by Jenna Obney

Created on: October 24, 2008

As anyone with more than one pet knows, getting them to cohabit and coexist peacefully is not always easy. When introducing a new cat to the family, you should expect a few skirmishes. This is how your cats decide who is the 'boss'. As long as your original cat already knows that you are her 'boss' the fighting should be just a little hissing at the beginning. However, if your cats are not getting along after a few days, you may need to intercede.

First of all, make sure that you are not playing favorites. A new kitten is often adorable and full of cute little idiosyncrasies. It is easy to spend hours playing and watching and enjoying all these funny little quirks. This will make your other cat feel left out. Make sure you take the time to pick her up, pet her, cuddle her, play with her, give her treats. Once she sees you can love both kitties equally, some of the resentment will ease. The age of your first cat is also a key factor. If your cat is past the playful stage, a new kitten that pounces on her tail and sneak attacks her at every opportunity will be annoying. Make sure there are plenty of places for her to go that the kitten cannot reach(yet). This will give her some personal space where she can watch the kitten and realise that maybe she isn't so bad after all.

Keep a close eye on skirmishes as they are happening. What caused it? Was the kitten encroaching on personal space? Did the kitten 'attack' her swishing tail? Steal a toy? Most cats will react depending on the severity of the offense. Encroaching on personal space might warrant some hissing/growling so it's not repeated. A playful attack might get a paw swiped at them, which is fine as long as there are no claws! Toy stealing can be remedied by making sure there are plenty of toys available for each cat.

If you have a roommate or significant other in the house you can also be sure to spend quality 'family time' with both cats. Sit next to each other on the couch, each with a cat in your lap. The cats will get plenty of cuddle time apiece, plus you can reach over and pet each others cat and reinforce the feeling of peace between them.

If there is still some fighting going after a week or so, you may have to take more drastic measures such as separate food dishes or litter boxes. Cats are very territorial and think of things in your house as being 'theirs'. Bringing new things into the house for the new cat can help reinforce this, but at the same time can allow your first cat to be more relaxed since she no longer has to share.

Above all, remember how displaced you felt when you got a new sibling or other family member. What things did your family do(or not do) that made things easier for you? Put it into a cat's perspective and give it a try!

If the fighting turns into worse things such as destroying furniture or marking up certain areas in your house than it is time to call your local vet. He may have some ideas to help(such as spaying or neutering, or it may just be that your cat is meant to be the only cat in the home. In any case, at least you have tried to do your best. Good luck!

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