HELP REDUCE CONFLICT IN A MULTI-CAT HOUSEHOLD
If your cat was scared around another household cat, she might displace her fear onto that cat. This is sometimes why cats that always got along just fine suddenly start fighting. In those cases, you might need to reintroduce your cats. Whether a first-time introduction or a re-introduction, follow the steps below.
1. Introduce Your Cats by Smell
Introduce the smell of your new cat to your current cat so she won't be unsettled or threatened when they first meet. Give her a blanket or toy the new cat has slept on or played with. Alternatively, let her sniff around the new cat's carrier when she's not in it.
2. Take Turns
For the first week or two, play with the cats separately, taking turns, so they smell each other on you and become familiar with each other. Keep them in separate rooms and switch out those rooms periodically.
3. Dinner for Two
Using two separate bowls placed next to one another, feed the cats at the same time. They'll learn to associate mealtime with being close to the other cat and will be less likely to fight during the day. You might need to feed them on either side of a closed door or full-sized screen first before feeding them in the same room.
Introduce New Kittens Slowly
Be cautious when introducing your new kitten to your home. Kittens are fragile, and safe introductions may take time. When done correctly, this can help your adult cats more readily accept your kittens.
1. Keep Them Separated