You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Cats
- Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)
- Introducing a new male cat to another male cat
Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Introducing a new male cat to another male cat
Advertisement
Question
I have just bought a male British Shorthair and he is 10 months old and neutered. I already have a 8 month old male tabby who is also neutered. I have introduced the new cat to my other cat and he is really not accepting him. It has only been a couple of days and I know these things do not happen over night but I really want them to get on. My 8 month old cat was here first and I understand that it's his terriotory but they have had a few spats and I'm finding it really hard and upsetting to watch as I dont want to push him out. Is this normal and do you have any advice what I can do to encourage them to get on? I know this may take a couple of weeks for them to get use to each other but I just want it to work out and not end up having to make the desicion of letting the new one go ;(
Please can you help?
Many Thanks
Amy
Amy,
)
You've got to go through an introduction period slowly. It can take 2 weeks to a month or more for them to start getting along. You can not just put them together and expect them to get along. That very rarely ever happens.
I am attaching a couple of links on how to go about the introduction process:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...
I use a big dog crate for a new cat. I got mine at Petco and I am attaching a picture of it. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to another cat around, and the other cat can sniff and check them out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. You can switch and let the new cat out to investigate the home safely while the resident cat is in the crate getting used to the new cat's smells.
Once they can be together without fighting feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.
Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the two cats. They both can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.
It just takes time and lots of patience. It will work out if you take it slow and don't force them together until they are ready.
Tabbi
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Many Thanks for the advice. I wil definitely take your comments on board :) Thanks again x | ||
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
***********
Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.