Cats are known for their independence and unique personalities, but when it comes to introducing them to one another, you might feel more like a peace negotiator than a pet parent. Many people, myself included, have asked questions like, “How do you get cats to get along?” or “How do I get my cats to get along?” Whether you’re introducing two cats for the first time or trying to mend a fractured feline relationship, the key is understanding their behavior and taking it slow when figuring out how to get cats to get along.
Diving into Tales of Feline Diplomacy
When I brought my second cat into the home, I thought she and my resident cat would be fast friends. After all, they were both sweet and affectionate—how hard could it be? Turns out, very hard. Watching my resident cat hiss and swat at left me wondering, “How do you get two cats to get along?” But with patience, a plan, and plenty of treats, I discovered that peaceful coexistence is possible. In this article, we’ll go over how to get cats to get along and cover some key steps you can take to get it done.
Step 1: Start with a Proper Introduction
The first step in learning how to get two cats to get along is understanding that cats are territorial creatures. Suddenly introducing a new cat into another’s space can feel like an invasion. So, a gradual introduction is critical.
When I first brough my second cat home, I kept her in a separate room with her own food, water, and litter box. This allowed her to adjust to her new environment while giving my first cat time to get used to her scent without direct contact and negative interactions. Swapping bedding or blankets between the two was also a great way to help them acclimate to each other’s smell.
If you’re asking, “How do you get two cats to get along?” don’t skip this step. A slow introduction can prevent future conflicts and set the stage for a better relationship.
Step 2: Use Positive Associations
One of the best ways to answer the question of how to get cats to get along is to associate each other’s presence with good things, like treats or playtime. I started feeding Oliver and Luna on opposite sides of the same door. This allowed them to associate the smell and sound of the other cat with the positive experience of eating. Over time, they began to approach the door during mealtime, clearly curious about each other.
When we finally introduced visual contact—through a cracked door or a baby gate—it was paired with more treats and toys. These positive associations helped reduce their initial tension.
Step 3: Supervised Meetings
Once both cats seemed comfortable with the scent and sight of each other, it was time for face-to-face meetings. This part can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re still wondering, “How can I get my cats to get along?”
Start with short, supervised sessions in a neutral area of your home. I used a feather wand toy to distract both cats and keep the atmosphere playful. It’s important to watch their body language during these meetings. If either cat’s tail is puffed, ears are flattened, or they’re growling, it’s time to separate them and try again later.
With my cats, the first meeting didn’t go well—there was hissing and a swat or two. I ended the session calmly and gave each cat some space. The next day, we tried again, and while they still weren’t best friends, there was less hostility. Over time, their interactions grew more relaxed.
Step 4: Respect Their Boundaries
A crucial lesson I learned in figuring out how to get my cats to get along was to respect their boundaries. Cats need time to process new relationships. Forcing them to be together or punishing them for negative behavior can backfire, making them associate stress or fear with the other cat.
When considering this for my cats, I made sure they each had their own “safe spaces” to retreat to if things got overwhelming. For the older cat, it was the top of the cat tree, and for the new cat, it was her cozy bed in the guest room. This ensured neither felt cornered or trapped, which helped reduce tension.
Step 5: Promote Shared Activities
Asking, “How do I get my cats to get along?” often leads to realizing the importance of shared activities. Playing together or even eating treats near one another can help build positive associations. Interactive toys like laser pointers or feather wands are especially great because they allow both cats to focus on a common goal instead of each other.
When I first tried this with my two cats, they were hesitant. But after a few sessions, I noticed them playing closer together. Gradually, they began to share toys without issue, a significant milestone in their budding friendship.
Step 6: Address Underlying Issues
Sometimes, the answer to how do you get two cats to get along lies in addressing specific triggers. Is one cat bullying the other? Is there competition for resources like food bowls or litter boxes? Ensuring each cat has their own essentials can prevent many conflicts.
In my case, I realized my older cat was protective of his favorite window perch. The younger one, being curious, kept trying to climb it, which led to frequent squabbles. I solved this by adding a second perch in another room. Once the young one had her own spot, the tension eased significantly.
Step 7: Patience and Persistence
One of the hardest parts of figuring out how to get my cats to get along was managing my own expectations. I wanted instant harmony, but the reality was that building trust between two cats takes time. Some days felt like setbacks, but progress often comes in small, subtle steps.
For instance, one evening, I found my two cats sleeping on opposite ends of the couch—a far cry from cuddling, but a huge improvement from their initial hostility. Moments like these reminded me to stay patient and persistent.
Step 8: When to Seek Help
If your cats still aren’t getting along despite your best efforts, it might be time to consult a professional. A vet or animal behaviorist can help identify underlying issues and offer tailored strategies. I’ve also found online communities like “how to get cats to get along Reddit” helpful for gathering advice and support from other cat owners.
Wrapping Up: A Tale of Success
Today, my two cats aren’t just tolerating each other—they’re friends. They play together, share sunny spots, and even groom each other occasionally. It took months of careful introductions, positive reinforcement, and a lot of patience, but it was worth it.
So, for anyone asking, “How do you get cats to get along?” or “How can I get my cats to get along?” the answer is to take it slow, respect their individual needs, and celebrate every small victory along the way. Whether your cats end up as best buds or simply peaceful roommates, helping them coexist happily is a rewarding experience for everyone involved.