Feed: Tips to Prevent Fighting When Introducing Cats - AggScore: 14.0

Tips to Prevent Fighting When Introducing Cats

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cat toys   Because cats are very territorial and, typically, solitary creatures, they can find it difficult to accept newcomers. Subsequently, when introducing a new cat into a home with well-established feline members of the family, the result may be hissing, growling and possibly all-out fighting. Fortunately, this can be reduced or even eliminated by introducing your cats to each other in the correct way. 1. To begin with, it is wise to keep your cats in separate rooms. Both cats will be able to smell the other and they will probably be able to see each other through the crack of the door. Of course, it is important for both cats to have access to food, water and a litter box. Therefore, you may have to buy fresh supplies for your new cat. This may prove useful anyway, as separate food bowls and litter boxes may prevent fighting in the future, too. 2. After a few days have passed, you may like to try placing your new cat into a carrier and taking it into the room with your other cat/cats. Obviously, you should keep these visits short to reduce the stress to your new cat. However, both ‘old' and new cats should feel safe and may begin to show a curiosity in each other. Of course, if there is any sign of aggression from either side, remove the new cat from the room and wait for things to calm down before trying again. 3. If you think the second step has gone well, you may like to try letting your new cat out of its carrier. However, before you do it is wise to ensure that the cats are in a medium to large size room, where hiding places are available should either animal feel threatened. Additionally, it is a good idea to have on-hand a water squirter and some favored cat toys. Of course, you should watch this first face-to-face encounter very carefully. If one of the cats begins to show small signs of aggression, such as hissing, then you should try to distract him, or her, with a toy. If, however, a fight breaks out, use the squirter to stop the fighting and then remove the new cat from the room. Never try to separate fighting cats with your bare hands, as you will get hurt. As with step two, if you have to remove the new cat from the room, wait for everybody to calm down and then try to introduce the cats once more. 4. Obviously, the length of time this process takes will very much depend on the individual temperament of your cats. However, once your cats are able to be in the same room without fighting, you can begin to move your new cat's equipment into the same room as your ‘old' cat's stuff. As mentioned above, it is a good idea to have separate equipment, as this will prevent squabbles over food etc. Obviously, it is wise to keep a close eye on your cats for the first few days. Additionally, bear in mind that some seeming signs of aggression, such as hissing, may be indications of play. Of course, as alluded to above, this whole process may vary depending on the character of your cats. You may be able to shorten some of the above stages or eliminate them altogether. However, even if you feel that your ‘old' cat has a very laidback attitude, it is wise to exercise caution, as you can never be 100% sure about how an animal will react to a newcomer. Samantha Markham is a professional freelance writer, based in the UK. She is currently working on behalf of remmeer.com, an online supplier of unique pet products and gifts. Visit remmeer.com to view a range of cat handbags & purses [1] and cat earrings & jewelry [2].cat toys [1] http://www.remmeer.com/bags-totes-wallets-c-30.html [2] http://www.remmeer.com/accessories-c-82.html