Man Introduces Childhood Pet to New Cats—It Doesn't Go As Planned

Newsweek

4 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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In a scene that looks straight out of a Western movie, a pair of cats' introduction to their owner's childhood feline ended up in a tense standoff, one that has left internet users in stitches.
The viral TikTok video shared in June by @chatacoochieman, shows the senior cat standing in the middle of the corridor with the two younger felines squared off in front of him like rival gangsters in the movies. "Mexican showdown. Introduced my 17-year-old childhood cat to my new cats," the poster writes in the clip. "I dunno what to do here," he adds in the caption.
The kitties go on to stare each other down without saying a word, but ready to pounce at any moment.
While some cats are aloof and prefer being on their own, others thrive in the company of another feline. But when your cat needs a companion, they will show signs, according to Pet MD.
These signs include excessive clinginess, changes in their eating and sleeping habits, unusually destructive behavior, litter-box issues, and a shift in overall energy.
If you do end up getting your cat a companion, it is important you do it in a way that doesn't create animosity between them. Give your felines space at the start, keeping the new kitten in a separate room.
The cats' introduction should start with scent-swapping, rubbing the kitten with a small cloth to collect the odor, then letting your older cat smell it. Rewarding them for any positive or neutral response is crucial at this stage.
Once they are comfortable with the smell, you can introduce them face to face, strictly under your supervision. Do not let them interact alone until you are completely sure that they are happy with each other.
You can read more about how to introduce a kitten to your new cat here.
Stock image: Two cats have a heated argument, hissing at each other.
Stock image: Two cats have a heated argument, hissing at each other.
getty images
The video quickly went viral on social media and has so far received over 3.5 million views and more than 784,000 likes on the platform.
One user, Pasta jeesus, commented: "I'm not here locked with you … you are here locked with me!"
Classicdeck posted: "This house isn't big enough for the three of us."
Caribbean gen added: "Bro has had enough, not in his town."
Newsweek reached out to @chatacoochieman for comment via TikTok comments. We could not verify the details of the case.
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