How do I get my territorial cat to like my other cat?

Some behaviorists suggest rubbing the cats separately with the same towel to intermix their scents. First gently rub one cat with the towel. Then rub the other cat. After the towel carries both cats' scents, bring the towel back to the first cat and rub her with it again.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on paws.org


How do you get two territorial cats to get along?

Place the cats' food bowls on opposite sides of a closed door. This will encourage them to be close together while they're doing something that makes them feel good. Each day, have the cats switch rooms so that they both experience some variation and get access to each other's scents.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aspca.org


How do I get my aggressive cat to like my other cat?

How to Get Your Cats to Like Each Other
  1. Make sure each cat has plenty of his or her own space. ...
  2. Don't give the cats catnip. ...
  3. Have plenty of their favorite cat toys around to distract them from fighting.
  4. Make the time they spend together as pleasant as possible.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pethelpful.com


How do I train my cat to not be aggressive to other cats?

Provide each cat with food, water, a litter box, a comfortable place to sleep, and regular interaction with you (playing and/or petting). It is very important to make certain that you are providing each cat with enough exercise and playful interaction.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on resources.bestfriends.org


Why is my cat territorial of other cats?

Some of the underlying non-medical causes for aggression between cats in the same household include fear, lack of socialisation, inappropriate introduction of a new cat, overcrowding (i.e. not enough vertical or horizontal space, too few resources etc), redirected aggression, play and predation.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on kb.rspca.org.au


How to Introduce Cats



How do you fix a territorial cat?

Keep a regular routine – In terms of anxiety level, the less change, the better. Try feeding your cat at the same time every day, scheduling a set playtime, keeping their bed in the same spot, and staying on top of litter box cleaning. The calmer your kitty, the less likely they are to become territorial.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on aspcapetinsurance.com


How do you calm down a territorial cat?

If you don't want to give up on your aggressive cat, here are some of the effective ways to calm your combative feline.
  1. Provide a Safe Place. Animal behaviorists advise that aggression in cats may be a call for help. ...
  2. Check With Your Veterinarian. ...
  3. Keep Small Kids Away. ...
  4. Don't Yell. ...
  5. Nip Fights in the Bud.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on littlecatclinic.com


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

It takes most cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship with a new cat. Although some cats certainly become close friends, others never do. Many cats who don't become buddies learn to avoid each other, but some cats fight when introduced and continue to do so until one of the cats must be re-homed.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on paws.org


What do you do when cats don't get along?

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to help your cats get along again.
  1. Give Them Their Own Territory. Cats often don't like to share and can become selfish with resources. ...
  2. Visit a Veterinarian. ...
  3. Use Calming Diffusers. ...
  4. Look for Triggers. ...
  5. Reintroduce Your Cats.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on comfortzone.com


Can cat aggression be cured?

Most important, never punish an angry cat. It's not her fault that she's afraid or unwell, and punishment will only make things worse. Instead, your veterinarian may recommend managing the problem with feline pheromones, a ThunderShirt and behavior modification in the form of desensitization and counterconditioning.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vetstreet.com


Should I let my cats fight it out?

Never let your cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting. Interrupt aggression or fighting by clapping your hands loudly, squirting the aggressive cat with a water gun, or directing compressed air (without noise) at the aggressive cat.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bonvoyagepetsitting.com


How do I get my cat to stop hissing at each other?

Behavior
  1. Keep the cats separate at first. ...
  2. Encourage positive associations between the cats while they are separated. ...
  3. Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on anticruelty.org


How do you deal with a dominant cat?

If your cats begin to fight, separate the cats as quickly as possible. To do this, you can try throwing a blanket or towel on them. You can also try making a loud noise to break their concentration. Water works well to startle and scare fighting cats.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vivipet.com


How do you know if your cats don't like each other?

They may freak out a little if they accidentally touch each other. You might also see signs of insecurity in one or both cats. These signs can include hiding, pooping outside the litter box, spraying in inappropriate places outside the box, or becoming extra destructive and even lashing out at you.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on comfortzone.com


Why is my cat so territorial?

Territorial aggression

Cats are very territorial, much more so than dogs. Territorial aggression occurs when a cat feels that his territory has been invaded by an intruder. Depending on where your cat spends his time, he may view your whole neighborhood as his territory. Female cats can be just as territorial as males.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on paws.org


How can you tell which cat is dominant?

How to Tell Which Cat is Dominant
  1. A Dominant Cat Might Challenge Another Cat. ...
  2. A Dominant Cat Might Sit on or Mount Another Cat. ...
  3. A Dominant Cat Might Hoard Food or Toys. ...
  4. A Dominant Cat May Spray or Bunt. ...
  5. Territorial Reasons. ...
  6. Lack of Feline Socialization Also Causes Dominance Or Aggression Problems.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on betterwithcats.net


Why are my bonded cats fighting?

They're Insecure about Territories. Sometimes sudden outbursts are caused by unease about territories in the home. Cats are naturally territorial, but friendly cats have learned to share their space peacefully. If you recently moved to a new home, they may need to work those issues out again.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on comfortzone.com


Do female cats get along better with male or female cats?

Sex simply isn't an accurate predictor of how well a pair of cats will get along. Instead, whether the cats are similar in temperament is more important. Cats that act the same are more likely to get along. The only time this isn't the case is when you're dealing with two active, territorial cats.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hepper.com


Is growling normal when introducing cats?

Don't be alarmed by hissing or growling. These are normal reactions. Encourage interaction through the door. Place your new cat's food near the door of his room so he stays near it.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pawschicago.org


Why do cats hiss at each other?

The most common reason that cats hiss is when they feel threatened by another cat or animal, and they will hiss as a warning to keep away. Hissing is a way to warn the threat to not come any closer or else be attacked.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on hepper.com


How do you introduce 2 cats to the first?

Start by gradually introducing the scent of the other cat to each cat (without actually physically meeting). This is essential as cats use the scent of individual cats to recognise whether they are in the same social group or not.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on icatcare.org


How do you introduce two cats when aggressive?

Begin by having both cats play at a distance from each other. Or, keep one cat in a crate with food while the other is out with play therapy. Over time, put the toys between the cats and let them play with the toys together.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on vcahospitals.com


Does catnip help calm aggressive cats?

Catnip is often associated with over-stimulation, but it can also be used to help calm your feline. Research suggests that the catnip targets receptors in their brain to make them feel happy. After an initial bout of stimulation and excitement, the herb helps soothe your cat and calm its aggressive behavior.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on emmysbestpets.com


Will my cats ever get along again?

Not all companion cats are going to get along 100% of the time; just as with people, there are bound to be some misunderstandings and miscommunication, but if you notice a pattern of intimidation, there may be more stress between your cats than you originally thought.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on catbehaviorassociates.com