Can a neutered cat live with an unneutered cat?
A neutered cat can live with an unneutered cat without creating friction and/or anxiety among the cats. It’s recommended to bond the cats early on to smooth over any concerns that may arise. In most cases, the cats will be fine once they are full-grown adults.
Cat owners in this type of situation are recommended to keep an eye on how their cats are behaving.
In general, most cats will be fine and it is not going to create issues that are unmanageable.
If there are issues, you are going to start seeing specific signs emerge between the two cats such as:
- Constant Aggression
- Staying Apart
- One Cat Hiding All Day
It’s important to note the problem won’t be a major one and most cats will adjust.
If you are nervous about this and are left asking, “Can a neutered cat live with an unneutered cat?” your focus should be on working with the cats on their relationship. In a few weeks, their issues are going to simmer down and they will be fine.
This guide is going to help take a peek at answering the question, “Can a neutered cat live with an unneutered cat?” along with what you should do in a situation such as this.
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Tips On Bonding a Neutered Cat with an Unneutered Cat
Tip #1 – Invest in a Cat Tree
If you are wondering, “Can a neutered cat live with an unneutered cat?” it’s time to invest in a cat tree.
The cat tree is going to be a wonderful place for the cats to enjoy their time throughout the day and it will also allow them to sit together without getting in each other’s way.
The benfits inclue:
- Increased Bonding Time
- Ideal Resting Spot
- Fun and Entertaining for Both Cats
There are multiple options you can go with including a cat scratching post.
It’s up to you, but the goal is to have something that will allow them to enjoy their time during the day.
Tip #2 – Create Separate Eating Spaces
While it’s great to have your cats in the same house, you still have to minimize any problems that could arise in the future.
If you are dealing with a neutered cat and an unneutered cat, it’s best to aim for separate eating spaces. This is when a lot of issues creep up because one cat becomes territorial while the other doesn’t.
The goal would be to stagger the eating times and also where they are eating.
This will ensure they are not protecting their food all the time and growling at each other. This can lead to major issues if you are not careful, which is why showing initiative is best.
Tip #3 – Get Them to Play Together
You will want them to play together.
This is one of the best ways to get the cats to appreciate each other’s company and get rid of the hostilities or anxieties that are present.
To do this, you can set up a small playpen and get them to play with different cat toys.
If you are not able to spend as much time with the cats, look to invest in a cat tree and/or cat scratching post.
This will make it easier for them to go to the same part of the house to play.
The more you do this, the easier it’s going to be for the cats to work with each other regardless of their hormones.
Tip #4 – Become the Middle Person in Relationship
You can become the middle person when it comes to the two cats.
If you are asking, “Can a neutered cat live with an unneutered cat?” it’s essential to realize you are going to be the most important element in how the relationship works.
If both realize you are a part of the family then they are going to continue to come to you throughout the day. This can make it easier for both to bond and become a family.
A lot of cat owners don’t do this and that creates animosity between the two cats as it would in any other situation too.
Final Thoughts
Can a neutered cat live with an unneutered cat?
It’s always going to depend on the cats and their personalities. Most studies have shown cats don’t have a problem bonding with each other regardless of their hormones.
Any issues that are going to arise will be at an individual level when it comes to how the cat responds to this change in hormonal activity. However, it is not just going to be targeted at the other cat, but also at humans too.
You have to be diligent and make sure to understand the cats’ personalities and see what you can do to make them bond.
Don’t automatically assume it’s a lost cause!
You can definitely work with your cats and get them to bond the way you want.
For more on how to make life simpler for your cats, read these articles – stopping cats from digging at home, helping an anxious cat after spaying, how to stop a cat from playing aggressively, and how to properly introduce a cat to another cat.