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My male pet is aggressive to the new female. Can they be friends?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

We have have a two year old male who’s the baby of the house and we got a female two weeks ago first week great and then he changed and started to get really aggressive towards her for about 3-4 days so we are keeping them apart with pet gates but lately they want to play together with no aggression can it be turned around or has it gone to far cause if we weren’t there it would have been a bad fight if not worse

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on October 1st, 2019

WIth some patience and training, they may be able to get along. Consider a pheromone product, such as the Adaptil Collar or DAP plug in diffusers, to decrease any anxiety or aggression in the home. If you have cats, use Feliway Spray or plug in diffusers. You didn't specify the species in the post.
Keep them separate, then gradually introduce (or re-introduce) them. First, allow them to hear and smell one another through a closed door. As they progress, you can allow them to see one another but without physical contact. Correct any aggressive or negative behavior immediately. The next step would be to place one of them in a closed carrier and leave them in the same room. Do this for ever increasing periods of time until they are acclimated. Finally, allow short, supervised playtime. Be consistent and praise/reward good behavior. Separate them if they get "rowdy" until they settle down, then reintroduce them.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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