Bringing a New Kitty Home
Let’s start by introducing a new cat into a household where there are already one or more cats present. The new kitty should not be thrown into the group immediately and forced to interact with the present house cat(s). The resident cat(s) are already set in a routine and will need some time to adjust to an unfamiliar face.
Introducing a New Kitty
Providing a safe haven for the new cat will not only help her adapt to her new environment, but will also help the resident cat(s) to adjust.
Placing the new feline in a closed room will let it become comfortable in the new environment without interruption or without feeling nervous and on edge. After a few days, the new cat will be ready to come out and socialize. Most likely, there will be some fighting and hissing. This is a normal way for cats to express dominance. Never punish for fighting, as this will just add more stress to the relationships. Eventually, the fighting will stop and they will either get along or at least learn to live with one another peacefully.
Food and Water
Food placement is very important in a multi-cat household. Make sure that each kitty has its own food dish. Don’t cram all the dishes together. Some cats become nervous when others are watching them eat, so if there is space, separate the bowls into two different areas. This would be especially ideal in a household with more than 4 felines.
Litter Boxes
Litter boxes can be tricky for a multi-cat household. Some cats will take to one brand, while the other will hate it. If a cat noticeably hates one type of litter, purchase another type that the cat likes. Ideally, the house should have one box for each cat, though it can be hard to find space if there are more than three cats. At least two to three litter boxes for a large cat family will suffice, if they are cleaned every day. Also, it is a good idea to purchase a litter box that has no top to it. With only one way to enter and exit this type of box, some cats, especially skittish ones, feel on guard and uncomfortable in these, which can lead to your cat refusing to use the box. To avoid this problem, always clean the litter boxes every day and have enough litter and boxes to make every cat feel comfortable.
Playtime
Playtime can be fun for everyone in a house with many cats. Using a long string tied to a stick will get every cats attention. Usually, if one cat is playing, the other cats will watch until it is their turn to play. If one cat is more dominant and refuses to let the other have their turn, the best idea would be to take each cat into a room with the door closed for some one-on-one playtime. This will give each cat the attention that they crave and give them some well-needed exercise.
 |
