Adult cats are usually set in their ways, and it can be very difficult to introduce two full grown felines without incident. They will usually do a lot of hissing and growling, and they might even become violent if introduced too quickly. Hissing and guttural growls are normal when two adult cats are initially introduced. It can take weeks or months for full grown felines to simply tolerate one another.
I recently had to introduce two adult cats. My cat is used to sharing a home with a small dog, and he has lived with other cats. He is very easy to get along with, and he is accepting of new four-legged family members. However, the other adult cat in question is not kind to unfamiliar humans let alone other cats. She growls like a wildcat and hisses at least a dozen times a day. I came up with a few helpful ways to introduce two adult cats, and my new methods have been working surprisingly well.
Do Not Push Two Adult Cats Together
Forced physical contact is the worst thing that humans can do when trying to introduce two adult cats. For best results, let the animals do it on their terms. They might never become best buddies or stand any closer than several feet apart, but in time they will probably tolerate one another.
Initially Provide Two Food and Water Bowls and Litter Boxes
When trying to introduce two adult cats without serious incident, initially provide two food bowls, two water bowls and at least two litter boxes. Keep the bowls and litter boxes in separate rooms. Each cat will use their perspective bowls and litter boxes without having to share. The less surprise run-ins they have, the faster they will begin to accept one another as family members.
Calmly Hold and Stroke One Cat a Few Feet from the Other
I was able to introduce two adult cats in a calm and comforting manner. The more aggressive cat likes to nap on a stack of blankets around the corner from the family room, and each day I take several minutes to sit near the cat and simply talk to her. I do not try to pet her, but I offer a couple of treats. She is slowly getting used to my presence.
I recently began bringing my adult cat to our little powwows, and the results have been nothing short of phenomenal. I calmly hold and pet my cat while talking to the other one. Both cats are able to relax and get used to the other one being just a few feet away.
Do Not Interfere Unless They Physically Fight
Last but certainly not least, do not interfere with the natural acclimation process unless the cats are physically fighting. As frustrating as it might seem, they will become accustomed to each other. Completely ignore the hissing, growling and hateful glances. When trying to introduce two adult cats, they will both eventually figure out that the other one is there to stay.
Source: Personal Experience with Two Adult Cats
