They don't get along

I am the proud mommy of two kitties, Bit and Scratch. They don't seem to be getting along. My husband and I are slowly introducing the two, but every time we do it ends up in a growling and hissing mess. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the cats to get along?

One of the members has written a very good piece on introducting cats which you can read. You may need to start from scratch and reintroduce them. I've had to do that a couple of times because vet visits can make one of the cats unrecognizable to the others (she smells funny to the rest of them).

Also, there is a homeopathic product called Rescue Remedy that you can put into their water to help calm them down.

Another option is to use the Feliway diffuser and sprays. These are cat pheremones which help calm down a lot of cats. It can be expensive so you may want to look around the site and the internet to find a good price.

Play with them together and provide lots of treats when they are together.

So good luck and let us know how it goes.

They are doing better today. I called my vet and she suggested that we use the same brush to brush them both. It's supposed to get them used to each other's smell. I am going out today to get some super good treats that I know both cats love. I've fallen in love with them both, and I know they are going to get along well. I just have to realize that I am working on cat time and not people time.

Keep us posted on your progress. It can take awhile and logic just doesn't work with these guys. Good luck.

So here's an update on the Bit and Scratch situation. They are chasing each other around our apartment, and making "trilling" noises at each other. They seem curious of each other. My only worry is that my first kitty Bit isn't purring around the new kitty yet. I was wondering if that was normal.

They are still getting to know one another. Imagine if you were picked up and put together with a roommate who you didn't know. It would take you awhile to get comfortable with that person. They are making progress.

My cats got to witness me a crying mess last night. After a week of little sleep and the tention in the house from both having a standoff I started to cry. Both kitties seemed to come out of their respective corners and comfort me. At least they will comfort Mommy in her time of need.

Originally Posted by lookingglass

My cats got to witness me a crying mess last night. After a week of little sleep and the tention in the house from both having a standoff I started to cry.

Both kitties seemed to come out of their respective corners and comfort me. At least they will comfort Mommy in her time of need.

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Oh Sweetie, it might be helpful for you to stop and take some deep breaths every once in awhile to help calm yourself down. Cats just don't do what we want when we want. It is part of their charm and curse.

Did the cry help at all?

Oh it did in a big way. My husband gave me a sleeping pill, ear plugs and put me to bed with strict orders not to worry about the cats.

No worries, most of us have been there! I was there a few months ago when we introduced Whitey to the rest of the cats.
Him and Luna DO NOT get along still...and it's going on 3 months. They're better though. For example they both like it when I open the windows (I caught them sharing a sill the other day :O) and then last night they both like to play/hunt bugs on the floor. Luna still doesn't like whitey getting too close to her, BUT there is some form of mutual love/hate relationship going on now.

Basically in short, your two cats are establishing their territories (hence the hissing/growling). Sometimes it takes a week, sometimes it can take up to 6 months. Either way it TAKES TIME (and many sleepless nights - but don't worry you'll start to either get use to it and sleep through it or they'll start to get along).

We're going on 7 months here and my 2 are still not 'best buds', but we're making progress. They can at least handle being near each other without the fur flying now.

Patience, patience, patience and providing each with their own space will with the race.

Stephanie

Just came back from the vet Scratch has a clean bill of health. Also the vet wants us to start brushing his teeth. I've never done this before, anyone have any tips?