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.
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How do you get cats used to each other faster?

First – Visual contact between cats
  1. Separate physically with screen door or baby gate. ...
  2. Give cats treats so they spend time close to each other or play with a feather to encourage play. ...
  3. When comfortable with each other they will sniff noses, play through the door or rub against the door.
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How long does it take for cats to trust each other?

It can take a cat 8-12 months to become friends with another cat. Male cats are slower to accept a new feline, especially if they're unfixed.
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Why do cats hiss at New cats?

Territorial Aggression

Your cat might hiss at the new kitty to let him know that she is the dominant cat in the house. This is especially true when a new kitten is introduced; your existing cat will want to establish herself as the older cat to be respected by the new little one.
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How much time should new cats spend together?

Once they are routinely spending 4 or 5 hours together without incident, you should be able to give both cats free run of the home overnight and then when you are away. The average time frame is a few weeks but it could take months for the cats to learn to tolerate each other.
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How Long Does It Take For Cats To Be Friends?



Should I let my cats fight it out?

Never let the cats “fight it out.” Cats don't resolve their issues through fighting, and the fighting usually just gets worse. Interrupt aggression with a loud clap of your hands or spray from a water gun. Neuter the cats. Intact males are particularly prone to aggressive behavior.
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How do I get my new cat to like each other?

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.
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How do you tell if cats will get along?

How to tell if your cats get along with each other – six key behaviours to look for.
  1. They head-butt each other. Don't worry, not in an aggressive way! ...
  2. They groom each other. ...
  3. They snooze together. ...
  4. They touch noses. ...
  5. They hang out together. ...
  6. They have a rough and tumble.
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Should I hiss back at my cat?

You shouldn't hiss at your cat because they might perceive your hissing as a threat and become scared. Since cats use hissing as a defensive mechanism to express discomfort, stress, or fear and to avoid confrontation, you should also avoid using hissing to discipline them.
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How do I know if my 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.
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What happens when two cats meet for the first time?

This first introduction to one another offers them the chance to meet through scent, giving them notice that the other is there through a harmless meeting. Feed the cats near the door that separates them so they learn that coming together (even though they can't see each other) results in a pleasant experience.
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What to do if cats hiss at each other?

Don't be alarmed; it's normal for cats to hiss at something new or something they don't understand. Hissing is a distance-increasing behavior. Simply put, it's a warning saying, “Please back off, and do not come any closer.”
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Can my new cat smell my old cat?

Seeing the dead cat's bed, scratching post, toys and food bowls can be unnerving reminders but imagine a new cat sniffing another cat's scent on everything the old cat had scent-marked. The new cat will smell an intruder and not know they've vacated the premises. It's not always practical to replace everything.
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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.
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Should I let my cats fight when they first meet?

You should play with both cats at first, so they can smell and greet one another in their own way. If they start to fight you should break them up, and give them some time apart. You may have to do this several times before their personalities no longer clash.
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Will a 2 year old cat get along with a kitten?

Think Kittens

And, yes, 2 adult cats can become friends. In fact, one such friendship has sprung up between 2 rescues that another friend of mine has taken in.
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Do my cats tolerate each other?

While some cats can form very strong social bonds, sometimes cats living in the same household do not perceive each other to be in the same social group, although under stress they will tolerate the presence of others – especially for a particularly valued resource such as food, a fuss from the owner, or the sunniest ...
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How do I stop one cat from attacking my other cat?

If one cat keeps attacking a particular cat, the first step is to separate the cats from each other completely — in separate areas of the house. Do not allow them to paw at or smell each other through a door. If they must be in adjoining rooms, place a barrier at the bottom of the door.
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How do I make my cats get along?

  1. Increase Kitty Resources. Just like territory conflicts, a lack of individual resources such as food and water bowls, scratching posts and litter trays can cause cats not to get along. ...
  2. Rewards and Attention. ...
  3. Rewind, and Control Introductions. ...
  4. Check with the vet. ...
  5. Try FELIWAY MultiCat.
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Will my cat accept a new cat?

Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. If you're able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten that's hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates.
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Why won't my cats play together?

Siouxsie: Caroline, this gradual moving apart is perfectly normal behavior for cats as they grow out of kittenhood and into adolescence. Thomas: Since they still like each other, even if they don't snuggle together constantly, we'd say it would be a bad idea to add another cat into the equation.
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Do cats get jealous of new cats?

Can Cats Get Jealous of Other Cats? Jealousy over the presence of another cat is very common. All cats have different personalities, and some will be made insecure and display jealousy more easily than others. It is important to watch your cat and observe their cues and triggers.
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Do cats hiss when they play with each other?

Cats will generally hiss out of fear or anger, both of which can quickly lead to a fight. They will rarely hiss while playing.
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Is it normal for cats to hiss while playing?

Hissing and Vocalization

The sounds your cats make during play can tell you much about whether it's turning too rough. Hissing, growling, and screaming are the definitive clues that your cat is saying, “back off” to their brother or sister cat companion. Most cats don't vocalize when they are playing and having fun.
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