Everyone knows how aloof and independent cats can be, sitting on their high perch judging every move you make. There are a few cat breeds, however, that are friendlier and love to be the center of attention.
More like a dog than a standoffish cat, the Siamese cat is very fond of companionship and has distinct personalities, but how do they get along with other cats?
Because Siamese cats are a very social breed, they crave social contact for mental stimulation and to prevent them from getting lonely. Almost always, will they welcome other pets in the household and enjoy interacting with them, provided they are gradually introduced to each other.
Siamese cats are known to be loveable and affectionate with humans. Still, many people don’t see that they get along really well with other cats and appreciate the company, especially when their humans aren’t around.
There is a lot that goes into what makes Siamese one of the best social cats, and the rest of this article will cover why Siamese are great with other pets and how to introduce a new cat to your Siamese.
What Makes Siamese So Social?
The Siamese is one of the most family-friendly cats out there, and for the simple reason that they just love people.
The Siamese is for you if you want a cat that cuddles and snuggles more than your standard cat.
They’re great with children, and they crave attention all the time. They’re also real chatterboxes and aren’t afraid to voice their opinion vocally.
A social breed, Siamese demand attention, whether it be cuddles or playtime, and you’ll notice that they are a lot more expressive in their behavior than other cats.
Are Siamese Cats Good with Other Cats?
A Siamese cat is a good pick for many families because they get along great with other pets, especially cats.
Because of their relaxed personality and friendly nature, they respond well when introducing a new cat to your Siamese.
Although, keep in mind that cats are territorial by nature, so it’s essential to follow a rigid process when introducing any two cats.
Steps to introduce a new cat to your Siamese
You may find variations of these steps elsewhere but the common denominator across of them is a slow and step by step introduction.
Really, there is no one right way. You decide what works best for you and your kitties but the below framework should increase your chances of success and help them become friends for life.
1. The isolation phase
First, you’ll need to ensure that your new cat is isolated in a room outside your Siamese’s usual living space.
Let the new cat adjust to its living quarters for a few days, and then sequester the new cat away while you let your Siamese sniff around the area where the new cat was living.
This will help your cat adjust to the scent of a new cat.
2. Allow indirect contact
While still separated in different rooms, let the cats slowly become aware of each other’s presence.
During this phase, they are not yet to meet physically, but your cats may see each other underneath the doorframe, which is perfectly acceptable as long as your cat is not constantly obsessing or hissing at the door.
If the new cat’s presence is that stressful to your Siamese, you may want to block the gap under the door so that the two cannot see or smell each other and try again later.
3. Introduction at a distance
Once your Siamese has been introduced to the new cat’s smell, you can begin letting them see each other through a partition of some kind.
This can be a window or an insect screen but setting up a cat playpen for your new addition is an excellent idea because it allows your established Siamese to see the new cat in a nonthreatening environment.
This allows them to sniff or disengage from the situation if they feel threatened.
Your Siamese may be pretty put off for a few days after a new cat is introduced, and that’s perfectly ok.
It’s a stressful time for them, but having the playpen set up somewhere out of the main path is a great way to let your Siamese begin seeing what this whole new cat business is all about for themselves.
4. Exploration phase
This process may go on for a while, and it’s best if you play by ear to see when you can move on to the next phase, the exploration phase.
During this phase, put your Siamese cat away in a separate room and let the new cat explore the house.
This is so that the new cat can familiarize herself with her new home and will prepare her for the next phase; meeting nose-to-nose.
You’re ready to move on when the new cat feels at ease in her new environment. If not, put her back in the playpen and continue this step over the following days.
5. Meeting face to face
This is the final stage, and your success will depend on the character of both cats and how territorial they are.
If you took it slowly during the previous steps, this will be a lot easier but don’t rush things, don’t push them, as there is a chance that all your preparations will backfire. In that case, it’s back to square one…
Let your Siamese meet the new cat physically for the first time.
Be sure you’re there to ward off any aggressive behavior by removing one of the cats immediately if this happens.
Ensure both cats can move freely and have access to hiding spots. This allows them to retreat if they get overwhelmed.
This also gives them a choice to interact when they want to but not be forced to.
Avoid ‘chokepoints’ like the plague, particularly during the free roam phase. Make sure your new cat is safe and secure in the playpen at night.
Feeding the cats together is also a great way to positively reinforce engagement and reward the two for being close to each other.
Getting through the nights
Even after both cats meet and are comfortable with each other, it might be a good idea to put the new cat in the playpen at night, especially if it’s a kitten.
Cats can really spook each other in the dark, making the chances of a fight.
It takes time for the introduction process, but as long as you don’t force the two together right off the bat and take the process slowly, your cats will be best buddies in no time.
Our final thoughts
Siamese cats are great with all kinds of pets and are incredibly family-friendly, offering their owners so much joy and happiness.
Their playful personality and constant vocalizations enrich our lives and provide endless entertainment.
They’re great with other cats, but you should always take the introduction period seriously and try to make the environment as stress-free as possible for both cats.
Cats have difficulty adjusting to a new environment and have to treat anything new as a potential threat, especially a new cat.
Just because your Siamese is friendly to people doesn’t mean they will immediately warm up to a new cat. They’re an intruder, after all.
It’ll be easier for the two to become friends if you follow a more controlled method rather than just letting a new cat loose in the house.
But keep at it, take it slowly, and don’t force it. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have two content, placid cats brightening up your home in no time.
Love reading about Siamese cats?
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References
https://siameseofday.com/do-siamese-cats-get-along-with-other-cats/
https://animalpath.org/do-siamese-cats-get-along-with-other-cats/