How to make friends between an adult cat and a kitten: acquaintance according to the rules

How to make friends between a cat and a cat? Often people who love cats very much prefer to keep not one, but several animals at home, but before getting a second pet, it is important to remember that it is necessary to create all the conditions so that an animal that has been in the house for a long time, without any - obstacles were able to accept a new guest.

It is much more difficult to bring same-sex animals together than opposite-sex animals.

It should be taken into account that it is much more difficult to bring same-sex animals together than opposite-sex ones. It follows from this that you shouldn’t worry or worry too much about how to make friends between a cat and a cat, but you should still follow some recommendations to make the bonding process as easy as possible.

Important! When a new member of the household appears, you cannot stop loving your old pet and show him your love at every opportunity.

Cats need to be separated for some time into different rooms with closing doors.

How to make friends between a cat and a kitten?

Making kittens friends with each other is as easy as shelling pears.
They are so sociable, curious and have nothing to quarrel about! But the situation is different when a new kitten appears in a house where there is already an adult cat. They will not only have to get used to each other, but also learn to share the territory and attention of their owners. And your task is to help them with this! Read our article about how to make friends with an adult cat or a cat with a kitten. Simple steps to strong friendship

Haste is our main enemy. If you brought a kitten home and immediately brought it to the cat, do not be surprised at the latter’s aggressive reaction. For us, a kitten is a cute fluffy ball. But for a cat, he is a source of unfamiliar odors, a stranger and a competitor. It will take her time to get used to it. Forcing events is the path to failure.

A new pet for a cat is a competitor. Our task is to change her perception. The cat must understand that no one claims its territory, that it does not need to fight for it. To do this, keep the kitten in another room for the first few days. It is better if at first he does not intersect with the cat at all. The baby should have his own bowls, his own bed and, most importantly, his own tray. Many cats refuse to use their usual place and begin to play pranks in the apartment if their litter box is “marked” by another animal.

• The first acquaintance is through smells.

Even if the kitten lives in another room and does not intersect with the cat, she feels him perfectly. The newcomer is given away by the smells that the cat keenly detects. She may come to the door of the room, sniff it and ask to enter. Do not give in to provocations and do not let the cat near the kitten. More likely, this will result in the first quarrel. But if in the first few days the cat simply smells the smell of a new family member, she herself will not notice how she begins to get used to him. Personal acquaintance in a few days will be calmer.

• First meetings under supervision!

Personal acquaintance between the kitten and the cat should take place under the strict supervision of the owners. Each animal has its own temperament. You can't predict how your cat will react to a baby. Some people show curiosity and quickly change it to friendliness. But for most, the first reaction to a stranger is indifference or aggression. Make sure that the indignant “old-timer” does not harm the kitten or frighten it.

If the cat hisses at the kitten in warning, this is normal. Let your pets watch each other from a safe distance. But if she goes on the offensive, trying to scratch or bite the baby, interrupt the acquaintance. The meeting will need to be repeated the next day and so on until the relationship improves.

It’s funny, but in some cases the “old-timer” himself needs help. A hyperactive and fearless kitten can besiege a new friend and literally not give him access. Try to maintain balance between your pets.

When an adult cat hurts a kitten, we want to protect it. But punishing for a hostile attitude is senseless and cruel. The cat is stressed, she is frightened by the appearance of a stranger and her behavior is guided by instincts: cats by nature are not social animals. Instead of punishing, give your cat a treat and play with it. This will help her calm down and become friendlier.

Jealousy is a feeling characteristic not only of people, but also of animals. Just as older children are jealous of their parents for a newborn, so adult pets are jealous of the “newcomers.” Of course, a kitten requires more attention and you will want to spend more time with it, but this does not mean that you can forget about other pets. If after the birth of the kitten you begin to pay insufficient attention to the cat, she will quite reasonably associate your indifference with the furry baby and her hostility will only intensify.

The opposite tactic to point 6 is to pay equal attention to your pets, entice them with games, and treat them with treats. After the kitten and cat get used to each other a little, involve them in joint games, buy toys that several cats can play with at once. Our goal at this stage is to instill in our pets pleasant associations from spending time together. Before you know it, the cat and kitten will be inseparable and will share everything with each other, even the tray!

The most important thing in the cat world is smells. The cat reacts poorly to a newcomer because he has a foreign, unfamiliar smell. By “replacing” odors, you can shorten the bedding-in period between a cat and a kitten. Here are some ways:

Ways to reconcile pets

Depending on the gender of the animal, the reaction of a male cat to a new pet will vary dramatically. The cat may take the appearance of the baby more calmly, since there is a high probability that her maternal instinct will work for the kitten. Of course, this is provided that the pet is not sterilized. Often, a furry pet begins to care for the kitten as if it were her own cub and teaches it all the necessary cat wisdom.

Males do not bother themselves with caring for their offspring and they do not know the maternal instinct, so making friends between a cat and a kitten is somewhat more difficult. The cat is very jealous and reverent about its own territory and will perceive even a small pet as a future rival and even begins to mark corners with its urine to show who is boss in the house.

To avoid conflict situations, the cat should be introduced to the baby in several stages..

• In the first few days, the kitten should be in a separate room, and not roam freely throughout the apartment. Thus, the adult pet will not have any suspicion that the baby is claiming his possession;
• In order for the cat to get used to someone else's smell, it is advisable to let it into the room where the kitten lives. Naturally, the baby should be placed in another room during this time so that the pet can explore the territory in a calm environment;
• The first introduction of pets should take place under the supervision of the owner. If the male behaves hostilely towards the kitten, the animals are separated into different rooms and an attempt is repeated to introduce them only after a few days;
• The kitten should not be allowed to eat food from an old-timer’s bowl, especially in front of an adult pet. This will only convince the cat that he has a rival who is encroaching not only on his territory, but also on his food;
• Neutered cats are more friendly and peaceful towards other animals. Therefore, advice for owners: before adopting another pet, it is advisable to sterilize an adult cat.

Why does an adult cat show aggression towards a kitten that has appeared in the house?

When there is only one pet in the house, a person often has a desire to buy another one.

And then a kitten appears in the family. It would seem that an adult cat, kind and sweet, suddenly becomes aggressive, hisses at the baby and does not accept him at all.

Why is this happening?

First of all, an adult pet perceives a baby as a threat to its comfort, its resources, its quiet existence.

People often think that a cat already knows that she is loved, and with the advent of a second animal she will still be sure of this.
In fact, when a person begins to devote a lot of time to the baby, an adult cat, even if she was not sociable before, feels a shift in attention to the kitten. Moreover, this is not jealousy, this is precisely a lack of attention, a kind of resource that was taken from the cat.
Another factor that interferes with a harmonious relationship can be the difference in energy between a kitten and an adult cat. The kitten is much more active, mobile and he will certainly bore the cat with his attention. Some adult pets do not like intrusion into their personal space; they hiss and get irritated precisely because of this. It can also be difficult for a cat if the kitten is first isolated in a room behind a closed door. Here several irritants appear: a new unfamiliar smell, the closure of part of the cat’s usual territory, the constant movement of a person between these two separated territories. A kitten is not an adult cat that we isolate in order to avoid mutual aggression and to reduce the stress of each pet. A baby requires more attention, but the likelihood of aggression towards an adult cat is low.

What to do for successful mutual adaptation?

Before bringing the kitten home (if it is planned), prepare high surfaces for the cat(s) so that he has his own space where he can take a break from the kitten's activity. When you brought the kitten into the house, simply let him into the new room, give him the opportunity to look around and get acquainted with the territory. Allow the adult cat to sniff the new resident. Even if she hisses, there is no need to immediately intervene and separate the pets. Give them the opportunity to make initial contact. It is possible to separate only in case of signs of clearly demonstrated aggression: the use of claws, teeth, pursuit and attempts to drive into a corner.

Good relations with your cats!

Have your cats accepted another pet right away?

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Causes of aggressive behavior

A cat or cat can behave aggressively for various reasons. But no matter what provokes your pet’s anger, you need to find your own approach to it and make every effort to suppress this anger.

You can make friends between an adult cat and a kitten if you know some rules and tricks

There are several reasons why cats do not accept babies into the house. And each of them has its own natural explanation.

Important! The ideal age for an adult cat to introduce him to a small kitten is up to three years old. The older the animal, the more difficult it will be to make friends with them.

Threat

An adult animal may see a potential threat in a small kitten.

Cats do not understand situations, so with any changes in their lives, they feel a real danger, thus protecting their lives. In such cases, they prefer to attack first, and then realize the essence of what is happening. The model of this behavior is clearly visible when cats attack dogs if the latter appear suddenly. Moreover, the size of the dog does not matter. The same thing happens when meeting a kitten.

Important! The cat will attack first and then take a closer look.

A cat may see a small kitten as a potential threat to its life.

The cat may also perceive a threat in the appearance of a small relative in terms of territory. If a strange animal enters a house where the pet has always felt like the sole owner, it becomes overwhelmed by a sense of potential danger. Therefore, manifestations of aggression cannot be avoided.

Jealousy

Jealousy is not unique to humans. Animals also actively demonstrate it.

Moreover, cats can be jealous of anyone: be it the owner’s husband or wife, a newborn child, or just a stranger. Aggressive behavior against a background of jealousy often manifests itself in relation to another animal.

As a rule, people give a small kitten much more attention and love, play with it more, and pick it up. This is what causes hostility towards the baby.

An adult cat begins to actively fight injustice and try to return all the love of its owner to itself. Most pets are possessive and find it very difficult to accept the presence of a new pet next to their adored owner.

Cats are very jealous creatures

Other causes of aggression

Other factors can also lead to aggression:

• predator instinct;
• revenge for the offense caused by the owner;
• severe pain;
• hormonal changes leading to mood changes;
• unsatisfied sexual libido;
• protecting your own kittens.

Cats are predators. The arrival of a small kitten can awaken this primal instinct in them. They won't eat it, but they can start playing rather cruel games with it. Often the cat imitates hunting - it tracks the kitten, sneaks up on it and attacks.

How to make friends with cats

What will you learn from the article?

Cats are solitary predators, territorially dependent creatures. It is important for them to have their own place to rest, sleep, eat, use the toilet, hunt and observe the world around them. Therefore, when another pet appears in the house, this inevitably provokes a conflict with the old-timers. How to make friends with cats so that they live peacefully is the main question that needs to be resolved.

In this article you will learn how to introduce pets, how to accustom cats to each other, what you need to do to avoid conflict between animals.

Preparing the house

To minimize the problems that will arise with a new pet, prepare your home/apartment in advance for this event.

What needs to be done to create a comfortable living environment for new and old residents:

1. Provide each animal with its own litter tray, place and utensils for eating, and a place to sleep (hammock, lounger, bedding, house, basket). This will reduce competition between cats and reduce stress.
2. Choose similar bowls, trays and beds. This is to prevent cats from feeling that you are favoring someone else.
3. Place food and water bowls in the same room, but at a safe distance. When eating, animals experience the most competition and stress. Cats should see each other while eating, but be protected from attacks by their relatives.
4. Create separate elevated areas for each pet: cat trees, vertical units and cabinets, wall shelves. Cats love to watch what is happening from above.
5. Provide cats with houses for playing together, tunnels, cardboard boxes with holes, and play complexes. These should be spacious structures with several exits. Cats should be able to escape from another pet while playing - they should feel safe.
6. Buy your own toys for the new resident. To reduce stress, at first do not play with your cats' toys with the newly arrived animal.
7. Get ready to give love and affection to all the inhabitants of the house equally. Jealousy towards the owner can provoke conflict.

let's live in peace

For the positive development and strengthening of relationships, the technique developed by cat behavior specialist Jackson Galaxy has proven itself to be excellent. It's called Eat, Play, Love, and the name itself captures the essence very clearly.

Eat - feeding cats together in one place, in which every day you reduce the distance between the bowls.

Play - Playing together increases confidence, strengthens team spirit and harnesses the energy of little predators in a positive way.

Love – pet cats, encouraging them to close the distance with affection.

First acquaintance - how to introduce cats

The moment cats meet is very important. The owner must carefully prepare for this event and not leave it to chance. The future life of the pets together depends on the attentiveness and foresight of the owner.

What do felinologists advise?

1. Give cats time to get used to each other's scent. At first, keep the new cat in a carrier or in a separate room (separate room, closet, bathroom). It would be good if the door to this room is equipped with a grille or partition. Old-timer cats will be able to sniff the smell of the new resident and get used to it.
2. Use your scent as a medium. Give your jersey to your new pet as bedding. After he sleeps on it, offer this T-shirt as a bed for the old-timer cat.
3. Mix animal scents. Cats have special glands on their cheeks that secrete pheromones. These substances give cats information about each other and help relieve anxiety. Rub one cat at a time with the towel and let them smell the cloth. For the same purpose, felinologists recommend changing cat bedding from time to time.
4. Give cats time to observe each other. If you bring your new pet in a carrier, do not open it right away. Let the animals watch each other. If the cat is in a separate room, open the door slightly so that the animals can see each other.
5. The first contact with animals should be under your supervision. Allow them to meet only when you see mutual friendly interest.
6. As soon as you notice aggression from one of the animals, break off contact. It will take some time for the animals to learn to be in each other's company in a relaxed and calm state.
7. Don't single out any one cat. Animals need to feel that you treat them all equally. This will reduce competition.
8. Keep all the doors in the apartment (except the street door) open and the windows closed when you first meet. This will help the new cat safely escape and hide from the old-timers if aggression arises.
9. Don't rush things. Give the cats time to get used to each other. Leave them alone only when you are sure they will not become aggressive.
10. Help cats make friends through playing together. Use toys such as a fishing rod. If cats play well with each other, reward them with affectionate words and treats.

Trim your cats claws before your first meeting - this will reduce the risk of injury.

Cat and cat

Animals of different sexes can quickly find a common language. The cat does not see the female as a rival and will not begin to fiercely defend its territory with marks. Uncastrated males may begin to pay attention to the female cat. The cat can respond to this with a hiss and the conflict will end there.

Therefore, the most important factor on which the cohabitation of pets of different sexes depends is sterilization.

An uncastrated sexually mature cat will always be in a state of heat. This will negatively affect both himself and the cat. Animals will experience constant stress.

Felinologists advise sterilizing both male and female cats - this will prevent unplanned mating and help make friends between pets. Only a male can be sterilized - castrated cats usually have good neighborly relationships with female cats.

Cat and kitten

This is perhaps the best combination. Cats are less jealous of the appearance of a small creature in the house. For some of them, the instinct of motherhood is triggered, and they will take care of the new pet. An adult cat can teach a baby all the intricacies of a cat's life.

If the cat is sterilized or does not have “mommy” mode, follow these rules:

• Do not provoke the cat's jealousy, do not deny her affection when she wants it.
• Don't let your baby eat from her bowl or go into her litter box.
• Do not allow your new pet to do things that are prohibited for an adult animal.
• Don't leave your cat and kitten alone at first.

Ways to reconcile pets

The reaction of a cat and a female cat to the appearance of a small foreign kitten in the house is often different. A cat shows aggression for one reason; for a cat, these motives may differ.

But their hostility is united by one fact - they are inveterate loners and they extremely dislike unwanted neighbors. The owner of animals should remember that different causes of aggression require different ways to solve them. Let's take a closer look at how to reconcile a kitten with a cat and a male cat.

Friendship between cat and kitten

It is somewhat easier to make friends with a kitten than a mature cat.

Many owners believe that when a cat meets a baby, its maternal instinct can awaken. Sometimes this happens. The animal accepts the new family member as its own child, but this rule can only work if the cat is currently nursing, or has recently lost its kittens.

In a fit of longing for her babies, she perceives someone else's kitten as her own. Although such cases are possible with non-lactating females. But most often the brought baby is perceived as an adult animal that poses a threat to her life and it will not be possible to reconcile them at first.

Attention! To reconcile them, the kitten should be shown to the cat gradually.

First, they should be isolated from each other. Let her get used to his smell. Then try to introduce them. The cat will sniff it carefully and consider whether it is dangerous to its life.

Playing together, not punishing aggression, separating bowls and trays will do the trick - after a while the cat will accept the kitten, if not as her baby, but as a safe friend.

A mature cat may show inappropriate sexual attraction to a kitten. This occurs due to the smell emitted by the baby, a hormonal surge due to unsatisfied sexual needs. In such a situation, the animal should be sterilized.

When a cat meets a kitten, its maternal instinct may awaken

How to stop aggression

Aggression is a normal reaction of a predatory animal to stress, the appearance of a rival, or an unfamiliar creature. It manifests itself at the level of natural instincts; a person is not able to fully predict and prevent it. But in the case of pets living together, the owner can and should intervene in this process and reconcile the cats. This must be done carefully, competently and in a timely manner.

Causes of aggression

Felinologists identify several main reasons for the aggressive behavior of cats:

1. Social rivalry. The struggle for the role of alpha male.
2. The fight between old and new pets.
3. Territorial behavior. Cats can fiercely defend their eating, sleeping, and toileting areas.
4. Reaction to a new smell. After visiting the veterinarian, the animal brings with it unusual smells of medicines - this can cause aggression in other pets. An unusual smell turns a familiar cat into a “stranger.”
5. Bad feeling. The disease changes the animal's behavior; it may become more restless and aggressive.
6. Stress. Any stressful situation negatively affects the behavior of cats.
7. Personality conflicts. Just like people, cats are all different and do not have to like each other. A mismatch of temperaments can lead to struggle.
8. Maternal aggression. The cat protects its offspring in this way.
9. Fighting game. During joint games, cats can attack each other, jump, bite, and watch from around the corner.

In each specific case, you need to act in accordance with the situation.

If aggression occurs, cats fight and bite, do not ignore it. Don't think that cats will figure it out on their own. These methods will help stop aggressive behavior and save your pets from unwanted mental and physical injuries.

Tips for stopping aggression

1. Interrupt the fight with a loud sound (clap), throw a blanket over them, or spray the animals with water from a spray bottle.
2. Neuter your animals. Unneutered cats are the most aggressive.
3. Stop competition. Provide each pet with its own food bowls, trays, and beds. They must be the same or similar.
4. Build more shelters and high places to rest and observe the world around you.
5. Spray pheromones. Products with pheromones are sold in pet stores. Their aroma will help relieve tension that arises between animals.
6. If aggression is severe, separate the animals into different rooms. Swap them from time to time - this way they will quickly get used to each other's smell.
7. While licking, the cat is busy with itself, relaxed and does not pay attention to the other animal. Lubricate your cat's scruff with tuna oil or granules of her favorite food - this will distract and calm your pet.
8. Use calming anti-stress medications and feed additives to correct the behavior of your animals: “Cat Bayun”, “Stop Stress”, “Feliway”.