Based on the American Veterinary Medical Affiliation (AVMA), about 37 million households have cats. That comes out to 1.78 animals per dwelling. With these numbers in thoughts, it’s a protected assumption that many cat homeowners had been confronted with the problem of introducing two cats to at least one one other, and a few pet dad and mom have extra success than others.
It’s unattainable to foretell how lengthy two cats will get alongside. Many variables can have an effect on how the animals reply to a brand new family member. It might usually take no less than just a few weeks of supervised introductions, however typically it takes years. Some cats could by no means turn into quick buddies. Nevertheless, understanding the feline thoughts can assist easy the best way to a peaceable dwelling.
The three Components Affecting How Cats Work together With One One other
Cats are extra in contact with their wild aspect than canines. Whereas people domesticated canines round 40,000 years in the past, it was a newer occasion for felines roughly 12,000 years in the past. Canine proved themselves useful proper from the beginning. Nevertheless, scientists stay puzzled as to why folks accepted cats so readily to the purpose of worshipping them, as they didn’t assist us like canines did of their varied roles, other than mousing, in fact.
Our cats have developed to turn into much less reactive, fearful, and aggressive towards us. Nevertheless, what impact has evolution had on their relationships with one another?
1. Looking Conduct
Keep in mind that cats are solitary hunters, with the notable exception of lions. They adapt their every day patterns to their prey’s conduct, whether or not it’s nocturnal rodents or diurnal birds. Our feline companions even study their family routines and modify their sleeping patterns accordingly. On the coronary heart of their conduct beats the guts of a territorial predator.
Our pets have a core space inside the dwelling as a part of their territory. That’s the place your kitty feels most secure. The perimeter of this house marks their territorial boundaries. Intact animals will scent mark it to alert different would-be interlopers that it’s occupied. It’s adaptive conduct because it reduces the chance of battle and helps survival. That’s one purpose on your cat’s eager sense of odor that exceeds people.
With all this in thoughts, intuition kicks in once you attempt to introduce one other cat into your family. Your present pet could not view the animal as one other good friend however as a competitor, therefore the hissing and growling that follows. Keep in mind that it’s all about survival for cats. Felines haven’t had a lot evolutionary stress to vary these instincts, even when they appear odd or unacceptable. It’s their wild aspect taking the stage.
2. The Emotional Lifetime of Cats
Analysis has proven that cats can expertise the six primary feelings of shock, worry, disgust, unhappiness, happiness, and anger. They could additionally really feel spur-of-the-moment jealousy. The brand new kitty you’ve introduced dwelling could set off these feelings, along with their intuition to defend their territory. In case your pet has by no means met one other cat, their first response could also be worry or anger.
Felines don’t have a way of time like we do; every little thing occurs within the right here and now. They could not perceive the long-term results of a quick encounter with one other cat. It’s a menace to which they need to react.
One other mitigating issue is socialization. The important interval for kittens is between 3 and 9 weeks outdated. Not like canines, pet homeowners usually don’t introduce their pets to different animals, like a person could take their pet to pet playtime. The window could shut on a kitty with out alternatives to fulfill totally different animals, which may contribute to the difficulties of introducing a brand new cat.
Genetics additionally performs a job. One examine examined the conduct traits of 19 breeds. The cats more than likely to point out aggression towards different felines included breeds just like the Turkish Van and Korat. On the opposite finish of the spectrum had been Maine Coon, Devon Rex, and Persian.1
We will conclude that some cats are predisposed to welcome different animals into the family, whereas others are much less inclined. Nevertheless, environmental components and rearing additionally affect feline sociability.
3. Colony Residing
Curiously, feral cats can dwell in free teams or colonies. They don’t type packs with a hierarchy like canids, however they get alongside. The primary driver is enough meals availability. That is sensible since it’s the final purpose behind territoriality and its protection. Once more, all of this boils right down to survival. These animals don’t must defend the world as a result of their wants are met.
Useful Ideas for Introducing Cats
As we talked about, introducing cats could also be a problem. Many variables can have an effect on whether or not the 2 animals will get alongside. Typically, they find yourself simply tolerating one another, with the occasional squabble when one turns into jealous. Individuals don’t at all times see eye to eye, so why ought to we anticipate totally different from our pets?
When introducing two cats to one another, we suggest protecting the brand new kitty in their very own room or protected house. They’re going via a dramatic transition changing into a part of your family. They want time to acclimate and modify to the brand new routines, sounds, and smells of their new eternally dwelling. The purpose of a profitable introduction is all in regards to the first impression.
Cats are very scent-oriented, because it’s a technique they convey. You possibly can start by letting every animal get used to the opposite’s scent with beds or blankets each makes use of. Don’t try to allow them to meet bodily but. Maintain the door to the brand new pet’s room closed. A superb approach to nurture this relationship is by creating optimistic associations in each cats.
You possibly can start by feeding each close to the door after they’ve had time to acclimate to the opposite’s odor. If issues proceed with out hissing, you may then let every kitty discover the opposite’s house. It’s the unknowns which are scary for a fearful animal, and going about it this manner helps to alleviate these fears.
We suggest continuing slowly with this course of. Don’t attempt to rush issues. The purpose is to maintain issues optimistic. You recognize your cat greatest and perceive when your pet feels uncomfortable. You additionally must construct belief along with your new pet. That takes time, too. Ideally, the primary face-to-face assembly is with a gate or display screen between the cats. Once more, if both one growls or hisses, separate them.
These conferences are additionally glorious methods to use treats for optimistic reinforcement. Felines are clever. It gained’t take them lengthy to type this affiliation, so long as each pets get rewarded. You must also reward them. Your optimistic perspective will go a great distance towards bridging the hole.
It is best to supervise fairly just a few conferences between the 2 and keep away from leaving the kitties alone collectively. This might take weeks or months. Additionally, guarantee each has their very own meals bowls, beds, and protected areas that they’ll retreat to.
Remaining Ideas
Two cats can get alongside, however the bottom line is to go slowly and observe every animal’s consolation degree. Don’t rush the method, because it’s going to take a while for the 2 to get used to one another. Additionally, remember that some animals could by no means turn into buddies, because it actually depends upon every particular person.
Featured Picture Credit score: Nils Jacobi, Shutterstock
