Tips for how you can help your kitties learn to get along
It sounded like such a good idea to get another cat to be best buddies with the cat you already have. But sometimes, instead of the idyllic picture of two cats cuddled together in front of the fireplace you imagined, they don't get along.
The best way to be sure two cats will be best friends is to adopt littermates. Because they have been together since they were born, they have the best chance of remaining best buds throughout their lives.
But if you already have a cat and are bringing a new cat into the home, keep the new cat in a room of his own as he gets used to his new home.
Here, he can play with the other cat's paws under the door and they can smell each other's scent. Feed them on opposite sides of the door so the smell of the other has a positive association. Some suggest having cats switch rooms to help them get used to each other's scent.
Introduce them to each other gradually, giving lots of affection and treats so they connect the other cat with good things. Make sure there are plenty of resources - toys, perches, food and water dishes, scratching posts and even litter boxes - so competition is reduced.
Play with them both, separately if needed at first, so there is no battle for your attention. Provide several places to sleep, climb and hide so naturally territorial cats can claim a place of their own.
As they get to know each other, it is important to recognize the difference between play fighting and aggressive fighting. When playing, cats may chase or pounce on each other (and may even hiss or bite a little), but they take turns being the aggressor.
Signs of aggressive fighting include one cat being the aggressor most of the time; body language clues such as ears pressed back against their heads, tails held low (and sometimes puffed out) and backs arched; and growling, yowling and more intense biting.
If there seems to be aggressive fighting between cats that normally get along, try to find the cause of the aggression. If the fighting begins at mealtimes, provide separate food bowls with ample space between them.
Does the aggression begin while you are playing with them? Too much excitement may be the cause and you should lower the intensity of playtime. Or play with them separately if you think they are fighting for your attention.
If fighting tends to break out in a specific area, make sure they both have plenty of spots to hide in or call their own.
Pay close attention to your cats' body language and, if possible, try to stop fighting before it begins. Always use positive reinforcement when they are together and calm. Never physically punish kitties for fighting - they might associate the punishment with the other cat and it may make matters worse.
Never let cats fight it out. One (or both) of them could be injured and the aggression may only escalate. Don't try to pick up a cat in the middle of a fight. Instead, try making a loud noise. Stomp your feet, clap your hands or bang two pots together to startle them.
Once they separate, chase one into a separate room. Or throw a towel over one of them so you can safely pick him up and move him to a separate room to give them time to can cool down.
If aggressive behavior occurs suddenly, a trip to the vet can rule out illnesses or other health issues that may be the root cause. Your veterinarian can also talk to you about feline pheromones, calming supplements and other medications to help give peace a chance.
• Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit the website at redbarnpetvet.com/ or call (847) 683-4788 (Hampshire) or (847) 426-1000 (Gilberts).