When cats in the same home don't get on: tips to help

Many cat owners cherish having more than one feline companion, but it's important to remember that domestic cats are not pack animals like dogs. Their social structure is different, so managing the relationships between cats in the same household requires careful attention and understanding.

Initial introductions between a new cat and a resident cat often involve hissing and some territorial disputes, which is normal. However, if your cats continue to struggle to get along after a reasonable adjustment period, this can be challenging for both the cats and their owners.

Sometimes mature cats or those who have lived alone for a long time may never completely settle with another feline. Yet, giving up too soon isn't necessary, as many cats learn to tolerate each other or even build lasting friendships over time. The key goal is to maintain a peaceful household where cats neither feel threatened nor stressed.

Read on for compassionate, practical advice to help manage multi-cat households where tensions exist.

Younger cats often adjust more easily

Kittens and young cats tend to be more readily accepted by older resident cats, even if the older ones initially appear unhappy about a newcomer. Conversely, introducing a mature cat into a household with an established adult cat can take longer and require more patience from an owner.

Prevent overcrowding by providing ample space

Ensure your home isn't overcrowded with cats. Even small flats can support two cats, especially if they have some outdoor access. As a rule of thumb, have at least one separate room per cat plus a neutral space. This allows each feline to have its own territory and reduces stress.

Establish clear individual territories

If cats cannot comfortably coexist within shared spaces, divide your home into distinct territories. This could mean giving each cat a separate room or splitting levels of the house, such as one cat upstairs and another downstairs.

Provide each cat with its own litter tray, food and water station, and comfortable resting spots free from intrusions. This helps minimise competition and builds a sense of security.

Create neutral zones for safe interactions

Alongside individual territories, offer a neutral area where cats can choose to interact without pressure. Do not force encounters or block access back to each cat's safe space. Allow interactions to develop at the cats' own pace, supporting positive associations with each other's presence.

Avoid favouritism to maintain harmony

After any disputes or tensions, avoid comforting one cat over another. Treat each cat's emotional needs fairly to prevent jealousy, resentment or increased aggression. Balanced attention reassures all cats they are valued members of the household.

Use scent-sharing techniques and pheromones

Scent plays a vital role in cat acceptance. Help your cats share and familiarise themselves with each other's scent by gently stroking one cat then the other. Swapping bedding or soft items that smell of each cat into the other's territory can also assist.

Using synthetic pheromone products like Feliway can calm anxious cats and promote feelings of security, making cohabitation easier.

Allow cats to establish their own social order

It's natural for cats to establish a pecking order or hierarchy within a shared home. Mild scrapping and assertive behaviour, unless leading to injury, often helps cats work out their relationships.

Respect their need to work things out on their own, intervening only if any cat risks harm. This autonomy fosters long-term stability in their interactions.

Manage your expectations realistically

While some cats become fast friends, many will settle for peaceful coexistence and mutual tolerance without overt affection. Accepting your cats' individual personalities and social preferences is key.

Strive to keep peace and reduce stress between cats rather than forcing friendship. If tolerated peace is achieved, your multi-cat household is a success.