Getting cats used to each other

The better two cats fit together, the easier it is for them to get used to each other. However, they should always be brought together with patience and caution.

There are good reasons for a second cat

Cats are not pack animals like lions, but they are not typical loners either. They only travel alone when hunting. Otherwise, they love to have someone to communicate with, play with, chase after and cuddle. This is all the more true if they often have to be alone in the cat household.

In this case, the cat would be very happy to have a partner by its side. The situation is similar if one of two cats dies. The cat left behind probably feels lonely and would be happy to have a new addition. However, the new addition must be well chosen to ensure that living together goes smoothly.

What sex and age should a new cat be?

If you are looking for a second cat for your house cat, you will certainly be asking yourself which one would be the best fit. It is easiest for cat owners who have had two cats from the start - for example from a litter or a couple of friends from an animal shelter. However, with a new addition, you need to consider which sexes could harmonize with each other, whether a young cat can be accustomed to an old one and how the animals would fit together in terms of character. Under no circumstances should you be tempted to make an impulse purchase or take in an unknown cat because it urgently needs a home. For the sake of both cats, you should first consider whether they have a good chance of harmonizing with each other. In the worst case scenario, the new addition could have to be returned after a few weeks.

Our tips:

1. As far as gender selection is concerned, two cats could be a little more aggressive. In any case, the basic requirement would be that both are neutered. Things are usually more harmonious with two cats or one male and one female.
2. As far as age is concerned, you should bear in mind that an older cat could be overwhelmed by a growing male cat. Ideally, the age difference should not be too extreme, but a young cat can certainly move in with an adult. The older cat will then often take over the upbringing.
3. Character is particularly important when choosing a second cat. Opposites do not attract, but could be a problem. Both animals should be socially compatible and generally neither shy nor aggressive.
   
   

How do you integrate a new cat?

Successfully bringing two cats together requires a little preparation. All the basic equipment must be purchased for the new cat. This means they will need their own bowls, a litter tray, a bed, toys and their usual food. You should set up a small cat kingdom with these utensils in a dedicated room. It is best to transport the new cat directly to this room in a transport box and lock the door behind you.

Remember that the cat has not only been torn from its familiar surroundings, but will also immediately smell that it is in the middle of an unfamiliar territory . So unless it is a particularly courageous cat, it will be intimidated at first. Open the flap of the box and pull back a little. Do not try to pull it out and lure it excessively. If her curiosity is greater than her insecurity, she will come out voluntarily. Talk to her calmly and don't move jerkily. Give her time to explore everything and don't let her out of the room for the time being.

It is not possible to say in general terms when the time is right for rehoming. With two very sociable animals, this may be the case on the first day. However, it can also take days or even weeks for the two cats to accept each other and get along well. You therefore need to trust your gut feeling and look at the reactions of the two cats when you open the door a crack. If they hiss wildly or show clear signs of fear, it is not yet the right time. In this case, it is a good idea to change territory. This gives the new cat the opportunity to see its new home undisturbed and in peace. It can also be an advantage to exchange toys or a blanket so that the other cat's scent can be intensively absorbed.

How long does it take for cats to get used to each other?

When you start rehoming , it is a good idea to do this in pairs. That way, one person can look after one cat at a time. Don't be surprised if the cats hiss. It is now a matter of staking out the position in the shared territory. It is important that both cats always have a place to retreat to. If the new cat is not yet ready, it should be able to go into its usual room at any time. You only need to intervene if a fight breaks out. Then you should wait a little longer before bringing them together.

Otherwise, it's time to get to know each other. If both cats are on the same wavelength, after a few days you might think they have known each other for years. However, it generally takes one to two months for the integration to be successfully completed. Patience pays off in any case, because in most cases neither cat will want to be without the other.