Helping Kitties Get Along

Are you considering adopting a second cat? Have you just brought another kitty into your household? Cats are very opinionated little furballs, and they all have pretty distinct purrsonalities. Some cats form very close bonds with their feline roommates. Others? Not so much. A Cornelius, NC vet offers some advice on keeping the peace in this article.

Matchmaking

Are you in the process of looking for another kitty? Keep your resident furball in mind. If your current cat is still a kitten, the odds are pretty good that Fluffy and Mittens will become close, as they’ll grow up together. However, if your resident cat is an adult and/or has been the only pet for a while, it’s going to be a harder transition. If possible, look for a kitty that’s around the same age as your pet. If you have a senior and you’re wanting a kitten, consider getting two babies: the little ones can chase each other around while your older pet sleeps.

Introductions

As the saying says, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Introductions should go quite slowly. Keep your feline buddies in separate areas at first. They’ll soon realize that there’s another kitty in the house, and will likely sniff around and play pawsies under the door, if there’s room. Feed them both near the door, so they get used to each other before officially meeting. When you feel it’s time to introduce them, do so slowly. Pay close attention to how they react. It’s normal to see some hissing and posturing, but if Fluffy and Mittens actually fight, you’ll need to separate them and start over.

Resources

When cats fight with their roommates, it’s often because they’re competing for something. That could be food, water, a box, a toy, a spot on the couch, or your attention. Provide plenty of everything, so your furry friends don’t have to fight for resources. You’ll also need to be careful to divide your attention equally. Kitties can get very jealous of one another! 

Setup

A proper setup is also important. For instance, many cats don’t like sharing bathrooms. Ideally, you’ll want one litterbox per kitty. If your feline pals need different foods, get dishes that can be linked up to a specific microchip, so they will only open for the right kitty. Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us with questions or concerns about caring for multiple cats. As your Cornelius, NC animal clinic, we’re here to help!