Is it necessary to keep more than one cat in the house?

Should you get a second cat?

Getting a second pet is only possible if the owner has excess time. Simply put, you can fully care for one pet and still have time for another. Why is it important? If you don’t have free time, you simply won’t have the opportunity to make friends with your pets, believe me, your participation will be needed. The only time cats will build a relationship on their own is if you take two kittens at once and they grow up together.

The issue of the financial side is no less important. Can you fully support two animals? What if one of them gets sick and additional expenses are required? You shouldn’t be guided by the “we’ll feed you somehow” principle. You cannot be sure that your cat will not develop an allergy or other chronic disorder. Cats cannot be fed from the table; they will have to buy meat or food.

If the above two conditions bother you, give up the prospect of having a second pet. Refuse, even if you think your cat is bored. The second ward is not a toy, but a full-fledged member of the family like the first.

It is worth understanding that cats are not animals that need to have a pack. In nature, not many species of cats live in prides, and this fact is explained not by the desires of the animals, but by the principle of survival. Domestic cats need the company of their owner; they rarely accept other animals with delight and open arms. In addition, domestic cats are jealous and territorial, and are annoyed when there is another pet with a different smell in the home. Bottom line: If you can communicate with your cat enough, don't get a second pet for the sake of entertaining the first.

Last thing. You shouldn't get a second cat if you think it's normal to give the animal to other people or to a shelter. Yes, situations are different, sometimes pets have to be handed over to relatives or even strangers, but counting on this option in advance... “if it doesn’t work out, I’ll just give it away, throw it away, put it in a shelter” is very, very wrong!

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In the message of
clear-eyed_black-eyed “ I changed the face of the refrigerator))” an interesting dialogue arose in the comments that I would like to publish as a post:
avistrix: What charming cats you have! (see first photo)

clear-eyed_black-eyed: Thank you!)) Not everyone is captured here))

avistrix: What are you talking about?! You are simply a hero!

clear-eyed_black-eyed: No)) I just love them)

avistrix too, but I have only Vasya... I just can’t feed him anymore...

clear-eyed_black-eyed You are doing the right thing in measuring your strengths.) We, too, have too much with cats. The territory does not allow (to keep a larger number. Fluffy Fox needs to be housed...

avistrix What should I do?! Firstly, I took Vasya already old, and I read about old cats that any new animal is stressful for them. And Vasya is very timid and, as I suspect, jealous. Secondly, purely technically: I can’t imagine where to put at least a second vessel, my bathroom (shared bathroom) is very cramped. Not to mention the cost of food. Vasya needs strictly specific dry food, he has a weak pancreas and often vomits. I buy him the best litter, the kind that can be thrown into the toilet and hides odors. As soon as he goes there, I clean the toilet: I throw out the lumps and poop, and add fresh litter. Therefore, there is no smell at all in my apartment, and Vasya clearly goes to the toilet, there have never been any “mistakes.” Today they brought me supplies for Vasya from the pet store - I found them cheaper. I immediately buy an 18-kilogram package of filler and 3.8 - 4 kilograms of food - this is enough for about 4 months. I paid 4,530 rubles, that is, more than 1,000 rubles a month. That’s how much Vasya costs me - otherwise there’s no other way. Can I take a second animal under such conditions? I live alone, my pension is 17,000, I pay about 5,000 for housing and communal services, I leave something in reserve in my savings book and I definitely save it for Vasya. And we also need to set aside for force majeure: some breakdowns in the household - call a repairman; illnesses - if you have to be treated for a fee, buy additional medications, and a lot of other things. My regular medications alone, which I take daily, cost about 1000 a month. And if you have to buy expensive capsules and injections for osteochondrosis just to move around, that’s about another 5,000. Household: soap, all sorts of household chemicals, paper products, you know. And food, of course. No one will help, everything is just getting more expensive relentlessly. That's why I admire people like you. How many pussies do you have in total? How do you deal with them?

In the photo is my Vasya. He is a Mekong Bobtail.

clear-eyed_black-eyed: At the moment I have six cats. They eat “our” food. Only four of them eat Proplan, I give it occasionally in the form of vitamins. And two of them don’t react at all to dry food. All of the above means that I have to buy chicken by-products. In the morning they get chicken. For lunch, some kind of pampering in the form of flour, dairy... what they get from the table)) They love pancakes, dumplings)) And in the evening, a piece of sausage cheese or fish: sprat, anchovy, whiting.

I try not to overfeed. Everyone is spayed and neutered, so there is already a tendency towards excess weight. I am happy! They all go in one tray!!! They don’t disdain each other)) Sometimes I even see two of them sitting in one pot)), although there is a second one too, but they ignore it. I don't use filler. No one needs it. It’s very convenient!)) And they set a regime for themselves. In the morning I get up at seven, they are in single file on the tray. Everyone comes off both wet and hard, I wash after each one. All! The pot will remain dry for up to 16 hours. When I come home from work in the evening, I watch the cats go to the toilet in single file. In our family, everyone loves and respects cats, and if everyone in the family sees that the cat has left, they will rinse and wipe the potty. I didn’t go much into counting the amount of money spent on the cat’s personal needs. For them, too, I have to buy pills, drops, and I take anti-worm medication from time to time. Otherwise they drag all the dirt into their mouths))) lick them and come up to the doorstep of the apartment. It was fate itself that there are so many of them. I couldn’t walk past the abandoned cats myself and the children brought them. The oldest is 14 years old, and then Liska is 6, 5, 4, 4 years old and 10 months old))

That's it.))

avistrix You are great! But I spoiled Vasya, and now - what... He got used to the filler at the shelter, and at mine. And as for the food, that’s also what I was taught at the shelter, and that’s how I give it. I used to have Murochka, she died at 15 from cancer. She walked without the filler, and everything was fine. And it was easier with food. And Vasya - yes, he has a more capricious stomach... I love him. In general, I love cats. Murochka was sterilized, and they took Vasya from the shelter as a neuter - that’s how he ended up with them.

Series of messages “Cat Mania (Part 4)”:
Part 1 - An excellent partner Part 2 - He’s so cute and fluffy, how can you drive him away? ... Part 27 - I hope the mouse is doing well... Part 28 - They understand everything!!! Part 29 - How many cats can you keep at home? Part 30 - My Vasya Part 31 - Sailor Cat... Part 48 - My cat is unlike yours... Part 49 - Walking cat... Part 50 - Cat, grandmother, and teapot

Preliminary preparation

How often do owners complain that two cats don’t get along in the house, but when discussing the issue in detail, it turns out that the animals have reasons, and good ones at that. You will probably be able to reconcile your pets if you are prudent. There are pros and cons to having two cats, and then there are individual nuances behind them. The first and most important of them is territorial affiliation. Each cat should have its own place, bowl, toilet and portion of attention. Let's look a little more closely. It is advisable to do all of the following before you bring a second cat into the house. If the animal appears in the house unexpectedly, try to make the recommended changes as soon as possible.

Planning a place requires ingenuity. You need to divide the space in the house so that the pets do not collide in the first days of their stay . The best option is to place the cats in different rooms; if this is not possible, make sure that bowls, beds, scratching posts and trays are not next to each other. When one cat eats, the other should not watch.

The second pet should not sleep in bed with the owner, however, it is better to refrain from sleeping together with the first pet. Insist that your pets sleep on their own beds . For the first night, it is wise to separate the cats, that is, place beds in different rooms. At the same time, it is very important not to infringe on the pet who has lived with you longer. His bed should not be moved unless you do this in advance, before the new cat arrives.

Important! If you are faced with aggression, you notice that your pets are hissing, one is attacking the other, for the safety of the second cat you need to lock it in a carrier. It is important not to isolate the cat that is the owner, but you should not encourage her attacks either.

Experience shows that pets who are not accustomed to each other fight and quarrel when it comes to food. The second pet needs to be fed from a new bowl. It is advisable for the bowls to be different colors and shapes, so your first cat will be sure that she is not being pinched. Before feeding, let the first cat sniff the new bowl and the area you have prepared for the new pet. Do not feed the first cat in the same place as the second and do not move “locations” until the animals adapt to each other.

How to arrange the bowls correctly? There are several options:

If the first cat ate on the floor, its bowl can be moved to the windowsill. This way, the old-timer will be sure that he is in charge and is still in charge of his territory. This option is not suitable if the cat is actively aggressive, since it will attack the newcomer from above, and this is a serious request, with the subtext: “leave or die.”
The second cat's bowl can be hidden in the space behind the door. A good option for both pets, since they will not see each other. Being behind the “wall”, the second cat will feel more comfortable.
Feed cats in different rooms.

Place food in bowls that are on the table and place them in front of the cats at the same time. Both pets will be busy, and they have no time for competition at this time. In the first days, it is wise to feed the animals strictly on a schedule so that they have time to get hungry and do not have the desire to be distracted from the bowl. Keep an eye on the cats until they finish their meal and be sure to remove the bowls so that one pet does not go to explore the other's dining area. Don’t be alarmed, you only need to live at this emergency pace for a few days.

The tray is a holy place. Each cat should have its own toilet . According to the recommendations of animal psychologists, there should be a spare tray in the house. Simply put, if you have two cats, then there should be three litter boxes. On the day when a new cat appears in the house, you do not need to clean the tray of the first pet, that is, you should have two trays with clean and not-so-clean litter. Why? A new cat will not go into a litter box with a foreign smell and will immediately understand where her litter box is – fresh and unstained. If there are two fresh trays in front of a newcomer and he, by mistake or confusion, goes to the wrong one... there will be justifiable jealousy on the part of the guard. What does this mean? In puddles and heaps in corners or in very visible places, cats do other things as a sign of protest.

It is possible that over time, as the cats become friends, they will begin to go to the same litter box or separate toilets for large and small activities. This can go on for quite a long time until one of the pets experiences stress or resentment. Being in a bad mood, a cat may suddenly dislike sharing the sanctuary with another animal, and in this case a spare “seat” is needed - a third, clean tray.

The remaining nuances need to be navigated intuitively. Remember, all changes made should concern only the beginner . Your first pet should be protected as much as possible from the stress associated with adding to your family. At the same time, it is important not to follow his lead, he will be jealous and your task is to reassure, not feel sorry for.

Second cat in the house

One cat is good, but two are better

It’s only at first that they think skeptically about the second cat: why do they need a second one, one is enough as it is, but the second one also needs to be fed, and, again, twice as much to clean.
But when, for the third week in a row, a newly acquired kitten jumps on the bed all night because he slept alone during the day and now has nothing to do, or, out of boredom, hunts for the legs of household members sticking out from under the blanket, this idea begins to seem more sensible. If there is a child in the house who is close to a cat in temperament, there will most likely not be such a problem - he will play with the cat so that by the evening it will have difficulty standing on its paws and will sleep until the morning along with the whole family. If there are no small children, and adults cannot find time to play with their pet every evening, then the pet’s life becomes very sad, and there is absolutely nowhere to put energy. Then she begins to spend money on hunting for her master's legs, climbing shoals and riding on curtains. Or you just want a second cat, because for complete happiness the beauty and affection of one is not enough, and you certainly want twice, or even three times more beauty and affection in the house. Or a cat, acquired on the initiative of the wife, fell in love with her husband, communicates only with him, but what should the initiator of the acquisition do? And then the thought ripens that another cat will not embarrass the family, but will bring new positive emotions to the house.

Sometimes the decision to get a second animal does not mature, but comes instantly. These are mostly cats taken from the street - small helpless kittens or older cats. Or one of the relatives developed an allergy to a recently purchased kitten, and he urgently had to look for new owners.

When getting a second cat, you should first decide whether it is financially feasible. After all, keeping one more animal means doubling the usual costs for pet supplies and veterinary services. It is also worth remembering about the territory - in a very tiny apartment several animals will be cramped, and besides, having more than one cat, you must not forget that one of them may get sick and will need a separate room for quarantine. And of course, the time resource matters: two animals will not be bored together, so you will need to spend much less time on games, but there will be more worries about care, cleaning and feeding. Also think about who the cats will stay with when you go on vacation, for example. After all, if it’s not easy to accommodate one cat for the holiday period, then with two it will be twice as difficult. Only if all these issues can be resolved for you, feel free to get a second animal.

Who should you choose to accompany your existing pet? If a neutered cat or a sterilized cat lives at home, and the new pet is also supposed to be sterilized, then its gender is not important, choose the one you like best. Two uncastrated cats will certainly fight for territory, as well as mark it with inexhaustible enthusiasm, so when bringing a second cat into the company of the first, you should think about castration, or better yet, both of them. After all, in a second cat, even a neutered one, the first one can still see a rival, and then one cannot escape from marking the territory, and from fights either. It’s unlikely that anyone will decide to have a cat as a friend to an uncastrated cat, because they will fulfill the commandment “be fruitful and multiply” with alarming frequency. The best option in this case is two cats: they are unlikely to fight for territory (unless they have some personal scores between themselves), but they can still mark. The smell of cats' marks is much weaker than that of cats, but they sometimes leave them in the most unpleasant places. By the way, both male and female cats can also mark while living without company. Therefore, regardless of the number of pets in the house, the issue of castration of animals not involved in breeding should be taken seriously.

The second important question is the age of the pets. It is optimal to take both kittens at a young age; ideally, these should be littermates, but usually the decision about a second favorite comes when the first kitten has already grown up. However, young animals rarely have problems getting used to each other, so taking a kitten to a teenager is a very good option. Often they leave one of the kittens born to a cat, in this case there are no problems at all (however, when the kitten grows up, the relationship can deteriorate significantly due to the difference in characters and division of territory). But it is much more difficult when the house contains an adult cat or cat with a long-established character, accustomed to living alone and having complete control over the time of their beloved owner. And the longer this animal lives alone, the harder it will be for it to get used to the new pet and forgive the owner for the offense. It will be especially difficult to make friends with two adult animals. Although here, too, a lot depends on the character of the cat: some accept newcomers with open paws, regardless of age, while others show a quarrelsome character even at a very young age. Sometimes a kitten is placed with an elderly cat so that the young animal can replace the old one over time, because cats don’t live forever, and the loss will be a little easier to bear if there is another furry companion at home. For an elderly animal, the presence of an active and playful kitten can become a real stress, and then in no case should you pay less attention to her than before: the cat will be offended and feel unhappy. But there are also the opposite cases, when a kitten managed to stir up an old lady cat or an old man cat so that he became just as playful and funny, and they lived happily together for several more years, because an active lifestyle and a good mood benefit the health of elderly pets favorites.

So, the choice has been made, and after some time the first meeting will take place. Even knowing perfectly well the character of your pet, it is impossible to predict in advance how the animals will react to each other. Therefore, on the day a newcomer moves in and during the first time he is in the house, you need to take measures that will help smooth out a conflict if it arises.

The first is the exchange of smells. The main thing that confuses cats about strangers is that they smell unfamiliar. You can try to give the animals similar smells. Use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the old-timer (especially pay attention to the cheeks, areas behind the ears and under the tail), then the newbie, and then the old-timer again. In the listed places, the secretion of odorous secretion is especially intense, so by rubbing first one animal in this way, then the other, you transfer the same smell to both. And with a creature that has such a familiar smell, it’s somehow uncomfortable to even fight... Remember that this measure is only for guaranteed healthy animals, because if a newcomer is picked up on the street, and nothing is known about his state of health, then he should be put in a separate room for quarantine, because no one knows what diseases he is ready to share with his new friend.

Quarantine is needed not only to be able to check the health of a new pet and treat it if necessary. Separating the animals into separate rooms is also necessary so that before they see each other, they first get used to each other’s smells, so in any case, you should not immediately give the newcomer the opportunity to move around the entire apartment. During quarantine, the cats will get used to unfamiliar smells, calm down and, quite possibly, when they meet each other in person, they will perceive each other completely normally. Give each one enough attention, because it is necessary both for the first pet, for whom it is important to feel that the owner’s attitude towards him has not changed, that he is still loved, and for the second one: he experiences stress from moving to an unfamiliar place and from the presence of a new neighbor, and manifestations of love and affection are significant support for him.

At first, the situation next to the door separating neighbors can be very tense: animals can growl, hiss at each other, and try to stick their paw under the door in order to reach the enemy. Here you need to be patient, because this can last from several minutes to several days. Wait until the hissing stops, only then can you proceed to personal acquaintance.

Ideally, it will go as everyone would like: the animals will sniff and explore each other, and after a while they will begin to play together. Of course, they won’t sleep in a hug from the very first day, but on the second or third day this is already possible. But even in this case, the cats should be strictly supervised together for the first few days. If you're leaving the house for a while, separate them into their rooms again.

But everything may not go so smoothly, and the cats will again hiss and growl at each other, only this time not through the door, but through direct contact. If there are no attempts to fight, then everything goes fine: hissing and growling in this case does not express aggression, but fear of an unfamiliar animal. A newcomer may hide under furniture or on cabinets, and an older animal may behave the same way, frightened by a new neighbor. Constantly monitor what is happening, be prepared to resolve a conflict if it arises. After a while, return everyone to their room. The next meeting should be made longer (if, of course, everything goes well and there are no attempts to fight again). Strictly monitor the cats while they are in each other’s company, and you need to feed them each in their own territory, separately. The same is true with petting - one cat should not see how you pet another, because of this jealousy and, as a result, conflict may arise. Over time, the animals will begin to feel more free to be around, curiosity will overcome fear, and friendships, or at least neutrality, will gradually begin to develop. Be patient, because it is quite possible that this will take more than one week. Only when the adaptation process has achieved a positive result (the animals coexist peacefully and do not show any negative emotions towards each other) can you begin to leave them together unattended.

It is quite possible that the first acquaintance will begin with attempts to attack, and both an old-timer can attack a newcomer, and vice versa. In this case, you need to try to stop the aggression: spray water from a spray bottle towards those fighting, make loud noises to distract them. Don’t try to break up a fight with your hands: you’ll get it too. Having cooled the ardor of the fighting with cold water, again separate the animals into separate rooms. Make new attempts at approaching only after some time has passed, making them longer, unless, of course, the animals start a fight again. Encourage calm behavior with treats and affection (but not in each other’s company, but only after each animal has taken up its own territory). You can undergo a course of treatment with herbal sedatives. In general, in this case you will need even more strength and patience. Most likely, at some point they will be rewarded; it’s just a matter of time.

Only in extremely rare cases do cats do not want to put up with anything and throughout their lives refuse to accept neighbors. They inform the owner about the discomfort they are experiencing by refusing to use the tray or refuse to eat. Each meeting becomes a struggle for life and death. There may even be health problems in one or both animals associated with constant psychological discomfort. In this case, it remains only to advise keeping the animals in separate rooms or finding a new home for the newcomer, because both animals and their owner suffer from this situation. Moving to a house where the cat will be the only animal is the best option in such cases. This will not be a betrayal of the cat; This is perhaps the only case when it is worth doing this, because we are talking about the happy and safe life of the animal. Of course, this decision should not be made after a week or a month of attempts, because this is a very short period of time, and everything can still be corrected. If even after a year the animals have not concluded a non-aggression pact, we can already talk about looking for new owners for one of them or come to terms with the fact that each of the cats will have its own separate room.

Yet such cases are rare exceptions. Usually, if each of the animals has enough food, care and affection, they live together in calm and even friendly relations, help each other wash and bask against each other during sleep. The sight of two cats sleeping in an embrace is so touching that all doubts - whether to get a second one or not - are dispelled, and then the thought of a third one creeps up. And if, when planning to increase the number of tailed animals in the house, each time you seriously think about whether there are enough opportunities to adequately support a new pet, whether there is enough space in the house for everyone, as well as love and affection, then their number will never become too large.

Author: Irina Budkina.

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First meeting

What to expect from the first meeting of two unfamiliar cats? There are a lot of options; animals can react calmly, or they can get into a fight. Remember that the first meeting will set the tone of the relationship, so you need to do your best to prevent conflict.

The first recommendation is to avoid making common mistakes:

Don't push potential rivals together - most likely there will be a fight.
Do not give a kitten to an adult cat, she will not share your affection - most likely, the older cat will set herself the goal of getting rid of her competitor.
Do not isolate animals without the possibility of contact, cats have a very keen sense of smell, they will sense each other - the animals will accumulate stress, worry and will still meet. The likely outcome is a fight until the last breath.
Do not punish the first cat for a strong reaction, and if it does occur, separate the animals so that they can calm down. If you pinch the first cat, you will personally put her into a state of stress.

Some preparatory activities can be done in advance. If you are buying a kitten, you need to visit the breeder; if you brought the baby from the street, we carry out the manipulations to the doorstep. So, both cats need to trim their claws, not short, the main thing is to dull them and sharpen them with a nail file.

Prepare in advance:

A large, heavy blanket that can be used to cover one of the cats if a fight breaks out.
Spray bottle with water.
First aid kit.

Next, take a towel, a piece of terry cloth or flannel. We take the first cat, wrap our hand in cloth and stroke the pet’s fur. Without pressure, but with special care, we apply it along the cheeks, around the ears, paws and between the fingers and in the intimate area. We rub the second cat with the same odorous cut. Next, we return the magic rag to the house and place it on the threshold so that the first cat can sniff it well.

Do not rush your pet and bring the second pet into the home only after the first cat has lost interest in the source of the new smell. By the way, it is better not to put this cloth away anywhere, but to place it at the junction of the territories of the first and second cat. If you decide to place your pets in different rooms, it is better to place a scented cloth on the threshold, “from the side” of the first cat, or stretch it through the crack under the door.

How to get another cat without getting one yourself? Five tips from the owner of five cats

Why you should get a second cat:

Firstly, two cats mean double joy, a double portion of purring and tenderness.
Secondly, contrary to popular belief, cats are very sociable and attached to people. They, like dogs, also have a great need for friendship and games. When left alone for a long time, the cat gets bored. To live a full life, he needs more than just good food, a box and a set of mice. He needs to hunt. And if after work you are not ready to play hunters, then simply invite another cat into your home.
And thirdly, animals simply need our help and protection. As soon as you feel that you can take care of one more animal, then don’t think twice, just do it. After all, their love is unconditional and limitless.

Adopt a cat from a shelter. Even if you are a lover of purebred animals, you will definitely meet your new furry love at the shelter. After all, unfortunately, not everyone can take care of those they have tamed.

But before you make a choice, remember that domestic cats, like people, may develop a banal intolerance to each other. Grouping them only according to species is as pointless as if alien invaders settled people according to the principle: female plus male. For cats, everything is much more complicated and delicate. I will describe some useful tips.

Choose your newbie wisely. Pay attention to temperament, gender and age.

Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive
The most beautiful pairs will be two kittens or a kitten and a cat. The two kittens will grow up together and there will be little or no competition. As a rule, an adult cat will not harm a kitten either. But remember that there are exceptions to any rule, including when it comes to keeping animals.

The most difficult thing will be the proximity of two adult cats. Of course, both must be castrated, but even in this case, conflicts can arise between them.

Remember: no matter what the pair is, both animals in it must be castrated or sterilized (modified).

The neighborhood between a modified cat and a female cat is usually quite peaceful. But adult cats, like adult people, have their own habits and views on what is happening around them. A newcomer simply may not fit into their picture of the world.

Also, you should not mix old and young animals. A kitten will simply drive an adult lazy cat crazy.

Sharing meals and games is the key to mutual understanding.

If you brought a newcomer into the house and did not see open aggression, start taking action.

The first and most important thing is food. For cats, just like for people, eating together establishes a more trusting relationship. So be sure to feed them together. Place the bowls as close together as possible and pet both of them. Initially, this distance could be a couple of meters or even just having both of them in the same room. Be patient, the animals will gradually get used to each other.

Cats are hunters by nature, and when prey runs past them, they do not think about mutual hostility, they give chase. Therefore, in order for the animals to get used to and get used to each other, it will be useful to captivate them with a common game. This way they will quickly overcome the moment of rejection, because they will have a common enemy - the mouse.

Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive

Avoid jealousy and restrain aggression.

The cat who lived with you before should not feel jealous towards the newcomer. It is very important to pay even more attention to the first animal than was given before the appearance of the second.

When the old-timer does not feel that the changes somehow affect his life, he will calm down. And his calmness is already half the success.

If the situation in the house too often heats up to the limit, do not allow conflict. To defuse the atmosphere, you can use calming tablets and dispensers that operate from an outlet on the principle of mosquito repellent. These drugs have proven themselves to be effective in facilitating the peaceful coexistence of several animals. But first, consult your doctor.

Mixing scents will help establish a stronger connection.

Watch your new cat and you will immediately understand where he prefers to sleep. Lay out your old sweater there (just don't wash it). The cat must get used not only to its neighbor, but also to you. Do the same with the first cat (I hope you have plenty of old things). After a couple of weeks, swap the sweaters.

Mixing scents is a very important thing for cats. By mixing them, you will establish a stronger and more trusting connection between you. In this case, your scent will be the basis.

Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive

Protect the cat's right to a sovereign litter box.

Cats are incredibly, simply extremely clean (if this is not the case, then it is worth checking whether the cat is healthy). Therefore, the issue of the toilet is especially important for them. A separate tray for each cat would be ideal. After all, some people simply refuse to go where it smells like someone else.

Cats feel especially unprotected in the toilet, so place the tray so that the animal has a good view and is not afraid of an attack from behind. When there are several cats in the house, this point becomes especially important. If you use house trays, you can remove the lid from them for the first time. This will give a better overview.

Have you ever noticed how much dogs look like their owners? So, cats copy us in the same way. They feel the attitude towards themselves and act in response in an absolutely mirror way. To paraphrase a well-known saying, I can say that cats are the mirror of the soul. Therefore, be kind and patient, and then a contented, purring peace will come to your home.

Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive Photo: Vera Sorokina, personal archive

Tags: keeping an animal, cats, useful tips, pet cat

How to resolve conflict

A new cat should be brought into the home in a carrier, not in your arms. We place the carrier on the floor and do not open it. If the first cat didn’t come, it’s okay. Wait 10–15 minutes. Before opening the door, make sure that all doors in the house are open but the windows are closed. In the event of a fight, cats will need to retreat, and the new pet may jump out of the window out of fear.

They opened the carrier and slowly walked away a few meters - the moment of truth. Don't try to get a new pet, it should come out on its own . Even if this stage takes an hour, do not interfere, do not call the cats, do not make unnecessary movements, your task is observation. If everything goes fine, you will observe the following:

The newcomer carefully gets out of the carrier and looks around carefully. The paws are bent, the nose is constantly moving, the ears are turning.
Guarded - takes a dominant position, moves his ears back, does not take his eyes off the guest, and can hiss and growl.
A newcomer looks away and behaves according to the principle “we don’t care.”
He was guarding - he begins to walk around the newcomer from the side, he can hit himself on the sides with his tail.
Newcomer - moves away to the side that the guard is not protecting.
Watched - continues close observation.
Newbie – continues to move away, may turn his back.

If all these steps were successful, you are very lucky! The newcomer recognized his position, the guard was calm about his possessions, all that was left was to wait and help the animals adapt. However, things may not work out so well. It is likely that your new pet will not want to acknowledge himself as a guest.

In a bad scenario, a failure occurs at the second point, the newcomer will meet the gaze of the old-timer and both cats will freeze. Further, you can observe several options for the development of events; cats can arch their backs, growl, scream, and raise their fur on end. A fight is inevitable if the animals begin to move along the trajectory of a circle and whip their tails on the sides.

If the cats are fighting, spray water on them, if you don’t have a spray bottle... you can douse the fighting ones (great stress for both). Next, we cover the first cat with a blanket, and take the second one out of the room. It is advisable to protect your hands so that your pet does not scratch you out of inertia. We provide assistance to ourselves and the animals if necessary and introduce a moratorium on communication between pets for at least one day.

Important! When you separate cats, it is important not to injure the old-timer. If you lock up the first pet and begin to feel sorry for the second, all the misfortunes will be compounded by the justifiable anger of the owner of the territory.

This is exactly the algorithm that meetings should take place in the first days of living together. As practice shows, already from the second or third time, the guard comes to terms with the presence of a newcomer. As soon as the cats have stopped conflicting during the meeting, they need to start feeding them at the same time - this will strengthen the hierarchy and help develop a certain order in the new way of life.

Let's summarize.

Disadvantages of keeping a cat at home.

1). Wool in the apartment.

How to fight - comb it out and remove it (see above).

2). The cat shits everywhere.

How to deal with it - we put the cat litter box in a place accessible to the cat, keep it clean and change the litter on time. If necessary, use an odor neutralizer.

3). The cat tears up chairs, sofas, wallpaper, etc.

How to fight - buy or make a scratching post yourself and accustom your cat to it.

4). The cat periodically yells, as they say, obscenities.

How to fight - just take the cat outside or buy a “cat bayun”

5). Fleas in the apartment.

How to fight - treat your pet with special products once a month (if he walks outside) and once every six months (if he doesn’t walk).

6). Feeding a cat is troublesome and expensive.