Cross Breeds

How can I socialize my cat with other cats?

My cat is fine with people and dogs, but she is terrified of other cats, she will growl and hiss at them. How do I help her get over this? I take her for walks on a harness, so could it be that she thinks she's a dog, and not a cat?

Public Comments

1. No, she doesn't think she's a dog just because you walk her on the harness; her brain can't comprehend that that is something people usually do with dogs. Bring her over to friend's houses who have cats, or have visitors bring their cats when they come over.
2. That is actually quite normal behavior for a cat. They are extremely territorial and hiss/growl at other cats to establish who's the leader.
3. Cats are much harder to socialize than dogs. Once grown their territorial instincts kick in and they only enjoy the company of other cats once they establish a heirarchy. Kittens however are just happy to play. If you have an adult cat that you would like to socialize I would suggest you only do this if you are planning on bringing home a new cat. Otherwise, your cat will simply not enjoy it. It takes quite awhile for adult cats to adjust to eachother and that can usually not be accomplished with short visits. When we have a new cat enter the home they do not completely settle in and get their full routine until about a month has gone by.
4. The only way to really help her over this is to get another cat/kitten. If you bring her somewhere else or friends bring their pets to you, the "mobile" cat is going to be so scared and/or curious about there new surroundings that they could never get comfy with another cat. When you DO introduce a new cat, make sure the new cat is kept in a small area for a few days, like the bathroom, and that your cat visits him/her in the new place. It will take awhile, as much as a month, but your kitty will eventually be grateful for a friend to play with while you are away.
5. She needs to be around a very docile laid back cat to get over her issues. If she is placed around a cat that is just as neurotic as her it will do no good.
6. she isn't used to having other cats around. its not that she thinks she's a dog, she's annoyed and irritated. its a territory thing. usually for adult cats, theres not much you can do. they have their ways and will not change. this is my experience. we had a stray adult cat we were trying to find a home for. my other cats just wouldnt warm to her. they routinely beat her up and growled and hissed. i tried introducing...all of that. they just dont want her there. its their house. its much easier to bring a kitten into the house. but adult cats...no. if she doesnt live with these other cats, i dont k now why you are forcing it.
7. send it to training school