introducing a second cat into your home

Pet Care Article

• Introducing a Second Cat Into Your Home

Cats by nature are solitary creatures, and they are also fiercely territorial. While cats have the tendency to prefer their own company, relationships between cats can flourish especially when two cats are in the same home. If you would like to introduce a second cat into your household, here are a few suggestions that will help both of the cats adjust to one another without too many initial conflicts.

Young cats and kittens will easily adjust to one another in no time. If you are introducing two younger cats or kittens to one another, simply place the new kitten in the home and watch the cats interact. You can expect a few hisses and growls, but as long as they do not become physically aggressive their interactions do not need to be interrupted. Toss a few toys around the area to help focus their attention on something else. For the first few days, keep the cats in separate areas when you are not home.

If you have an older cat at home, it may take time for the cats to get used to one another. Keep the new cat in a separate bedroom for a few days. The cats will sniff each other under the door, they will probably hiss and growl and your cat may even hit the door. After a few days, let the new cat out of the bedroom. The cats may continue to hiss and growl, and if they become physically aggressive they will need to be separated again. Over time they will become used to each other.

When you introduce a second cat into your home, try to give each of the cats the same amount of attention. Feed the cats near one another, but not close to one another. Try to give the cats their food at the same time, or alternate which cat receives food first. It may also be helpful to keep two litter boxes in the home in two different areas so that the cats do not have to compete for the litter box.