Hi everyone,
First-time poster, long-time reader. I was hoping to get some input from the well-informed committee as a whole here.
Today, I brought home New Cat. He's now the housemate of Old Cat. New Cat is a 2-year-old male, Old Cat is a 4-year-old female.
Here's some background:
I adopted Old Cat two years ago. She was feral and had kittens. She hated everyone and everything, people and cats included. I liked her, though. She had personality. But she's a changed cat these days. She's a lap cat and exceedingly friendly toward strangers. It's funny what a permanent, loving home can do.
Recently, I've been traveling more for work, sometimes for a day or three at a time. I live alone. I always have someone come to check on Old Cat, play with her, feed her, etc. But I started seeing signs she was bored. I felt bad, like I was neglecting her.
So, I thought maybe her personality change might allow her to not only accept but befriend New Cat. I adopted him from the same clinic as Old Cat. The adoption people were familiar with both animals, so they suggested New Cat based on his personality -- friendly and assertive, but not necessarily aggressive. He's been with other cats before, too.
New Cat came home today. Of course, Old Cat already is making a fuss. She can smell New Cat all over me, a turn of events she greets with a hiss, growl and an annoyed march in the other direction. I'm sure this will continue for a few days.
I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any advice they can pass along that might help make this transition easier. For now, New Cat is in his own room. He's already looking pretty comfortable there. I was told to let him hang out there for a week or so before making any introductions. During that time, I plan to switch their beds a few times, so they can sniff at each other. I'll also allow them to switch rooms at some point, too.
Anything else?
Thanks in advance, everyone.
First-time poster, long-time reader. I was hoping to get some input from the well-informed committee as a whole here.
Today, I brought home New Cat. He's now the housemate of Old Cat. New Cat is a 2-year-old male, Old Cat is a 4-year-old female.
Here's some background:
I adopted Old Cat two years ago. She was feral and had kittens. She hated everyone and everything, people and cats included. I liked her, though. She had personality. But she's a changed cat these days. She's a lap cat and exceedingly friendly toward strangers. It's funny what a permanent, loving home can do.
Recently, I've been traveling more for work, sometimes for a day or three at a time. I live alone. I always have someone come to check on Old Cat, play with her, feed her, etc. But I started seeing signs she was bored. I felt bad, like I was neglecting her.
So, I thought maybe her personality change might allow her to not only accept but befriend New Cat. I adopted him from the same clinic as Old Cat. The adoption people were familiar with both animals, so they suggested New Cat based on his personality -- friendly and assertive, but not necessarily aggressive. He's been with other cats before, too.
New Cat came home today. Of course, Old Cat already is making a fuss. She can smell New Cat all over me, a turn of events she greets with a hiss, growl and an annoyed march in the other direction. I'm sure this will continue for a few days.
I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any advice they can pass along that might help make this transition easier. For now, New Cat is in his own room. He's already looking pretty comfortable there. I was told to let him hang out there for a week or so before making any introductions. During that time, I plan to switch their beds a few times, so they can sniff at each other. I'll also allow them to switch rooms at some point, too.
Anything else?
Thanks in advance, everyone.