Helping Two Cats Get Along
Do you have more than one kitty? Our feline pals can be great buddies, but they don’t always get along with one another. In fact, some cats are extremely jealous of their furry roommates! Here, a Lakeville, MN vet offers tips on helping Fluffy and Mittens co-exist peacefully.
No Favorites
Kitties are very territorial and protective of their humans. If you pay lots of attention to Fluffy, but ignore Mittens, well, Mittens is going to be one resentful, envious furball. Pay equal attention to both of your feline buddies.
Offer Plenty of Resources
Having to compete for resources can be a huge source of friction between felines. Cats don’t like to share bathrooms, so make sure you have enough litterboxes. We recommend one per furball, plus at least one extra. You’ll also need to set out a variety of toys. Kitties all have their own purrsonal preferences for things. For instance, Fluffy may love catnip mice, while Mittens may prefer plastic balls. Offer a variety, so all of your pets can have fun. Last but not least, when getting pet furniture, pick pieces that can fit all of your cats at once.
Playtime!
Take time to play with your cats. Dual play sessions can be beneficial. Use toys like wand toys or laser pointers, so both kitties can join in the fun. This will help your pets burn off any excess energy they have. If Fluffy and Mittens wear themselves out chasing that elusive red dot, they’ll be too tired to wrestle. It also helps for your furry pals to realize that fun things happen when they are together. Offering your furry friends toys and treats together will also help ease tensions.
Give It Time
Many of our feline friends don’t like major changes. It can take up to a year for cats to truly accept one another. You may see some hissing and posturing at first, but this should steadily subside. If your pets fight, separate them for a while. Don’t punish them, however: this will make them even more resentful. Most of the time, kitties learn to coexist, even if they never do become best buds. However, if your furballs don’t seem to be making progress, consult your vet.
Please do not hesitate to contact us, your Lakeville, MN vet clinic, for all your cats’ veterinary care needs. We are happy to help!
