will 2 female cats get along?

[callie37]

Will 2 female cats get along especially if one is fixed?
Is there an introduction process you have to go through first?
And if they don't get along what can you do to resolve the issue

 

[Columbine]

The single biggest factor in determining whether 2 cats can get along/peacefully coexist is the introduction process (strong bonds/friendships are just a bonus - the object of the exercise is for them to tolerate each other).

Starting by creating a safe room the the newcomer - it needs comfy places to sleep, a few good hiding places that aren't too inaccessible for you, places for food and water, at least one litter tray, a cat tree or other other perches (at the very least a basic scratching post is needed...unless you want the carpet/rugs/furniture/walls/doors to be used for claw sharpening purposes ):basically, everything a cat needs to feel at home.

The idea is to give both cats safe places to help them feel secure, and space from each other so they can fully relax.

First stage is scent swapping - each cat gets rubbed down with a washcloth or other suitable bit of fabric (old socks are great too). You need to focus on rubbing the cheeks of each cat - this is where the 'friendly' scent glands are...the bits they use when rubbing up against you/furniture etc to say they belong there. When the two cloths are saturated with a cat's scent, leave the new cat's cloth where the old cat can find it and vice versa. Repeat on a daily basis (clean cloths each time).

When the cats no longer react negatively to the other's scent, you can start site swapping. This lest the new cat get comfortable in the rest of the house, and let's the old cat get more familiar with the new cat's scent.

At the same time you can start feeding the cats on either side of the same door. The best way to do this is with a screen door, but cracking the door open and wedging with doorstop can work too. The idea is that they associate each other with good things (food). Gradually get the cats eating closer to the door, increasing their exposure to each other at the same time. When the can eat happily on either side of the screen door, they are finally ready to meet.
These articles should help too:-
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats
http://www.thecatsite.com/a/bringing-home-a-new-cat