I recently moved into a new 2-bedroom apartment. To make it fancy-sounding, they call it a “loft,” which some of you know means that there are no bedroom walls, and you have to make your own division of rooms with curtains, furniture, and dividers of some sort. I have a 1-year-old female cat, Rosie, and my already-living-there roommate has a 1-year-old male cat, Lenny. Merging our blended cat family was our biggest worry, as we didn’t want attacks, elimination problems, or our cats to be hiding forever.
Both of us asked our vet for advice. They suggested rubbing shirts on our respective cats and then switching them, so they could get each other’s scent. Both cats didn’t care. We thought we must have some pretty laid-back cats, you know? Uh-uh. On the first night, we (idealistically) thought they were “talking” to each other, and we let Lenny into the bathroom, where Rosie was cowering behind the toilet. An attack ensued, bite, pee and all. It was literally like watching a cartoon. They were trapped behind the door, where we couldn’t get them, and fighting in a ball, fur flying. This was stressful, to say the least. Rosie ended up in the bathroom for about 4 more days, and I ended up seeking advice from our editor handling The Worst-Case Scenario Pocket Guide: Cats, by David Borgenicht and Ben H. Winters (Fall 2009, Chronicle Books).
How useful! Here’s how to do it - 2 weeks in, and I think we’re all gonna be okay. My comments in italics.
How to Make Two Cats Get Along
1. Create a “safe space” for the new cat.
Set up a small room with the cat’s litter box, food, water, and toys. If one new cat is being introduced to a household, the “safe space” should be for her, while the previous cat remains at large in the rest of the home. If two new cats are simultaneously introduced to the household and one another, create the safe space for the cat that appears more shy and nervous. We used the bathroom.
2. Prohibit the original cat from entering the safe space for one week.
The original cat is likely to prowl around the perimeter and sniff under the door, which is okay. If the original cat begins hissing or growling at the door, move him away. Luckily, Lenny is not so bright and easily distracted.
3. Show affection to both cats.
Spend equal amounts of time with each cat, petting, playing, and feeding treats to both. Let the original cat see you go into the “safe room,” so he is aware that you are showing affection to the new cat. Show affection to the original cat just outside the door of the safe space, so the new cat is aware of it. Yes, there is enough love for everyone.
4. Switch the cats’ bedding blankets so they become familiar with each other’s scent.
Encourage them to explore the smell. Repeat at least once a day during the one week “safe space” transition.
5. Open the door.
After a week of separation, introduce the cats to each other by allowing them to occupy the same space. And observe with the eyes in the back of your head. Break intense eye contact between the cats.
6. Closely monitor the cats’ interaction.
Immediately break up any fighting and return the new cat to her safe space if she has not already retreated. Leave the cats separated again for one hour. Refer to the scenario: How to Break up a Cat Fight.
7. Reward nonaggressive behaviors.
When the cats are playing nicely, or ignoring one another, distribute extra treats, catnip, and petting sessions. Praise both cats equally.
8. Separate the cats permanently.
If they continue to hiss at each other every time they meet for two months, one or both may be temperamentally unable to socialize with the other.
Be Aware
Cats that have been spayed or neutered are less territorial and get along better with other cats.
I have followed most of these steps and am highly satisfied! The past three nights have been rather short, because Lenny breached our divider wall, but we’ve finally decided that they’re on good enough terms that they won’t injure each other. They’re laying on the same bed, in the same room, and you can see from their body language that they’re both watchful of each other, yet relaxed. Today, the wall came down!
p.s. I also recommend homeopathic relaxer drops, which have been recommended to me by vets.
