This allows them to associate the other’s smell with something pleasant, like cat treats or their favorite wet food.Ĭontinue the scent swap by mixing their used litter together, Sackman says. Feed the cats at the same time on the opposite sides of a door, the doctors recommend. The first step is to allow the cats to share scents. The exact timing of when to start this process will vary from case to case, depending on the severity of the relationship problems. Then, slowly reintroduce (or in the case of a new cat, introduce) the two cats. Make sure to spend plenty of quality time with each cat in their respective areas. Start by putting the cats in separate areas with their own cat food and water dishes, litter pan, and climbing spaces. The following tips can also be helpful when introducing a new cat into the household. Trying to mend a bad relationship between cats takes time, space, and a whole lot of patience. “The longer the fights have been going on, the harder it is to correct the relationship.” How to Make Cats Like Each Other “Every time you have a fight, the relationship gets worse,” Sackman says. Keep the cats separated for a while to let them cool down. If the cats are locked together, pick one up by the scruff, which will force him to release the other cat. This creates a gentle but impenetrable barrier between the two felines. Instead, you should take a deep calming breath and insert an object like a large piece of cardboard between the cats, McMillan suggests. But this could just make things worse, Sackman warns. When a cat fight starts, your first instinct may be to yell, clap, or break out the water gun. “And sometimes those personalities just don’t mix.” How to Stop a Cat Fight “Cats have different personalities,” McMillan says. Or a more submissive cat may try to hide or disappear to avoid a confrontation when the more dominating cat gets close. You might notice one cat leaving the room when the other enters. Franklin McMillan, director of well-being studies at Best Friends Animal Society. But other times, the aggression can be subtler, says Dr. Signs that cats aren’t getting along can be obvious-all you have to do is listen for the hissing. She now associates him with the pain, and the two fight like mad, Sackman says. The kitty got her foot caught in a wire rack and, after falling to the floor, the first thing she saw was her brother. Sackman says she is working with a cat who had a painful accident in the kitchen. Then there are cats who used to get along, but the relationship changed after a traumatic event. Many fights start with a cat protecting what she considers hers, be it an area, a toy, or a human. Should another cat cross into what they consider their territory, there’s bound to be a stand off, she says. But once they’re on their own, they tend to be more solitary creatures. Jill Sackman, head of behavior medicine service at BluePearl Veterinary Partners. In the wild, cats generally have strong relationships with their moms, aunts, and siblings, says Dr. The first step to stopping cat fights is to understand why they start. Fortunately, there are ways to stop cat fights before they start. Hissing, biting, and scratching can be as hard on pet parents as it is on the cats. It’s not always easy to keep the peace in a multi-cat household.
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