Is it normal for cats not to like each other at first?

Some cats just won't give peace a chance. There are several reasons that cats might not get along. The most common is undersocialization—a lack of pleasant experiences with other cats early in life.
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Is it normal for cats to not get along at first?

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 to like each other instantly?

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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Is it normal for cats to not like each other?

If you find yourself wondering "why do my cats hate each other?", fear is usually the bottom line. Reasons vary though, and sometimes medical issues can be a cause—especially if your cats have lived together for a while and gotten along. Thankfully, aggression issues between cats can often be resolved.
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How do you get two cats to get used to each other?

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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Can my Cats Get Along? Cat-to-Cat Body Language basics



Is hissing normal when introducing cats?

Some hissing is normal during this stage. Don't punish the cats for hissing or growling as that can form a negative association about the other cat, as well as you. Allow the cats to see each other once there has been no hissing for a couple of days.
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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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Why is my cat suddenly hissing at my other cat?

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.
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How do you know if your new cat is getting 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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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.
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How do you know if 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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Can you force cats to get along?

They are unlikely to feel the 'need' for a companion even though you would wish to have another cat around. You cannot force cats to like each other - some will live with a newcomer easily, others will never get on or they may just manage to live alongside each other in an uneasy truce - you can only try.
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Do cats hiss at each other when playing?

Unfortunately, playing can sometimes escalate beyond simple 'play'. When this happens, hissing may be heard. An occasional hiss in the middle of a play session is not of concern as this may be indicative of a misread play cue.
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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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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 happens if you introduce cats too quickly?

Introducing too quickly with little preparation will often lead to cats feeling threatened and scared, which increases the chance of aggressive behaviour being shown. Once cats feel this way about each other, it can be extremely difficult to change their minds.
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How do you tell if cats are a bonded pair?

How can you tell if two cats are bonded? If you are unsure of whether cats are bonded, there are some things to look for. These include enjoying playtime together, and also sleeping next to each other. Other bonded behaviors include rubbing their bodies and faces against each other, and eating food at the same time.
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Is it normal for older cat to hiss at new kitten?

Your older cat may have a period of time when it tries to establish a hierarchy with the new kitten. Your older cat may hiss and swat at the kitten when the newcomer does something unfavorable. This is completely normal and as long as it is just hissing and swatting, do your best to not interfere.
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Do cats get jealous of other 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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Why is my cat being mean to my other cat?

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.
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Why do my cats all of a sudden hate each other?

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.
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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.
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Why don't my cats cuddle with each other?

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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How long does it take for an older cat to accept a kitten?

How long does it take for my cat to accept a new kitten? It can take up to a year for an adult cat to develop a friendship with a new cat. If your cat is younger, it can take from 3 weeks to a couple of months. This will depend on your cat's age and friendliness.
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Is play fighting with your cat OK?

You shouldn't wrestle with your cat, as you'll teach it to treat your hands as toys. Always pay attention to your cat's body language, behavior, and vocalizations while you play. If your cat becomes too rough or aggressive, end your interaction to prevent your cat from believing that this behavior's okay.
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