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Multiple cats and special needs

post #1 of 2
9/14/08 at 9:22pm
Thread Starter 
Do you have any tricks for integrating a "special needs" cat into a multi-cat household. Trace (the 3 legged one) actually fit in rather quickly, but he did seem to put on a bold and bully front, like he knew missing a leg was a disadvantage. It's almost like he was bluffing. Peanut (the deaf one) was a bit more reserved. It took about 3 weeks for her to get comfortable enough to let the other cats close to her. And even though she didn't mind them coming into her room and wandering about, it was almost 5 months before she finally came out and started exploring.

I guess my actual question is; Do you know of any additional steps to take during introduction that may make a special needs cat more comfortable with other cats?
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post #2 of 2
9/15/08 at 3:26pm
It is important to encourage positive associations between cats before the cats meet nose-to-nose. Make sure to do pheromone exchanges between the cats while they are separated. Do that by petting the cats on the cheeks with clean socks and then putting the socks with the other cat. Also have them eat treats and meals on both sides of the door that is separating them. If they like to play, encourage them to play under the door with each other by using a double ended toy such as a cat dancer (put it away when you're not there to supervise them). Go slow, take in consideration what the problem is... for a deaf cat you'll want more mutal experiences (before they meet) based on smell and play. If you can put a screen door up between the room where the new cat is then the cats can see each other.
If a cat is blind, then sound and smell are very important.

Take it slow... you're on the cat's schedule.

Marilyn Krieger, CCBC
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