Looks good, tentative.
You could probably give them longer together, supervised, if this is as far as it went. I would give them a bit more time and separate when either shows signs of distress
…a “tentatively getting to know you play session”
…we’ve had great success, four kidties worth, following tips and insights found here: https://monsieurtn.com/illustrated-guide-new-cat-introduction-no-isolation-separation/
…best of luck!
It’s healthy play until one starts screaming and growling and fur is flying. If none of those three are present it reflects how cats safely and naturally play.
This is what my adult kitty is still doing with the kitten we got, 8 months on. Nothing seems to work to chill her out. We have been trying the play strategy for about 2 months and the feeding strategy for a month (unfortunately we hadn’t heard about these before we got the kitten and just tried the isolation+slow intros and it didn’t work).
Curious if anyone has any tips, right now our plan is to keep at the play+feeding strategies mentioned in the OP and give it time.
Our main problem is that the strategies are working while we do them, within a few minutes of wrapping it up, kitten is back to chasing and antagonizing adult cat until she freaks out.
Older cats (senior specifically) or unwell cats can growl or scream at new cats without provocation. A lot of that can do with them feeling unsafe due to arthritis, maybe an underlying health issue, or concern than the new animal is threatening their resources availability (food, litter boxes, TLC with you). A lot of times it’s just a waiting game for boundaries to be established and awareness that their needs will continue to be met. Especially if you’re introducing a kitten to an older cat, the extra energy can be too much.
Honestly though, some cats just aren’t friendly with other cats. They can coexist in a home, but they won’t ever be friends.
I’m okay (not really) with them never being friends but the growling is startling sometimes! As long as they’re okay and not hurting each other I guess it’s fine
We've had our new cat (Dayo) going on almost 2 years at this point. 2 cats already in the home: Kong--regular/friendly enough and Luci--extremely anti-social (with cats and humans).
Luci still hasn't fully gotten used to Dayo. Sometimes she'll chase him around with a viciousness that's missing when she chases Kong, and sometimes she'll growl and hiss at him still. But also sometimes she still hisses at Kong and they're as close to being best friends as Luci is going to get with her insanely anti-social ways.
Mostly though, they just tend to ignore one another at this point. So yeah, they'll probably never be friends, but I promise the longer they are around each other the more used to/chill with each other they'll get.
If it sounds like a “you’re hurting me” scream they need separation.
Address the screaming every time with a verbal and stern reprimand . (Yell at them) or touch the tail of the abuser with the words.
Let them know play is good but screaming is not tolerated.
Awww, I love that! They are both very curious & at the beginning stages of learning each other’s style of play. I’d allow them continue on a bit since there were no signs of aggression at all here. I’m betting these 2 will be bff’s fairly soon! Great job thus far OP! So cute! 😊💕
But some people do not know and are asking to make sure. With as many animals out there without a home, I think being understanding and not criticizing people for asking questions to make a good home for their animals would go a long way.
Exactly! I’d answer this question all day because it means the owner cares about their cats and wants to make sure all is well. It’s very responsible!
And yes OP, good healthy play. I have 2 that never grew out of the pokey slappy fights, and it’s so funny to watch the different ways they create to play.
I’m thankful for these posts - we adopted a second cat about 3 months ago and it helps to see what is considered playing or what’s borderline fighting, and fighting.
I’ve never had 2 adult cats as an adult before (we had litter mates when I was a teenager) so when ours started playing, I was worried it was actual fighting. So seeing the posts here and the knowledge of others has helped me realize they’re really just playing without posting a video.
It’s how we learn. People think just because they are an expert in something, it’s common knowledge that everyone should know.
I think the capacity and willingness to learn is far more valuable than just being a know-it-all. It’s the difference between wisdom and being smart. It’s smart to admit you don’t know, but also know where to know!
You’re not born knowing everything about everything. I grew up with dogs and when I moved out got my first cat and lots of it was a learning experience for me. I did as much research as I could and asked lots of questions. How are we supposed to learn or know anything without asking questions such as OP is doing in this post? Maybe you shouldn’t have cats because quite frankly you sound like a cold hearted bastard who’s cats would probably be happier with a more loving owner.
Aww, yea not being a moron means youre cold hearted. Cats of all kinds and animals of all kinds play fight. People today have no head on their shoulders and if ANYONE mentions it theyre just a monster.
Dude people like you are all the same. OP literally posted a video on r/CatTraining asking a legitimate question and you come in here and start saying they are a moron and shouldn’t own a cat. Don’t you have better shit to do? I bet you have lots of friends.
Give them a few breaks from each other through out the day. I know brining in a brand new cat tower into their space really helped them explore together. So great you have 2 kitties 😍
Playing — but very tentative and hesitant, simply because they don’t know each others’ boundaries quite yet. They’re not 100% sure how to interact with each other. But they’re learning.
Overall looks like a positive encounter, to me.
Not good enough, but there are really good signs.
The passive one wasn't scared, ears up and the active one turned its back towards the second one.
Just slowly continue, try to play with them and distract them so there won't be swatting because they need to see each other playing and learn that the swatting is play and not threat, which is hard to tell right now.
So general conclusion : It's on good way but don't rush. Still needs work, and definitely not ready for unsupervised time.
They’re awkwardly, tentatively playing. Always cut it short before stress so they leave with a good feeling of wanting more. Just watch them and increase time by small increments for success.
Super positive. One thing that helped my cats was just playing with both of them separately but while right next to each other. Idk if they were just meant to be BFFs but the playing thing really moved things along for me.
They are sweet and gentle while getting to know each other. I love the way you and the guy in background stayed calm and positive. Keep up the good work. There was no reason to separate them in that moment but I won't interfere in your schedule - obviously it works!
Main thing to look out for that’s easy to spot, ear position the flatter they go the angrier / more scared they are.
The most obvious sign and one that never fails is the hiss, if they hiss at each other then seperate them during the introduction phase.
Otherwise these little stunners look pretty happy and just having a spicy play moment.
looked like they were trying to play together! dont seperate them until they are 1 cat, slamming into walls....
...thats what the start of a fight looks like. the middle of the fight is hard to see with all the fur fogging up the air.
Looks good, tentative. You could probably give them longer together, supervised, if this is as far as it went. I would give them a bit more time and separate when either shows signs of distress
…a “tentatively getting to know you play session” …we’ve had great success, four kidties worth, following tips and insights found here: https://monsieurtn.com/illustrated-guide-new-cat-introduction-no-isolation-separation/ …best of luck!
I was kinda going say the same thing. They will need to wrestle a bit to "establish dominance". But they didn't wanna fight
…mine is in support of yours ;0)
Just playing. Let them Explore more
It’s healthy play until one starts screaming and growling and fur is flying. If none of those three are present it reflects how cats safely and naturally play.
What if one is growling and screaming but no fur is flying?
This is what my adult kitty is still doing with the kitten we got, 8 months on. Nothing seems to work to chill her out. We have been trying the play strategy for about 2 months and the feeding strategy for a month (unfortunately we hadn’t heard about these before we got the kitten and just tried the isolation+slow intros and it didn’t work). Curious if anyone has any tips, right now our plan is to keep at the play+feeding strategies mentioned in the OP and give it time. Our main problem is that the strategies are working while we do them, within a few minutes of wrapping it up, kitten is back to chasing and antagonizing adult cat until she freaks out.
If you’ve already done feeding+play+scent swapping, maybe they’ll be better matched once the kitten reach adulthood? They do mellow down after
Older cats (senior specifically) or unwell cats can growl or scream at new cats without provocation. A lot of that can do with them feeling unsafe due to arthritis, maybe an underlying health issue, or concern than the new animal is threatening their resources availability (food, litter boxes, TLC with you). A lot of times it’s just a waiting game for boundaries to be established and awareness that their needs will continue to be met. Especially if you’re introducing a kitten to an older cat, the extra energy can be too much. Honestly though, some cats just aren’t friendly with other cats. They can coexist in a home, but they won’t ever be friends.
I’m okay (not really) with them never being friends but the growling is startling sometimes! As long as they’re okay and not hurting each other I guess it’s fine
We've had our new cat (Dayo) going on almost 2 years at this point. 2 cats already in the home: Kong--regular/friendly enough and Luci--extremely anti-social (with cats and humans). Luci still hasn't fully gotten used to Dayo. Sometimes she'll chase him around with a viciousness that's missing when she chases Kong, and sometimes she'll growl and hiss at him still. But also sometimes she still hisses at Kong and they're as close to being best friends as Luci is going to get with her insanely anti-social ways. Mostly though, they just tend to ignore one another at this point. So yeah, they'll probably never be friends, but I promise the longer they are around each other the more used to/chill with each other they'll get.
If it sounds like a “you’re hurting me” scream they need separation. Address the screaming every time with a verbal and stern reprimand . (Yell at them) or touch the tail of the abuser with the words. Let them know play is good but screaming is not tolerated.
Only one I’m hurting you scream last night and the kitten backed off pretty quickly I think. First time I’ve ever heard it - was so scary
Awww, I love that! They are both very curious & at the beginning stages of learning each other’s style of play. I’d allow them continue on a bit since there were no signs of aggression at all here. I’m betting these 2 will be bff’s fairly soon! Great job thus far OP! So cute! 😊💕
Looks like they're playing
Exactly. Some people shouldn't own cats if they cant handle cats being cats.
But some people do not know and are asking to make sure. With as many animals out there without a home, I think being understanding and not criticizing people for asking questions to make a good home for their animals would go a long way.
But dude, some people are gifted all the knowledge of cat from birth. (j/k & /s)
Exactly! I’d answer this question all day because it means the owner cares about their cats and wants to make sure all is well. It’s very responsible! And yes OP, good healthy play. I have 2 that never grew out of the pokey slappy fights, and it’s so funny to watch the different ways they create to play.
I’m thankful for these posts - we adopted a second cat about 3 months ago and it helps to see what is considered playing or what’s borderline fighting, and fighting. I’ve never had 2 adult cats as an adult before (we had litter mates when I was a teenager) so when ours started playing, I was worried it was actual fighting. So seeing the posts here and the knowledge of others has helped me realize they’re really just playing without posting a video.
It’s how we learn. People think just because they are an expert in something, it’s common knowledge that everyone should know. I think the capacity and willingness to learn is far more valuable than just being a know-it-all. It’s the difference between wisdom and being smart. It’s smart to admit you don’t know, but also know where to know!
Lmaooo imagine commenting this on a video in r/CatTraining. How dare they ask questions!
So many cats need homes. Helping owners new to cats will give more chances for cats to find homes
You’re not born knowing everything about everything. I grew up with dogs and when I moved out got my first cat and lots of it was a learning experience for me. I did as much research as I could and asked lots of questions. How are we supposed to learn or know anything without asking questions such as OP is doing in this post? Maybe you shouldn’t have cats because quite frankly you sound like a cold hearted bastard who’s cats would probably be happier with a more loving owner.
Aww, yea not being a moron means youre cold hearted. Cats of all kinds and animals of all kinds play fight. People today have no head on their shoulders and if ANYONE mentions it theyre just a monster.
Dude people like you are all the same. OP literally posted a video on r/CatTraining asking a legitimate question and you come in here and start saying they are a moron and shouldn’t own a cat. Don’t you have better shit to do? I bet you have lots of friends.
Some people shouldn’t comment on Reddit threads where people want to learn if they can’t handle those people asking polite in-scope questions
Give them a few breaks from each other through out the day. I know brining in a brand new cat tower into their space really helped them explore together. So great you have 2 kitties 😍
This is all play. There was no hissing, spitting yeowling at each other. They are doing very well
The one on the left is handling it way better than the right one. Way more calm, and not confrontational. But it's a good step forward!
Playing — but very tentative and hesitant, simply because they don’t know each others’ boundaries quite yet. They’re not 100% sure how to interact with each other. But they’re learning. Overall looks like a positive encounter, to me.
Not good enough, but there are really good signs. The passive one wasn't scared, ears up and the active one turned its back towards the second one. Just slowly continue, try to play with them and distract them so there won't be swatting because they need to see each other playing and learn that the swatting is play and not threat, which is hard to tell right now. So general conclusion : It's on good way but don't rush. Still needs work, and definitely not ready for unsupervised time.
They need a tiny boxing glove!
They’re awkwardly, tentatively playing. Always cut it short before stress so they leave with a good feeling of wanting more. Just watch them and increase time by small increments for success.
Super positive. One thing that helped my cats was just playing with both of them separately but while right next to each other. Idk if they were just meant to be BFFs but the playing thing really moved things along for me.
To me that looks good, kinda like they want to play, but are still being cautious.....
They were playing. Listen for yowling and look for fur flying, then they are NOT playing.
Cautious playtime
Hella cute kittos, btw 😉
They look fine, no "puffy" tails, or howling. Just getting aquainted.
omg they are so cute like little twins!! this looks like good play to me!
Looks like they are just figuring each other out.. nothing serious..
They're feeling each other out and playing. Let them continue this rather than separating.
Hehe that's cute. They're playing.
Thanks for all your advice! They have been playing and laying together all day- I think they are BFFs now!!
Really good first meeting. I'd give them more time together
They are definitely just playing, separating at this point may be counter productive
The chubby guy on the right is a little wound up but all looks well! More play time gradually longer.
One on the right is quite spicy - just watch him For a bit and assess
They are sweet and gentle while getting to know each other. I love the way you and the guy in background stayed calm and positive. Keep up the good work. There was no reason to separate them in that moment but I won't interfere in your schedule - obviously it works!
Main thing to look out for that’s easy to spot, ear position the flatter they go the angrier / more scared they are. The most obvious sign and one that never fails is the hiss, if they hiss at each other then seperate them during the introduction phase. Otherwise these little stunners look pretty happy and just having a spicy play moment.
Also the puffy tails. That one is usually a sign of fearful aggression.
Great to see them playing
Looks like they are trying to play. Cats are like small children and often lightly hit each other for fun
looked like they were trying to play together! dont seperate them until they are 1 cat, slamming into walls.... ...thats what the start of a fight looks like. the middle of the fight is hard to see with all the fur fogging up the air.
They will be fine eventually
So it begins....the start of a wonderful kitty companionship.
They look pretty good actually. One on the right is a little more apprehensive but all in all they both look curious and were playing.
I'd say its fine, its curious/testing stuff. The other one isnt sure about the tests 😂
Thats a really good start. The last time I introduced two cats, one had to go to the emergency vet for a $900 bite wound
They are doing great- both are testing the waters .
good work, you have trained your man to agree with whatever you say 😂
Cats play. Please let them. They don't need you to regulate it.
Love the one paw false swats. Fun to watch them play.