How To Help Cats Get Along Together
Also when there are signs of conflict or tension between your cats,;it will not resolve with time.
You need to;act now as cats do not reconcile after conflict. Essentially cats find it hard to forgive and forget.
Using;FELIWAY Optimum;will help your cats get along and live together in harmony. Use several diffusers if cats use different rooms.
See our article on the 7 tips to help cats get along together.
How To Introduce Or Reintroduce An Old Cat To A New Kitten/cat
These tips can be used to introduce two cats when one is aggressive or to introduce two aggressive cats. You can also use this method to reintroduce cats that suddenly aren’t getting along anymore.
If this introduction technique doesnt go well, and the cats are still aggressively fighting after a couple of days, you will have to start the entire introduction technique again and go through each step much more slowly over the period of several weeks.
Visitor Wonders How To Keep Cats From Fighting
Hi, I was directed to you with the hope that you can help with a problem I’ve been having for a while with my cats.
I’m currently taking care of two male cats, an F3 Bengal who has a ton of curiosity, and a black cat who is very sweet and loving. I’ve been taking care of these cats for three months now. Needless to say, they’re used to being around new cats, however, my own cat isn’t.
My own cat is a big white fluff ball that I’ve had for almost five years. She’s never really been used to other cats because she’s never been around them in all the years I’ve had her. She also never goes outside; she’s very secluded, and doesn’t take a liking to new company.
My problem is, I want her to get used to the other cats. The boys tend to stay away from her, but they can’t help but be curious. She’ll often come outside and hang around with us, but if any of them come near her, she’ll hiss, growl and even swipe at them. The sweet black cat now has a bloody nick on his ear because of her, and this tension from her has to stop. Is there any way to teach her to mellow out and become less bitter toward the others? At least to the point where she won’t swipe at them if they happen to pass by?
~~ Andrew
Expert Reply
Hi Andrew,
I’m sorry to hear that your feline companions are having difficulty getting along. Here’s my point of view, for what it’s worth.
Thanks for your question~~ Kelly
Recommended Reading: How To Get To St Kitts
My Cats Have Suddenly Started Fighting
If your cats have suddenly started fighting, the safest option is to separate them into different rooms for 24-48 hours until they have both calmed down. You should also keep them inside for this time in order to avoid them meeting and fighting outside. Keep an eye out for any signs that your cats are frustrated by being kept inside, such as pacing, meowing to be let out, or raising themselves up by the door. Make sure your cats are kept separate for long enough that they can calm down, but not so long that they become frustrated and potentially more stressed. If you think either of them might be injured, get in touch with your vet as soon as possible.
It is safest to separate two cats who are fighting using a thick blanket or by gently pushing a soft bristled broom between them. Dont try to pick them up with your bare hands as you might get hurt by accident.
Using Synthetic Feline Pheromones As An Aid
Cats have glands in their cheeks that produce pheromones, chemical substances that can help to relieve anxiety and that provide information about the cat producing those pheromones. When your cat rubs his or her cheeks against a wall, chair, or your leg, pheromones are left behind. Some cats respond very well to the use of a synthetic pheromone spray or diffuser, products that you can buy in pet supply stores. Because of its calming effect, this product is sometimes effective in helping to reduce aggressive events.
If these techniques do not solve your cats problem, please seek the help of your local shelter, a veterinarian, or a behaviorist. Be patient. It takes time for cats to learn how to behave aggressively, so it will also take time to teach them that you do not want them to behave that way. In most cases, providing them with adequate playtime and social interaction and learning how to head off aggressive incidents will resolve the problem.
Recommended Reading: How To Tell If A Kitten Will Be Long Haired
Wash Up To Deter Garden Cats
If your visitor has a favourite location, wash the area well with a hose to remove the scent or urine spray. Boost your cleaning with eco-friendly liquid castile soap on doors, patio furniture, etc. Cats tend to choose the same spot repeatedly, so remove their previous claim to your garden to prevent repeat offences.
Understanding Feline Body Language
Your cat’s eyes, ears, body, and tail all attempt to communicate their feelings with you and with other cats and animals. Some postures and cues to look for include:
- If your cats ears are backward, sideways, or lying flat , theyre likely annoyed, angry, or frightened.
- If their pupils are dilated, they may be feeling nervous or submissive, or defensively aggressive.
- If their tail is held low or tucked between their legs, they may be feeling anxious. If its thrashing back and forth, theyre likely agitated.
- If their back is arched and their fur is standing on end, they might be scared or angry.
Cats vocalizations also communicate their feelings:
- Growling and/or hissing indicates your cat is annoyed, angry, frightened, or aggressive.;
- Yowling or howling means your cat is in some kind of distress. They could be in pain, trapped, or afraid.
Continued
You May Like: Why Do Cats Wait Outside The Bathroom
A New Cat Is Not Getting Along With Current Cat In The Household
Bringing a new cat or kitten into the home when you already have one or more cats can upset the current hierarchy within the household. A proper, slow introduction will help ease the adjustment. Below is an introduction technique to try even if your cats have already met and spent time together.
Tips To Stop Cats From Fighting
Nobody likes a cat fight — the hissing, the yowling, the potential for real harm to one or both cats. Yet tiffs among felines are more common than you might think. Nancy Peterson, cat programs manager with The Humane Society of the United States, says a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association shows American cat owners had 2.45 cats per household as of 2008, up from 2.3 just a few years prior. When there are two or more cats in a home, fighting is always a possibility.
There are numerous reasons your cat might pick a fight with another furry feline, even if it’s his normally beloved littermate. But if you learn to read the signals your cat is sending, you’ll be able to minimize the chance of a squabble occurring, or stop a fight that’s brewing.
Here are some ways to do just that.
Also Check: How Old Is 3 In Cat Years
Update: All Of The Workworks
So where are we at now? After weeks of keeping the two separated we finally re-introduced them slowly and we are really hopeful that life may go back to normal. Brief engagements of course, but after increasing their mental stimulation with cat toys while in the same room, we began to see a real difference in their behavior. So, what we believe happened after six weeks was the combination of several key factors in their turnaround.
First creating a calm home is always difficult with two young kids, but there seemed to be a marked improvement in their demeanor when we used pheromones . We also had them separated in the house and switched them out twice a day , so that they would experience the other’s scent.
We also wanted to make sure there wasn’t a health concern. So we had our veterinarian do a urinalysis on both and while Rajah’s tests came back clean, Zsa Zsa had formed some urine crystals and was put on antibiotics for a suspected urinary tract infection.; Lastly, the most important step in eventually reuniting the siblings was the mental stimulation. I don’t believe that boredom lead to their misunderstanding, but I do think getting them new toys helped stimulate their physical and mental muscles and created a safe space for them to interact.
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, because cats don’t just immediately forget that hostility, but it’s amazing that these two can be in the same room without hissing and going feral on each other!
Why Don’t My Cats Like Each Other
Do you have two cats that arent getting along? There could be a multitude of reasons why your cats are fighting, and you need to find out why its happening before you can solve the problem. I will explain the various reasons why some cats don’t get along with each other and offer solutions to help you bring peace to your household.
Note
All cat fights are not the same. Sometimes what looks like a cat fight may actually be normal playing. This is more common with younger cats, but it can happen at any age. Cats will chase each other around the house, tackle each other, and fight like little wrestlers on the floor. It can sometimes get pretty intense, but, as long as they’re not crying out in pain, theres no need to break them up. Theyre probably just having fun or trying to establish their rank in the household.
Don’t Miss: Why Is My Kitten Meowing At Me
What Should You Do When A Raccoon Has Entered Your Property
If you spot a raccoon near your home, do not try to trap or catch it. Instead, you must call the experts since raccoons can be very dangerous.
List of Sources
Watler, K. . Rabid Raccoon Attacks Domestic Dog. Florida Department of Health.
Link, R. . Raccoons. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Salmon, T. P., Whisson, D. A., Marsh, R. E. . Raccoons. University of California.
How To Stop Your Cats From Fighting
To help your cats get along, try to pinpoint the cause of the conflicts by paying attention to when your cats fight. Itll help you come up with the best solutions to remedy the problem.
Here are a few tips to employ:
- Physical confrontation wont stop the fighting, so try non-direct approaches like clapping your hands, spraying them with water, or scolding them verbally.
- Reduce competition by giving each cat his own food and water bowls, beds, toys, perches, litter boxes, etc. These can even be located in different areas of your home to give them space.
- Put cats in separate rooms until they get used to each others scent again if they used to get along but dont anymore. Follow the same steps you would practice when introducing a new cat to your feline family.
- Allow aggressive cats time to calm down. Reward desirable behavior with treats and praise when your cats are getting along.
- To reduce tension, feline pheromone products may help.
- Give each cat equal amounts of attention so you dont neglect one for the other. If one cat has a lot of energy that he takes out on the other cat, give him some extra playtime to redirect that energy in a positive way.
- Have all of your cats spayed/neutered.
- If you cant stop cats from fighting, you can ask your vet for advice. Be sure to mention any behavioral or physical changes because they might be symptoms of an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Recommended Reading: How Many Seasons Are In Sam And Cat
One Cat Smells Different
If one of your cats suddenly smells differently, the other cat may react pretty violently at first. This can happen if you took one of your cats to a vet or a groomer, for example.1;Cats identify each other through smell and voice, not just by sight. A weird, unfamiliar smell signals an intruder, not a friend.
Eventually, the two cats will remember each other, but it can be pretty disturbing to watch best friends fight until they figure it out. Some people schedule vet visits at the same time to avoid this.
If you can’t take them to appointments together, try rubbing the returning cat with a blanket your cats sleep on before reintroducing him to the home. Another option is to lightly rub your hands with a pleasant scent, like smelly treats or water from canned tuna, and then gently pet your kitty. The distracting but pleasant scent might overpower the vet’s scent.
How To Stop A Cat Fight Before It Happens
If a cat fight wont stop even after trying everything above, its time for incarceration. Its not as bad as it sounds. You want to force proximity upon the two cats without endangering either of them.
Get a large dog crate; do not use a cat carrier. Place it in a spare room, and put one cat in the crate, and the other cat outside the crate. Leave them alone in the room together. Do this every day for at least a week, alternating which cat gets crated.
When things appear to be less volatile between them, let them out together in the room . Play with them, give them treats, and praise good behavior. If one initiates a cat fight, put him in the crate. Continue until they can be together in the room without fighting.
At that point, you can reintroduce them to the rest of the house. When one starts a cat fight, he goes back in the crate. Again, praise good behavior and reward with treats. Within a month, the two cats should be able to coexist fairly peacefully.
You May Like: What Is The Cat In Captain Marvel
Tips To Stop Your Cat Fighting Outside
How To Stop Cats From Fighting
It can be difficult when cats dont get along, but its important to know how to stop cats from fighting to prevent injury, poor pet relationships and to stop cats from being stressed.
In the short term, there are many ways to stop cat fighting as its happening. Distracting your pets with a toy – or if that doesnt work, with a loud noise such as a clap – is a good way to ease tension. Be careful if you choose to step in and separate fighting cats. Never be aggressive towards your pets – and never use a technique that will make your cat more stressed or scared than they are already.
Of course, cat conflict is a complex issue, and there are many reasons that cats may be fighting. Solving the issue long term involves more than simply breaking up a fight; its key to address the contributing factors behind why cats are in conflict in the first place. For example; are disagreements between two particular cats? Or are fights occurring in a particular location , or over a certain resource? Once you have addressed the cause, you can work with your cat to encourage positive pet relationships, and stop cat fighting long term.
Read Also: Can You Bathe A Cat With Dawn