Perhaps you hoped that the new cat would provide the first one with a companion to play with and cuddle with while you worked. However, the two cats do not always get along. Perhaps they have literal catfights or engage in aggressive behaviors like hissing or swatting. So how to deal with such behavior? How to make cats get along?
You may be desperate for an end to the fighting between your cats. Yes, it can happen, but it needs effort from your side. Drug therapy, desensitization, and counterconditioning are just some of the options available to help cats who fight or display aggressive tendencies toward one another.
Let’s look at the ways in detail to know how to make cats get along and accept each other.
How to make cats get along?
It’s normal for your new cat and your old cat to be initially hostile toward one another. Both of the felines are anxious and fearful as a result of the disruption to their normal routine. However, you are in a position to facilitate better relations between them. Here are the tips you should follow:
1) Know the problem area
Understanding what’s making your cats fight is the first step toward solving the problem. If you don’t know why your pets are fighting, the first step is to observe them throughout the day and look for triggers of undesirable behavior.
Once you’ve identified the sources of kitty conflict, you can begin to reduce it. If you’re still not sure why your cats aren’t getting along, consider common triggers such as territory, resources, over excitement – and illness if they appear to be acting out of character.
2) Give them their individual space.
Territorial and space disputes are very common among our cats! Territorial disputes may ensue if there are insufficient hiding, climbing, sleeping, and perching spaces for each of your cats.
Ensure that your pets have adequate space to retreat; sharing space too closely with other cats can be stressful, especially if they attempt to avoid conflicts.
3) Separate belongings
Cats can become possessive and defensive over shared resources like food because of their territorial nature. To reduce the likelihood of fights, provide each cat with its own litter box, food and water bowls, and favorite toys. Keep these things in different rooms to show your cats there is no competition.
4) Break Up Fights
Cats should never be permitted to engage in combat. Generally, fighting escalates over time, so you’ll need to divert your cats’ attention in some way to stop it. For example, avoid grabbing cats while they are grappling or swatting, as this could cause injury.
Clap loudly to attract their attention. Use a large piece of cardboard or plastic to separate the cats if this does not work calmly.
5) Use Rewards For Good Behavior
Be sure to reward your cats with attention and treats when they are feeling calm. Peaceful attitudes and actions are reinforced in this way. In addition, a distraction, like a toy or a really delicious treat, can help redirect aggressive behavior before it escalates.
Daily one-on-one play with your pets is a great way to tire out your feline friends and reduce aggressive competition for your attention.
6) Use feline pheromones
Pheromones are chemicals that all animals emit and use to communicate. Synthetic pheromones can be used to mimic your cat’s natural pheromones.
Through the use of a pheromone diffuser or spray, you may be able to “trick” your cats into thinking the other is friendly and safe. In multi-cat households, pheromones are a common remedy for aggression.
7)Try Cat Calming Supplements
Aggression between multiple cats is possible, especially when anxiety and stress are present. You can try to lessen their aggression and increase their happiness by giving them both natural supplements that promote feelings of calm and stress relief.
8) Reintroduce Your Cats in a Controlled Environment
If your cats are injuring each other, you should separate them, especially if one or both are becoming ill from stress or if you observe hiding and avoidance behavior.
Then, reintroduce your cats through carefully supervised encounters. The use of visual-only introductions, the placement of barriers to prevent feline aggression, treats, and positive reinforcement for calm behavior can help them learn to get along.
9) Check With Your Veterinarian
Taking your cat to the vet is good if you’ve noticed a drastic shift in its personality or disposition. For example, if a cat is sick or in pain, it may exhibit unusual behavior. Making an appointment with the vet will help rule out any more serious issues.
Bottom Line
These were the important steps and tips you can follow for how to make cats get along. And these tips will definitely work. In case you’re wondering whether or not your feline friends can reconcile their differences, the answer is yes. They need you to step in and help them work out the flaws so they can peacefully coexist.
Thank you for reading!