| Product: |
Getting Two Cats to Co-exist |
| Date: |
16/05/08 (273 review reads) |
| Rating: |
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Right now as my friends on here will probably know by now I decided recently to get another kitten for a couple of reasons. One because the new addition to our family could keep our other little kitten Harry happy and two because this poor kitten had been abandoned on the streets and being the caring person that I am I decided to take her in under my wing so to speak.
So with a new kitten we thought this might be fun to try and get them to like each other and trust me they didn't at first. Now two months later and they absolutely love each other and most of the time we cannot separate them as they are playing or sleeping together so it is beautiful. It can be a tiring task getting them to like each other so these are my top tips for making sure it happens.
Smell
Everybody knows that cats use their sense of smell to identify differences that occur. It is a good idea to get the new cats smell the same as your house so that the transition when they meet is a little smoother. We actually kept them separate for a couple of days so that Tink (our new cat) could smell sort of like Harry.
The first meeting
After getting the smell right we decided to let them meet. Now at first we put them both into cat boxes and let them see each other. This was followed by a lot of hissing and them trying to hit each other from the cages. We actually did this for a few days so that they got used to seeing each other in the house.
The first meeting out of the box
Ok so it came to the crunch that we wanted them out of the boxes but in the same room. What we did was took a cat each and made sure that we gave Harry a lot of love. This is important as the first cat should always come first. So we edged them nearer to each other and held their paws back so that they couldn't injure each other. After a couple of days of doing this we let them loose together.
When they were loose they were quite good at first just having a look at sniffing each other and then all of a sudden they went for each other. Now we had been advised to get a small water pistol to try and stop this from happening so every time they went to fight we would spray them a little. Now we actually had to do this for about a week so it is a long process before they will stand each other.
Food
Now when it comes to food you want your resident cat to feel like you are not replacing him so always feed them first. Then feed the newer cat. For a few weeks we did not feed them together but in separate rooms. We let them look at each other but not get near each other. Then when they are used to each other you can start feeding them together but this will take a while.
Keep them separate
For a few weeks at least they need to be separate when you are not with them. This was hard as it is such a long process but worth it in the end. Then leave them together for small periods of time and get them longer. They will fight and play and hiss at each other but make sure you try not to let them. Ours had a thing for chasing each other up and down the stairs but we stopped them as much as we could.
They Like Each other
So after quite a painful six weeks I have to say they like each other. We could tell this because they pine for each other if you separate them and they sleep and eat together and even nicer groom each other. My fiancé got fed up with this and expected it to happen quickly but it is such a big transition for both cats and the owners that it will take time. It does seem like you are getting nowhere for ages and then all of a sudden it will be fine.
I think having two cats is so nice and now I know they love each other it makes me feel better that they have some company. We have lots of fun with them both and they are both very sweet. I like having pets anyway but having two is gorgeous and I loved the whole process of getting them to love each other.
It is hard, painful and you might pick up some scratches a long the way but you will be so glad for it in the end.
Thanks for reading.
xxx
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