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#1
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Introducing a new cat...
Hello,
I have a 1 year old female cat at home and I just recently introduced (last night) a new male cat (saved him from Humane Society). This morning, my female cat started to hiss and groan at me and decided to take matters on my back pack. Fecal matter all over my bag. I was not able to even talk to her I would get groans and hisses. As I'm the master, I'm thinking she's very jelous. Although she is a VERY independant cat and does like human affection much, she is very jelous. After this little situation, she was OK with me and I was able to pet her. But I'm sure I'm not out of the woods with this. Meanwhile, I'm keeping the new cat in a room confined with his litter box, food and water. Recommended for 7 to 14 days (as the Humane Society recommends). What has been your success in introducing a new cat to an exsisting one? Any tips I should follow? Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Marc |
#2
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Introducing a new cat...
"Bigs" wrote in message
ups.com... Hello, I have a 1 year old female cat at home and I just recently introduced (last night) a new male cat (saved him from Humane Society). This morning, my female cat started to hiss and groan at me and decided to take matters on my back pack. Fecal matter all over my bag. I was not able to even talk to her I would get groans and hisses. As I'm the master, I'm thinking she's very jelous. Although she is a VERY independant cat and does like human affection much, she is very jelous. After this little situation, she was OK with me and I was able to pet her. But I'm sure I'm not out of the woods with this. Meanwhile, I'm keeping the new cat in a room confined with his litter box, food and water. Recommended for 7 to 14 days (as the Humane Society recommends). What has been your success in introducing a new cat to an exsisting one? Any tips I should follow? Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Marc Well done for give an unwanted cat a home There's lots of info on this link about introducing cats. http://messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm -- Alison http://catinfolinks.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/ http://doginfolinks.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/ |
#3
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Introducing a new cat...
Keep cats separate for a while - then after 14 days (after they have
had some time to slowly adjust to scent of one another) do one or more of the following: 1. Make sure all cats in the home are FELV and FIV negative and vaccinated, and neutered. (glad you rescued one from the shelter - way to go!) 2. INtroduce them and allow them to interact under close supervision, keep a spray bottle handy (water only) should a fight erupt. 3. Expect hissing and fussing, if a physical altercation occurs - separate for a while and keep trying. 4. Give love and attention to both - particularly your original cat to instill a sense of security. Don't leave any dirty laundry or bags on the floor - they are an invitation for the one cat to leave a message of discontent. 5. If it goes well, let them stay out a while together, then - separate again at bedtime or if you are not there to supervise them. I would not leave them alone together for a while - until you are ABSOLUTELY sure they are getting along well. Here are some pointers to help a cat friendship develop and potentially flourish: 1. Feed them canned food at the same time, do this in separate dishes but somewhat near one another.....over several days repeat the process, gradually getting the dishes closer each time.... For most cats - canned food is a treat - cats do not usually fight over food like dogs. In some cases cats that hate one another will compromise long enough to eat a treat at the same time. **make the food some really delicious stuff that they both go crazy over such as some tasty canned cat food. They will learn to associate one another with something pleasant and positive. 2. Get a feather toy on a long stick and initiate (and remain involved in - through interactive play) a play session. Sometimes cats will become so jubilant about playing they forget about the fact that a "new" cat is around. If cats start interacting positively - as in playing - then gradually step back and see if they will start playing. If playing is too stimulating then - stop short - and play with each kitty individually while the other watches.... 3. Cat nip - It sometimes lightens the cats mood and makes them happy and playful. If consumed it makes them relaxed, often cats like to injest a little of it. Use sparingly. 4. Add a few additional litterboxes to your home so that if any territorial issues emerge there are plenty of CORRECT places for cats to go. Use a brand of litter called cat attract until kitties start getting along. 5. Buy a kitty card board scratcher as an outlet for frustration and release of energy and appropriate clawing which is good for cats. this will release tension for the cat. GIVE CATS time - and make sure one is not bullying the other. Good luck. Jen PS: Occassionally I have crated cats (in a super large dog crate) and brought them into the home where my other cats get a chance to slowly evaluate the new cat - the new cat is not really invading their space and they can come up and sniff the new cat without being threatened. I leave the new cat in crate for quite a few days with litter box and food - this has also worked well - but is an alternative method of cat introductiion. The new cat does not get run of the house right away and former cats do not have their territory threatened or compromised. Cheers, Bigs wrote: Hello, I have a 1 year old female cat at home and I just recently introduced (last night) a new male cat (saved him from Humane Society). This morning, my female cat started to hiss and groan at me and decided to take matters on my back pack. Fecal matter all over my bag. I was not able to even talk to her I would get groans and hisses. As I'm the master, I'm thinking she's very jelous. Although she is a VERY independant cat and does like human affection much, she is very jelous. After this little situation, she was OK with me and I was able to pet her. But I'm sure I'm not out of the woods with this. Meanwhile, I'm keeping the new cat in a room confined with his litter box, food and water. Recommended for 7 to 14 days (as the Humane Society recommends). What has been your success in introducing a new cat to an exsisting one? Any tips I should follow? Anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Marc |
#4
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Introducing a new cat...
Thank you for the replies! This is great info!
Just an update: When I came back from work yesterday, she had vomitted and deposited fecal matter in the closet and on both couch and chairs. Luckily I was smart and covered all the furniture! ) Overnight she did not do anything! The big test is to see what she has done today! I will keep you updated on the progress! The male cat we took in is used to other cats and dogs! He has been shelted many times. (We are his 4th owners and last ones also!) Marc |
#5
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Introducing a new cat...
UPDATE:
Samba, my resident cat was not eating much, she even went 12 hours without eating. While the new cat is in his room. Well this weekend I was getting scared as she hadn't eaten in a long time and I know it's not good. So after 7 days, I let my new cat out. His name is Tango btw. Samba hissed a few times at him without any contact. After 10 minutes, she ate. Phew... I guess all she wanted is to meet the new guy! Anyways, one whole day of them meeting, she still hisses at him and he's back in the room for today as I don't want them unsupervised. Tonight, I will let him out again. He knows she's the boss but she keeps bullying him! I guess that can go for a few more weeks. So far, no physical abuse. |
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