by Rene Van Pelt

Created on: May 17, 2007   Last Updated: April 16, 2011

It can be tricky any time you introduce a new pet into the home, especially where a cat is concerned. He the Master of the House and he usually feels that any new animal is a huge indiscretion on your part. So, how do you make your cats get along? Actually, you really cannot "make" your cats get along. I think "tolerate" is a better word for this.

Overall, cats do best when there is more than one cat in the house. They have a buddy to play with while you are gone during the day. From my own experience, it has also helped at night. Instead of wanting to keep my up all night playing, my cat decided it was a lot more fun to play with his new friend.

If you can, try to get two cats at the same time or at least introduce the second cat while the first is still somewhat young (up to 1 1/2 years is ideal). You must also know ahead of time, that the first cat is not going to be happy at all by this new addition. He will be mean to the second cat. He will hiss, arch his back, growl, and if the second cat tries to come to close, scratch it.

For the first few days, it may be best to keep the cats apart. Place the new cat in a safe room with his own litter box. The first cat will know there is another animal in the house and maybe curious enough to sit by the door. I would recommend slowly introducing them to each other, an hour to start and adding more time each day. By the end of the week, they should both be able to be out and about within your home. This does not mean the first cat will be all cuddly with the second cat, but there is a better chance of the first cat not fighting with the second. Also, ALWAYS have a separate litter box for each cat that you have. ALWAYS.

It may take as long as a few months for the two cats to decide to be friends. If your first cat is much older, this may never happen but he will at least tolerate the presence of the second cat as long as the second cat leaves him alone.

Again, just like with people, you can't make a cat like another cat but you can help the toleration level by slow introduction, a separate litter box and of course, I like to bribe with treats.

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