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Why it's important to manage your cats' interactions

  • Reduces Stress

    Conflict between cats can lead to stress and anxiety, affecting both you and your cats' overall well-being

  • Safety

    Cats that don't get along may engage in aggressive behavior, which can result in injuries. Promoting a peaceful coexistence helps prevent physical harm

  • Peaceful Environment

    A harmonious relationship between cats creates a more peaceful and pleasant environment for both you and the cats

"Cats Not Getting Along"

Reasons why cats don't get along

• Territorial conflict. Cats are territorial animals, and when two cats feel their space is being invaded or threatened, it can lead to tension and conflict.


• Lack of socialization. Insufficient early socialization with other cats or animals can result in poor social skills and difficulties in getting along with other cats.


• Personality differences. Cats have individual personalities, and sometimes, their temperaments clash, leading to conflicts.


• Competition. Competition for resources like food, water, or litter boxes can cause friction between cats. Ensuring each cat has their own resources can help mitigate this issue.

What to do if your cats aren't getting along

Initial steps


• Separation. If either cat is showing signs of distress or aggression, put your cats in separate rooms with separate bowls, beds, and litter boxes.


• Build good associations. Keep their food on either side of the same door to create a good association with the smell and sounds of each other while they are eating but not interacting.


• Room swapping. Every day, have the cats swap rooms to help them get comfortable with each other's scent.


Gradual Re-Introduction


• See each other at a distance. If the cats seem relaxed after one week, allow them to see each other at a distance. If they aren't relaxed after one week, wait another week.


• Brief re-introduction. If the cats are interested in each other and seem comfortable, allow them to meet. Greetings should be short, sweet, and always under supervision. 


• Build duration. If the cats are comfortable, you can slowly increase the time they spend together.


• Act quickly. Do your best to always end the interaction before either animal shows signs of stress. If one or both animals show signs of stress, separate them immediately and try again another day.  


Long term steps to set your cats up for success


• Provide separate resources. Ensure that each cat has their own food and water dishes, litter box, and safe space to minimize competition for resources.


• Enrichment opportunities. Offer toys, scratching posts, and perches to keep your cats mentally and physically stimulated, reducing boredom and tension.


• Positive reinforcement. Reward good behavior with treats and affection to reinforce positive interactions between your cats and encourage a peaceful coexistence.