2. The biggest sign that your cat has bonded with you is repeated and frequent displays of those cat-approved forms of affection: slow blinks, licking, kneading, grooming and head-butting. Cats have glands that contain pheromones on their faces and rubbing their faces together co-mingles these pheromones and creates contentment between bonded cats. How to Encourage Multiple Cats to Get Along with Each Other. Most of our bonded pairs have been cats – long-term supporters and followers of the shelter may remember Precious and Coco, Sasha and Angel or more recently, Tori and Mazda. Photo: sarahakabmg Emrys and Lady, my Abyssinians, stand together on the bureau.. Back to back, they look like bookends. Cricket and Tucker came to Northeast Abyssinian and Somali Rescue (NEAR) as a set. We have two cats, both about 4 years old. Home > What's Bugging Kitty? Bonded cats provide company and comfort to each other. In such cases, cats must be trained to develop new bonds with either other cats (a new kitten, perhaps) or new human acquaintances. In severe cases, antidepressants may be needed to help such formerly bonded cats around this sharp corner of life. Dr. Wallace Sife, a psychologist, and author of “The Loss of a Pet” says to allow the grieving and even validate it with each other by simply offering compassion and support. The #1 way cats communicate with each other is through scent communication. The 7-year-old littermates were extremely bonded, and co-director Kristen Wookey wanted very much to keep them together. Stray and feral cats can be difficult to tell apart, ... and ways to take action and save cats’ lives! Cats that enjoy each others company will stand next to each other and intertwine their tails. Cats have very strong senses of smell, and they use scents to communicate with each other. Alley Cat Allies has protected and improved the lives of cats for 30 years. A bonded pair of cats is just that: a pair of cats who have formed a strong emotional bond to each other and will become depressed or anxious if separated. Cats assert themselves by threatening other cats with their posture and attitude. How to Encourage Multiple Cats to Get Along with Each Other. It’s hard to tell why animals tend to bond with each other. Start by feeding them with their bowls placed on either side of the door. By: suetupling. This is not a bad arrangement until longterm separation through illness or death becomes inevitable. And if the cats bonded as strays or at a shelter, then it feels as though they really do need each other to survive. If you see one of your cats trying to stare down another, or intimidate each other—whether it’s over food and water, litter boxes, territory, or anything else—gently separate … ADVERTISEMENT That’s not anthropomorphizing them — that’s fact. In such cases, cats must be trained to develop new bonds with either other cats (a new kitten, perhaps) or new human acquaintances. But their tails are entwined in such a way that they almost seem to form a heart. Put both cats in separate but adjacent rooms and provide them with their own bowls, litter boxes, cat trees, and private you-time. The distance to the door will be determined by how reactive your cats are to each other. When cats are bonded they will create a “group scent,” an act you’re witnessing if you see your cats rubbing up against each other. Time to see if your cats like each other! Dear Most Esteemed and Knowledgeable Kitties: My husband and I are unfortunately getting a divorce. Many of the same things we do for each other can help our pets. Once the cats have ceased fighting, place them in separate rooms so they can calm down. 3. This can help them get to know each other. Start by feeding them with their bowls placed on either side of the door. > Aggression > Cat Fights: What to do When Your Cats Turn on Each Other Cat Fights: What to do When Your Cats Turn on Each Other It can be very confusing and frustrating when companion cats who have previously lived together in harmony, suddenly decide to engage in a turf war. Barriers are helpful because they block the cats’ view of each other. Time to see if your cats like each other! In severe cases, antidepressants may be needed to help such formerly bonded cats around this sharp corner of life. A sound argument, but not entirely true.