Are you thinking of adopting a second cat? Has a new kitty just joined your household? Congratulations! However, your resident feline may not be quite as thrilled about the matter as we are. Read on as a local Carolina Forest, SC vet offers tips on having more than one kitty.
Offer Enough Everything
One reason that kitties often fight amongst themselves is to compete over resources. Make sure that your pets have plenty of everything they need. Offer a variety of toys, and set out plenty of comfy beds and napping spots. If you get a cat tower, choose one that can fit both of your feline buddies at once. You’ll also need more than one litterbox. The rule of thumb here is one box per kitty, plus at least one extra.
Don’t Play Favorites
Our feline friends can get very, very jealous of one another. Make sure to pay equal attention to both of your pets.
Form Pawsitive Impressions
You want your furballs to form positive opinions about one another. How do you do that? Teach them that good things happen when they are together! Dual play sessions are one good way to do this. This will also give your kitties a healthy outlet for their angst. You can also give them treats together.
Give It Time
Cats can take a long time to become friends. It may take a year or even longer for your kitties to truly accept one another.
Expect Mishaps
You may see a lot of hissing and bickering at first. This should dissipate over time. If your furry pals are fighting, clap your hands and say something like ‘Stop it!’ to break up the squabble. You can also stomp your foot. Never hit or punish your pets: that will just make them resent each other more!
Keep Up With Veterinary Care
Proper veterinary care is very important! When it comes to parasite control, we recommend keeping your pets on the same schedule. Otherwise, the fleas may hop from one kitty to the other.
Don’t Expect Miracles
We know, it’s always cute seeing kitties snuggled up together. However, while some cats do form strong bonds with their housemates, sometimes they merely tolerate one another. That’s fine, too! Please reach out to us, your Carolina Forest, SC vet clinic, for all of your feline friends’ veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
