Cats are an excellent addition to your family and home. Once you get one, you eventually want more. One cat can be lonely, and it can be hard leaving your pet home alone while you are off to work or just out of the house for the day.
Adding another cat to your home can be a wonderful thing, but it is not always easy. It takes time to build a bond between your pets, especially when you already have a few pets.
Never just throw your cats with each other and expect them to immediately like each other. It takes time for your current pets and your new one to start liking each other. They need time to warm.
Here are eight things you should keep in mind and what you can do to make the transition easier on everyone.
#1 Cats Don’t Like to Share
Cats don’t normally like to share, especially with new pets in the home. They will be more upfront about their boundaries when a new cat is introduced to their own home.
Your new cat may not like to share some of its items. Like humans, we sometimes don’t like to share different things, and your cat may be the same.
There are many things that your cat may not like to share. If you expect your cats to bond while sharing things they don’t want to, you will have difficulties strengthening that bond.
Although there can be quite the list of things your cat doesn’t like to share, the most common are the following:
- Litter Box
- Food Bowl
- Water Bowl
H3: Litter Box
Some cats might not mind sharing a litter box, but cats are not the same. And if your cats haven’t bonded, then they may be less inclined to share the place where they relieve themselves.
If you are finding issues with your cats sharing a litter box, you can learn more about “Why Cats Don’t Like To Share Their Litter Box” in our post about cats sharing litter boxes.
H3: Food Bowl
Cats don’t normally like sharing the same food bowl, especially newly introduced cats. It is similar to if you were to share your plate with someone you don’t really know. You don’t like to swap germs.
But if you are trying to get your cats to share, check out this post, “Can 2 Cats Eat From The Same Bowl.” You may end up needing two different bowls for your pets.
H3: Water Bowl
Cats can be quite picky when it comes to sharing a water bowl. They don’t like to share their spit with others.
This can be because of a territorial thing, or maybe they just don’t like the taste of the water that’s being shared with another pet. And sometimes, it may not be safe. You can find out more in our article, “Can Cat and Dog Share Water Bowl.”
#2 A New Kitten may Upset Your Cat at First
A new kitten in your home may upset your cat at first. You may even see your cat upset in various ways, including vomiting.
But don’t be alarmed; you can help your cat build a relationship with your new kitten.
You should never just put the new kitten in the same room with your cat before taking steps to introduce them.
You are moving in a whole new personality into your house, and it will take time for everyone to acclimate.
For more information about the steps of introducing your new kitten to your cat, check out this post, “Why Is My Cat Vomiting after Introducing New Kitten” and skip ahead to the steps to take when introducing your kitten.
#3 Will Anxiety Cause Your Cat to Run Away?
You have gotten a new cat and have brought it home, but your first cat seems to have anxiety. Is this because of your new cat? Will your cat run away if you get another cat?
There is always the possibility that your cat may run away, especially when their comfortable environment is being violated.
If anxiety has caused your cat to run away before, then there is a chance that your cat will run away again.
You can implement many routines to help your first cat ease into bonding with your new cat. But always keep in consideration that anxiety could cause your cat to run away.
#4 Siblings Might be Best if You Plan to Have Two Cats
If you don’t have any pets and are thinking about getting two, siblings may be the best and easiest route.
You might wonder if you should get two kittens from the same litter. That actually might turn out to be the best option for multiple pets.
Siblings already share a bond, so you don’t have to introduce them like you would if you had two cats from different litters. They share similar scents, and they won’t have to build a relationship.
It is always a great way to start your pet family. You just get two kittens, and now you don’t have to worry about your pets getting bored or lonely. It is a win for you and a win for them.
#5 Restlessness is a Sign She Needs a Companion
You have one cat, and you have been wondering if your cat needs a companion, but you are unsure. Well, there are many signs that your cat needs a new friend, and one of those signs is restlessness.
Restlessness means that your cat is bored or lonely and needs someone to keep them busy. Here are some signs of restlessness you may see in your cat:
- Being more destructive.
- Clinging to you more.
- Loss of appetite.
- There is just so much energy.
- Sleeping habits have changed.
If you see this in your cat, they may need a new friend to bond with. To learn more about getting a companion and what to consider when getting a new cat, check out our article “How to Tell if Your Cat Wants Another Cat.”
#6 Cats and Dogs have Very Different Needs
Bonding your cat with your dog can be a tricky thing. They are different breeds and have different needs. You can see it simply in their personalities.
Understanding their different needs will help you ease the tension between the two breeds and improve your home environment. Here are a few differences:
- Cats are more independent.
- Cats like to be isolated.
- Dogs need more time with you.
- Dogs are needier.
You can leave a cat alone while you must give more attention to a dog. For more about each personality type, check out “Why do Cats and Dogs Hate Each Other?” and learn the root of these differences.
#7 Cats and Dogs can Live Together, Though
Although a cat’s personality and needs differ from a dog’s, it doesn’t mean they can’t live with each other. In fact, these breeds can build a wonderful relationship that lasts.
Depending on the chemistry between the two pets, it may only take a few days for them to get along, or it could take much longer.
But remember that this will take time, and you shouldn’t rush them too quickly to bond.
So how long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog? Well, the better question is how you can help your cat get used to the dog? Here are some steps you can take:
- Quarantine both animals.
- Comfort the cat.
- Ensure the dog is calm.
- Wait for the cat to approach first.
You will also want to ensure that you make the cat feel safe in the environment. It will not approach the dog if it feels unsafe. It may end up hiding, which won’t do anyone any good.
#8 Bond Your Bunny with a Cat at Your Own Risk!
Bonding your cat with other cats and even dogs aren’t the only pets your cat can build a relationship with. You may even want to build a bond between your bunny and your cat.
This relationship can happen just like with any other animal, but be aware that it may be a little different from other pets.
A cat might consider a bunny its prey as they are natural predators.
There are many ways to introduce your cat to your bunny, but here are some proper ways on how to introduce your cat to a bunny:
- Take it slow.
- Let them get familiar with each other’s scent.
- Try introduction via cage first.
- Ensure a calming and relaxing environment.
- Allow the cat to approach the bunny first.
You don’t want to rush this interaction. Any rushing may reverse any progress that you have had before. Remember, it takes time to acclimate to new personalities and pets.
Conclusion
Your cat will bond with your other pets eventually, as long as you don’t rush it, and allow them to find the best relationship that fits their personalities.
They may end up just existing in the same home without real interaction. This is okay. It is still a bond.