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For many years, I’ve had a pair of cats. I had either adopted them as pairs, or they had grown up together and were familiar with each other. They kept each other company and enjoyed playing together, even when I wasn’t around. It was always fun to sneak up on them to find them cuddled together on the bed on a cold winter’s day. Perhaps you’ve had cats like that yourself?
There will always be cats that don’t get along very well, though. Perhaps one of them hasn’t established dominance yet or an older cat resents a new kitten that is taking up more of your time.
Loving their independence and space, cats may feel crowded and encroached upon when another cat tries to steal its ‘spot.’ Creatures of habit, they establish what is called a ‘timeshare.’ The dominant cat will opt for the favorite spot at the optimum time of day- for example a window seat in the day and a spot on the bed at night. The cats then share these spots according to the dominant cats preference- often leaving the younger or more submissive cat in a less desirable spot. If you have a small place, your cats may have fewer and fewer options for favorite spots.
As you can imagine, this would lead to a lot of frustration and resentment among your cat friends.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to ease some of the tension. The first thing you would need to do is to observe your cats behavior. Where is the prime spot? Is their area limited to a small space?
After a short time of watching them and their favorite spot, the key is to optimize the area with good spots for them to hang out on. For example, if they like the window, put a window seat on a couple of your windows.
Some other things you can invest in that will help are heated cat beds during the winter, or something nice and cool to sit on during the summer. Those trees they sell in the store, located in a prime spot, can also provide a nice perch. Cats love to be snug and secure, so even a small box can become a favored spot.
At the end of the day, make sure you give them both equal amounts of love and separate their food if necessary. In time, they will hopefully work it out themselves.
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About the author:
I like many different kinds of things- traveling, eating new kinds of food, running, and I love writing as well! I work as a counselor currently, helping people with many kinds of issues. Previously, I had worked as a teacher and professor.
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