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Written by Wendy Christensen
Q: I have two cats; 1 male; 1 female; both just over 1 year old, both neutered/spayed. I moved out of my condo 1 month ago and took my male cat with me. My sons moved into my condo with their male cat (neutered) and my female cat. I couldn't stand not having my female so I brought her to my new home. She and my male cat act like they've never seen each other before. Is this normal? They were together for over 1 year, apart for 1 month, and now act like strangers. They won't go near each other, and they growl and hiss at each other. It's only been a few days. Should I just let them get reacquainted? Will they get reacquainted? Any help would be appreciated.
A: Your two cats had become accustomed to sharing the space and resources in your old home (which was their territory). By taking only one cat into your new home, you gave him a chance to "claim" the entire new space as his own, personal, territory. The arrival of his former fellow-cat probably confused him.
Cats recognize one another mainly by scent. Part of the "scent picture" that's so important to cats includes the familiar scents of their shared territory. Because your male cat has now become accustomed to a new scent picture in your new home, your female cat doesn't seem to "fit into the picture." In many ways, the two cats ARE strangers, though that's likely just a temporary thing during their readjustment phase.
You say that it's only been a few days. That's not much time for your male cat to get used to a "new" cat in a territory he's claimed as his own, and not much time for your female to get used to a whole new environment, with new scents, sights, sounds and spaces -- not to mention a cat who doesn't seem to know her!
I think your best bet is to act as if you're introducing new cats who don't know each other at all. And that means very gradually. My book, "The HSUS Complete Guide to Cat Care" (now available in paperback) has a lot of tips and strategies for successful introductions.
Do you have a spare room or other space in which one of the cats could stay (with everything they need) while you manage the re-introduction gradually? Share beds and toys back and forth. Be sure to include items that carry YOUR scent (such as unlaundered t-shirts or other clothing) which both cats will recognize as familiar and comforting. Trade the cats back and forth, so your female can fully explore her new home at her own pace. You can also "jump start" the scent-familiarization process by wiping down both cats with a damp towel that carries a neutral scent (like vanilla) or with a scent they both associate with you (like a favorite perfume).
When you can't be there to supervise, keep the cats separated, especially at first. As they get better re-acquainted, this will become less and less necessary.
Conduct supervised "get-acquainted" sessions in which the cats share fun, pleasant experiences, such as interactive playtime, meals with special favorite foods, or tasty treats. Keep these short and sweet at first -- and as pleasant and stress-free as possible. As they get more comfortable with each other, you'll see the growling and posturing lessen considerably. Let them have as much time together as they seem comfortable with. Be sure to give the female plenty of time to explore your new home without the pressure of looking out for the male cat. Remember, he's had a big head start! Since your cats knew each other previously and got along well, I suspect they'll work things out in their own time. Keep a positive, cheerful attitude, and your cats will pick up on your optimism, too. Good luck!
Herding Cats at Home - May 2004 1
Herding Cats at Home - May 2004 3
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