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Let's take a moment to talk about cat/cat introductions
Why do some cats get along well and some not at all?
Why do some integrate quickly and others seem to take forever?
Why can some be successful with "the feed on either side of the door" method - but others cant?
Why sometimes does it not work out?
Cats are a beautifully complex species. They thrive on maintaining a safe, well enriched and balanced environment with predictability in their routine. What happens when a new cat comes along? Well, it shuffles the cards - the cat then begins asking the questions:
Who are you?
Why are you here?
What happens next?
Are my resources safe?
Am I SAFE?
Understand that the newcomer too is asking:
Where am I?
Who are you (other cat)?
Where are the resources?
What happens next?
Am I SAFE?
The structure of an introduction is crucial for the cat to ask these questions and get their answers via their interactions. Your strategic set up and supervised time together is to help them with building this relationship from the ground up. Too often the process is rushed and cats hissing at the door are left to engage in conflict as a means of "figuring it out." While some share that after an initial rough patch that their cats found balance together, others have seen the other side that "figuring it out" resulted in:
-serious injuries to one another (requiring stitches or more)
-injuries to humans (redirected or when splitting up fight)
-redirected behaviors to other pets in the home
-long term stress resulting in illness
-cats wanting to go outside/reluctance to come back
-house soiling OR spraying (causing extensive house damage)
-complete shut down/change in a cat(s) personality
(not eating, not grooming, hiding)
If you are saying WOW, let us say that we have seen all of the above. While these situations are not COMMON, they are possible. It is hard when introductions don't go well but if aggression is apparent, We NEVER recommend letting your cats figure it out because of what we have seen go wrong. We also focus on explaining that many aggressive behaviors are not what they seem - most actually being FEAR based. You may want to feel the need to stop OR correct a cat who is hissing/growling at the opposing cat not realizing that they are not "being alpha"- they are "being AFRAID!"
When it comes to introducing cats to each other, patience is key. It's essential to approach the process slowly and steadily, allowing the cats to set the pace. There is no definitive answer to how long it should take or when is considered too soon. Each cat is unique, and their adjustment period may vary greatly. Some cats might become comfortable with each other within a week, while others may need a month or even a year to fully accept their new companion.
It's important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all timeline for cat introductions. The key is to observe your cats closely and let them guide you. Watch for signs of stress or discomfort and adjust your approach accordingly. If despite your best efforts, the cats never warm up to each other, it's crucial to accept this possibility. Not all cat relationships will flourish, and forcing the bond can lead to increased stress and anxiety for both felines.
Various factors influence how cats interact with each other, including their individual personalities, past experiences, and their current environment. The primary focus during the introduction process should be on ensuring that both cats feel safe and secure. By prioritizing their well-being and emotional state, you can create a conducive environment for a potential friendship to develop.
If it is not working out - do not jump to thinking it may not work out. First, talk to your resources like your vet, the rescue/breeder you adopted from OR a behavior professional. They may have an insights, an out of the box idea OR the support you need to decide your next steps. Above all, pay close attention to your cats - they can sometimes give you the answers you are looking for.
People have asked: "Has there been introductions you have worked that that even you couldn't integrate?" The answer - YES! Even though we are behavior professionals, that does not mean we have the abilities to make every situation work. In cases that don't integrate we do not see this as a failure, but as a trying effort to do everything we possibly could to make it happen.
In conclusion:
-Before getting another cat, take time to learn about the cat introduction process
-Take your time with introductions - don't rush the process
-Watch your cats behavior, they will tell you how it is going
-Seek help if things are not going well
-Stay positive, stay patient & think clearly when making future decisions
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