How Long Does It Take For Cats To Get Along?

You have a cat and you thought that the cat might feel lonely so you want to adopt another one. But take a break here, do you know will the cats get along with each other or will you have a war at your place? Cats have a territorial nature and they are very possessive about their stuff. Plus they do not want to share their attention. So give this a look before adopting that how long your cat will take to adjust.

Introducing New Cat to Your Cat

The response to accept a new fellow at home will be different for different cats. Their personality differs the same as humans. They don’t actually need a companion but if you brought one, make sure to give them time to adjust. Let the things go with the flow. They will get familiar with time. Some cats take less time some will take more. But eventually, they will get used to each other.

Should We Adopt a Kitten Or An Adult?

If you are bringing in a new cat home, try to bring a kitten. The resident cat will feel less threat and competition from the kitten than from the adult one.

The New Cat Should Be of Same Gender Or The Opposite?

It is better if the cat you are bringing is of the opposite gender. Opposite gender will give less competition to your cat and they will get along easily

So an opposite gender kitten is the best option to bring in for your cat.

Is It Necessary to Make the Cats Familiar With the Smell Before Meeting?

Well, this feline creature moves around smelling everything. They get used to smells and recognize a new or a familiar smell. So before introducing two cats it would be better to make them familiar with the smell first. You can do it by:

• Pet both the cats without washing hands.
• Keep them in one house but separate rooms for a few days.

Making the cats used to of a new smell will help you later.

Will A Carrier Or Pen Work To Introduce Two Cats?

Yes that will definitely work. A pen will limit the chance of the fight and while apart they will get to know and get familiar with each other. You can even put the food and water for the one in pen so give them both some more time. They will roar or show aggressive behavior but that is fine for the start. Do not force introduce them, if the resident cat leaves, let him/her leave.

When Can We Introduce Them Without Barriers?

After keeping the one in pen and letting them meet for about a week or so. Let them meet without barriers but make sure to be there if anything goes wrong. A pro tip is to keep a water spray with you to use in case of any fight. With passing time increase their time of staying with each other.

How Long Will It Take In Total To Get Along With Each Other?

It totally depends on the cat. They might take no time or they may take 2 3 days or even more accept the fact that the other one is here. But it will take months for both of them to feel comfortable with the other’s presence. ASPCA says that it will take 8 months to a whole year to build friendship between the two but again it depends. Some of them might never become friends.

Pro Tips:

• Do not force the interaction.
• Give time to both and play with them.
• Feed them at the same time.
• Start with the scent and sight.
• Give both of them their own space and things.

I hope you will not get any problem when you will introduce your new cat to the old one. Just take the precautions and everything will be fine.

Good luck!

Related Question:

Q. Why do cats hiss at each other?

Cats have a strong territorial nature. They hiss to tell the other cats that they are not welcomed and he/she is the dominant one. Their hiss shows aggression.

Q. Should we let two cats fight?

Cats never solve their issue by fighting. Instead, it will turn out to go long. So never let them fight. It is better to interrupt with a loud clap or a water spray.

Q. How to know if two cats now like each other?

If both of your cats have reached the friend’s level, they will rub their bodies and face against each other. Also, they will intertwine their tails.