Cats befriending other pets

Mutual acceptance of cats depends most on the character of each cat. Sometimes it takes a long time, even a few months, to accept each other, but in the end they have to be tolerant to one another. Cats are territorial animals that mark and protect their space. With your help, a cat will easily learn that territory can be shared. Your cat can accept a new kitten with a little help.

Cats don’t need a large place to stay, but in all cases, they organize their space in the same way and divide it into at least three parts:

Isolation room– a place to rest. This place is usually located in higher places to avoid harassment. This space is very intimate, and they rarely like to share it with other cats;

Activity Room– a place to play, hunt, eat or toilets. The cat is forced to share this space with another cat, as far as possible;

Passages–  these are places that have been defined during various research activities. These passages only change if an environmental modification occurs.

Until these passes change, the cat feels safe. Any change of environment interferes with the harmony of the territory and leads to a stressful situation for the cat. Cats need privacy and independence. They don’t like to share territory with other individuals, whether its other cats, pets, or humans. Some parts of the territory, such as places to play or hunt, can share. But, in most cases, cats do not feel comfortable sharing their space with other cats, not even with one cat.

So in a space where there is a group of two cats, there are two groups of one cat living, with very little or no interaction. Here, any inevitable interaction (when they share the feeding space) is a potential source of stress. Cohabitation with other cats can be very stressful for the cat, increasing the risk for medical and behavioral problems.

Sharing territory means losing control over the springs basic to cat life. For example, two cats usually have food containers in the same place. If one cat does not want contact with another, it will be forced to wait until the other cat eats its meal. As a result, both cats can eat fast or change the amount of food they eat. Sometimes, completely refusing food or overeating will prevent the other cat from reaching the food source. A very similar situation happens with a sand container, leading to potential health problems. To avoid these kinds of situations, read the following recommendations for getting to know your cat pets, to make your cat a befriending pet and a trustworthy cat.

Introducing your cat to other cats

• Instinctively, cat pets will want to evaluate the situation and the newcomer from a safe distance. They will monitor and study your reactions. Stay calm while holding the other cat in your hands, pamper it, but do not look away from your cat;
• Don’t leave them alone. When the first encounter is successful, the newcomer will relax and fall asleep and the cat will try to get closer and touch. Curiosity struggles with caution. The cat is always ready to bounce if needed. Over time, your cat will assure that the new cat is not the enemy and will show its friendly cat side;
• Don’t hold the cat in your hands when introducing, the paws must be free. On the first contact, your cat has a real nightmare of being trapped and thus presented to another animal, even if they belong to the same species;
• Once you are sure that both cats feel relaxed in each other’s territory, you can get to know each other. Keep one cat protected in a basket or transport bag and allow the other to explore and sniff the basket for a few minutes. The closed cat will be protected, and a basket or bag will prevent it from escaping;
• The good news is that newborn cats are more welcome to cats than adult cats. Before you bring your new kitten to the house, introduce your old cat to the smell of a new friend. During the first week, change their rugs regularly and try to offer it a peaceful solution by associating the new smell with a positive experience, such as a delicious treat;
• For starters, separate the cats. Let your new cat get a new room, which will be housed for a few days with food, a warm bed, water and food containers and sprinkler;
• As your new cat becomes accustomed to the environment, start introducing your old cat to the scent of a newcomer. Let your cat smell your hands and clothes. Talk your cat in a gentle voice and anoint with soothing movements;
• Get one or two synthetic pheromone sprays and spray them around the house, especially in the premises where your cats live, as this spray can help them relax and accept the presence of another cat;
• When you find that cats are used to new smells and accept each other, you can allow them to explore territories together, but still, keep them separate;
• Don’t force cats to be close to each other. Leave them plenty of space and the opportunity to hide if they want some peace;
• It is recommended that each cat has its sandbox, its feeder, and a water bottle;
• If cats remain indoors, it is advisable to ensure that each has a large enough space for hiding, playing and exploring. For example, each cat may have its climber that would represent a personal space.

Some cats are solitary and show signs of stress if more cats are in too small a space. Other cats are sociable, adore the company of other cats, but love to have a small private place in the household. It was concluded that cats living together build friendships that last for years. They have evolved during their stay with people and love their company because it also means that they live near other cats. Far from the common opinion that a cat as a befriending pet suffers, if kept in a group, many cats enjoy the company of other cats, especially if they have grown up together.

Although you cannot force animals to love one another, you can encourage good behavior and respect that will allow them to live peacefully.