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Cats Are Territorial Creatures

Adding a new cat to your household can cause significant stress to your resident cats. Your cat wants to remain in charge, and if he sees the newcomer as a great treat, he may stop eating or using the litterbox. Most cats should overcome these factors after one month; if not, take your cat to your vet to rule out serious health issues. Some cats will vomit what they eat because they are so stressed out that the new cat may take their position in your home. Cats are genuinely very jealous creatures, and it is more than they can bear to see you give out love to a new cat. Your cats may have hissing and growling matches to make the others think I am big and strong, and you better not tread on me.

Your Cats May Become More Aloof

Your new cat or resident cats may hide more and not want to be as close to you as they once were because they feel betrayed or left out. Your cats might start sleeping under furniture and not on your bed like they used to. Lavish more love on your resident cats and pat your new cat when they are not watching. Never stop treating your cats like you used to before the new cat entered your home. Your cats may stop coming when you place food out for them. If your cat seems afraid to eat, stay next to your cat while you feed him to reassure him he will not be harmed by the new cat while eating.

Time To Start Training Your New Cat

When I see my new cat jump on the countertop or table, I say no, no, get down, and he will right away. Be consistent in what you want your cat to do so he does not get mixed signals from you. Do not be wishy-washy and say, “Oh, isn’t that cute?” if you see them on the table, and then the next minute, you say no, get down from there. Even human children have to have consistent boundaries set. If your cat refuses to use the litterbox, remember if you have three cats, you should have three litterboxes out. We do not like dirty toilets, and our cats do not like litterboxes. Never hit or slap a cat, as that is animal cruelty and is not acceptable in any circumstances. Be kind and loving, as it takes time to learn something new. Learning something new takes us longer than usual if we are stressed, worried, and upset. Be kind and loving with your new feline friend, and be committed to your cat forever.

Hopefully, Your Cats Have Accepted Each Other

I hope your cats see that you love them equally and that there are no favorites. If your cats do not eat like they used to or refuse to accept the new cat, you may want to move him to an entirely different area of your home, away from your resident cats. If he is aggressive toward them, you may want to rehome him. A friend may care for and love your new cat if he is sweet and loving. If cats are introduced correctly, they usually form close friendships and live in perfect harmony.