My cat has started hissing at me since another cat moved in

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Lmanon Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

My sister moved in today with her neutered male cat. My cat is also a neutered male, and they aren't really paying much attention to each other yet. They’ve had a bit of a sniff, but every now and then when my cat is trying to have a rest, he hisses at my sister’s cat if he comes over to pester him.

The problem is that sometimes when I sit down next to my cat, he hisses at me too. Or he’ll come over asking for cuddles and then hiss at me as he’s leaving. I’m not even paying attention to my sister’s cat and I haven’t been stroking him, but I feel like my cat is cross with me. I know it’s early days and he needs time to settle in, but I’m really worried.

I don’t know what to do. To make things worse, my cat is used to going outside, and now I’m scared to let him out in case he decides he doesn’t want to come home.

Please help!

Translated from French
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    This could be what's called redirected aggression; he’s stressed and isn't too happy about another cat intruding on his territory, so he's reacting by being in a foul mood. Don't take his reactions personally. Just like Grumeau said, separate them if possible without disrupting the first one's routine. Give them each their own space, like a bedroom where one can leave their scent and have some peace and quiet. The second cat will just have to adapt. It took a few months to get to a point where they could live together peacefully without any hissing or growling when I moved back in with my mum with my cat, Minou. He understood perfectly well that he was in another cat's home, and my mum's cat knew how to set his boundaries. At home, I prefer to let them get on with it; even if one gets a swipe, it’s just their way of communicating. Even cats who have been best buds for years can butt heads from time to time. You still have to take their personalities into account, though, and don't let one get bullied, obviously! 😁 It’s all about a happy medium—not interfering too much in how they interact while still providing neutral spots where they can go for a rest. Generally, when a second cat arrives, you start by putting them in one room for a while. That way, they can start exploring without too much disruption. This room becomes their "home base", and if they get stressed, they can retreat there in peace. The first cat’s territory isn't too encroached upon, but they can still sense the presence of the newcomer.
    Translated from French
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    Anonymous user Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi there

    Since you mentioned they only met today, there’s nothing unusual here. You’re actually quite lucky that it’s going as well as it is 😌. Just be careful, as the situation is still quite delicate: if one pounces on the other, it could make things very difficult further down the line. It’s up to you to judge whether there's a risk of that happening.

    To build a good relationship between a resident pet and a new arrival, it's usually best to take things in stages.

    In my opinion, your cat’s reaction is perfectly normal: he was settled in his own home and now he suddenly has to share his territory with a scent that is completely foreign to him.

    If I were you, I wouldn't leave them alone together for the time being. It’s better if they each have their own safe space, sleeping area, litter tray, and bowls. You should take things gradually, at their own pace, while making your resident cat the priority (don't move his usual spots); the newcomer will have to be the one to adapt.

    Translated from French
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