Dealing with Cats that Disagree With Each Other

Often single feline homes turn into multiple pet homes, because owners feel that their cat needs a companion. This is because owners do not like the idea that their pet feels alone during the daytime, or that they may be bored. On occasion this good intention does not go according to plan. And I can give you the perfect example.

A friend had a single male neutered cat that was a little over a year old, and because of work and school felt the needs of companionship were not being met for her pet. So she adopted a new addition from a shelter - a five year old male cat who was also neutered. At the shelter this cat had no issues living with other cats. However, when he was brought home it was a different story. On introduction, the young male had some serious issues with the new addition and within 10 minutes of their introduction had lost a minor scuffle that he instigated. Even though vets and people at the shelter assured her they would eventually get along - the truth is that they only tolerate each other at a distance.

So how do you deal with a situation where your cats insist on not getting along?

Accept the Fact Minor Scuffles Happen

Minor scuffles between cats are okay, every once and a while there is going to be a disagreement in one form or another. However, major scuffles are not acceptable and can endanger both your pets. If this is the case you may have to consider re-homing one feline for their safety. It is best to catch scuffles before they escalate - they usually begin with vocalizations, stare downs, and aggressive posturing. At this point they should be separated, either by stepping between them and forcing one to walk away (this establishes your authority to them as their leader), by shaking a jar of coins, or a mini water spray from a water bottle. If a scuffle does start the sound of coins shaking or a quick spray from a water bottle will distract their attention enough that the scuffle will end. Once this happens keep them separated for 10 minutes or more to let their tempers cool down.

Give them Space

With cats that agree to disagree, and who only tolerate each other must have separate spaces. This means separate litter boxes, separate food dishes, and separate sleeping/play areas. They will create these spaces on their own and will choose to stay in their own space. However, if you have to put them in the same area make sure it is large enough so they can have their own "corner" or refuge if need be.

Accept They will not be Friends

In cases like these, the new cat will be a companion but never a playmate. They may choose to get along at points, and agree to disagree but they will not evolve into a friendship that you were hoping for. However, understand they will still be a companion. Also do not force playtime on them with each other, it will only escalate into a fight. However, playtime with multiple cats can be a tension breaker for them. Just keep them separate during that time - for example on can play on the left, and the other the right with you between them.

Disagreements Should Decline

The longer two disagreeing cats live together the more likely they will become tolerant of the other and their behavior. This is because they have created their personal spaces, and know the boundaries. In the above scenario, the scuffles were every other day in the beginning and now occur once a month, now that both of them are older.