burmese cat face before pounce hunting to toy mouse at home](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Burmese-cat-face-before-pounce-hunting-to-toy-mouse-at-home_Viacheslav-Lopatin_Shutterstock.jpg)
Do not forget that cats are solitary hunters, with the notable exception of lions. They adapt their day by day patterns to their prey’s conduct, whether or not it’s nocturnal rodents or diurnal birds. Our feline companions even study their family routines and modify their sleeping patterns accordingly. On the coronary heart of their conduct beats the center of a territorial predator.
Our pets have a core space inside the house as a part of their territory. That’s the place your kitty feels most secure. The perimeter of this house marks their territorial boundaries. Intact animals will scent mark it to alert different would-be interlopers that it’s occupied. It’s adaptive conduct because it reduces the danger of battle and helps survival. That’s one purpose in your cat’s eager sense of odor that exceeds people.
With all this in thoughts, intuition kicks in while you attempt to introduce one other cat into your family. Your present pet could not view the animal as one other buddy however as a competitor, therefore the hissing and growling that follows. Do not forget that it’s all about survival for cats. Felines haven’t had a lot evolutionary stress to vary these instincts, even when they appear odd or unacceptable. It’s their wild facet taking the stage.
2. The Emotional Lifetime of Cats
Analysis has proven that cats can expertise the six fundamental feelings of shock, worry, disgust, disappointment, happiness, and anger. They might additionally really feel spur-of-the-moment jealousy. The brand new kitty you’ve introduced house could set off these feelings, along with their intuition to defend their territory. In case your pet has by no means met one other cat, their first response could also be worry or anger.
Felines don’t have a way of time like we do; every little thing occurs within the right here and now. They might not perceive the long-term results of a short encounter with one other cat. It’s a menace to which they need to react.
One other mitigating issue is socialization. The essential interval for kittens is between 3 and 9 weeks previous. In contrast to canines, pet homeowners usually don’t introduce their pets to different animals, like a person could take their pet to pet playtime. The window could shut on a kitty with out alternatives to fulfill totally different animals, which may contribute to the difficulties of introducing a brand new cat.
Genetics additionally performs a task. One examine examined the conduct traits of 19 breeds. The cats almost definitely to indicate aggression towards different felines included breeds just like the Turkish Van and Korat. On the opposite finish of the spectrum have been Maine Coon, Devon Rex, and Persian.1
We will conclude that some cats are predisposed to welcome different animals into the family, whereas others are much less inclined. Nevertheless, environmental components and rearing additionally affect feline sociability.
3. Colony Residing
![Many feral cats are eating outside](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Many-feral-cats-are-eating-outside_Murat-An_Shutterstock.jpg)
Apparently, feral cats can reside in free teams or colonies. They don’t type packs with a hierarchy like canids, however they get alongside. The primary driver is sufficient meals availability. That is sensible since it’s the final purpose behind territoriality and its protection. Once more, all of this boils all the way down to survival. These animals don’t must defend the realm as a result of their wants are met.
Useful Suggestions for Introducing Cats
As we talked about, introducing cats could also be a problem. Many variables can have an effect on whether or not the 2 animals will get alongside. Generally, they find yourself simply tolerating one another, with the occasional squabble when one turns into jealous. Folks don’t all the time see eye to eye, so why ought to we anticipate totally different from our pets?
When introducing two cats to one another, we suggest conserving the brand new kitty in their very own room or protected house. They’re going by means of a dramatic transition changing into a part of your family. They need time to acclimate and adjust to the new routines, sounds, and smells of their new endlessly house. The intention of a profitable introduction is all in regards to the first impression.
Cats are very scent-oriented, because it’s a method they convey. You possibly can start by letting every animal get used to the opposite’s scent with beds or blankets every one makes use of. Don’t try and allow them to meet bodily but. Hold the door to the brand new pet’s room closed. A superb technique to nurture this relationship is by creating constructive associations in each cats.
![White Turkish Van cat is lying on a bed](https://www.catster.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/White-Turkish-Van-cat-is-lying-on-a-bed_Fox_Ana_Shutterstock.jpg)
You possibly can start by feeding every one close to the door after they’ve had time to acclimate to the opposite’s odor. If issues proceed with out hissing, you possibly can then let every kitty discover the opposite’s house. It’s the unknowns which are scary for a fearful animal, and going about it this manner helps to alleviate these fears.
We suggest continuing slowly with this course of. Don’t attempt to rush issues. The objective is to maintain issues constructive. You already know your cat greatest and perceive when your pet feels uncomfortable. You additionally must construct belief along with your new pet. That takes time, too. Ideally, the primary face-to-face assembly is with a gate or display between the cats. Once more, if both one growls or hisses, separate them.
These conferences are additionally glorious methods to use treats for positive reinforcement. Felines are clever. It gained’t take them lengthy to type this affiliation, so long as each pets get rewarded. You also needs to reward them. Your constructive angle will go a good distance towards bridging the hole.
You need to supervise fairly just a few conferences between the 2 and keep away from leaving the kitties alone collectively. This might take weeks or months. Additionally, guarantee every one has their very own meals bowls, beds, and protected areas that they’ll retreat to.
Closing Ideas
Two cats can get alongside, but the key is to go slowly and follow each animal’s comfort level. Don’t rush the method, because it’s going to take a while for the 2 to get used to one another. Additionally, understand that some animals could by no means turn into associates, because it actually relies on every particular person.
Featured Picture Credit score: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock