We got a new kitty yesterday afternoon, her name is Grace. Shes a GORGEOUS petite black kitty (very black & shiny coat). She's 1 year old and spayed. We got her from this FABULOUS shelter called N.O.A.H it's a non-profit place, very successful and very awesome.
Grace is very mellow.. super sweet & friendly. She is not afraid of anything at all. Shes ALWAYS purring and wanting to be touched/held. We have a minature jack russel dog and another 7 year old male cat. Grace's old home consisted of MANY dogs/cats so figured she would adjust with our other dog/cat.
We set up our bedroom as the "sanctuary room" for Grace.. with her own litter box, food, water, bed.. etc. It was the only room we really could do this in. We were a little concerned because our other cat, Tommy, tends to sleep in there at night. We werent sure how he would handle being locked out. So I slept out on the couch with him last night.. he was a happy boy all snuggled up in the hook of my arm, lol... but I cant do this every night for weeks.
Well 1st day went good for the most part.. Grace was a very happy cat and loves her room. She didn't tremble and go into hiding. It was as if she's always been there. She explored with full enthuasism. We visited her many many times throughout the day to give her love & attention. The shelter told us, when she's ready to meet the tohers or see the rest of the house she'll let you know... and she's already been trying to escape out of the room and wanting out.
We allowed our dog & grace to meet... our dog is very friendly and loves every animal on the planet so we weren't too concerned. Their meeting went pretty well.. they got along & played. We will continue to give them time to play and get to know eachother before letting them roam unsupervised together. Our other cat, tommy, is another story. He is highly territorial and the alpha. He always have dominated other cats in our homes in the past (lost 2 kittys to cancer in the last 6 months). But he never attacked or was mean to them. They just co-existed pretty well and got along.
Tommy is comfortable sitting/laying on the other side of the door of where grace is staying. His behavior is fine.. He is still being the loving sweet cat he is. He isnt bothered by the new kitty smell on me. he lets me pet/hold/love him. HOWEVER, when they see eachother.. through a door crack or what not.. He growls & hisses at her.
My question is... How do I know when is a good time to let them meet face to face for the first time (without the door crack)?? Do I wait until he no longer growls/hisses at her through the door cracks anymore? Grace does not seem afraid of him at all.. She is very curious and wants to run to him and say Hi. I, of course, had to stop her before she could push her way through the door crack.
Grace is very mellow.. super sweet & friendly. She is not afraid of anything at all. Shes ALWAYS purring and wanting to be touched/held. We have a minature jack russel dog and another 7 year old male cat. Grace's old home consisted of MANY dogs/cats so figured she would adjust with our other dog/cat.
We set up our bedroom as the "sanctuary room" for Grace.. with her own litter box, food, water, bed.. etc. It was the only room we really could do this in. We were a little concerned because our other cat, Tommy, tends to sleep in there at night. We werent sure how he would handle being locked out. So I slept out on the couch with him last night.. he was a happy boy all snuggled up in the hook of my arm, lol... but I cant do this every night for weeks.
Well 1st day went good for the most part.. Grace was a very happy cat and loves her room. She didn't tremble and go into hiding. It was as if she's always been there. She explored with full enthuasism. We visited her many many times throughout the day to give her love & attention. The shelter told us, when she's ready to meet the tohers or see the rest of the house she'll let you know... and she's already been trying to escape out of the room and wanting out.
We allowed our dog & grace to meet... our dog is very friendly and loves every animal on the planet so we weren't too concerned. Their meeting went pretty well.. they got along & played. We will continue to give them time to play and get to know eachother before letting them roam unsupervised together. Our other cat, tommy, is another story. He is highly territorial and the alpha. He always have dominated other cats in our homes in the past (lost 2 kittys to cancer in the last 6 months). But he never attacked or was mean to them. They just co-existed pretty well and got along.
Tommy is comfortable sitting/laying on the other side of the door of where grace is staying. His behavior is fine.. He is still being the loving sweet cat he is. He isnt bothered by the new kitty smell on me. he lets me pet/hold/love him. HOWEVER, when they see eachother.. through a door crack or what not.. He growls & hisses at her.
My question is... How do I know when is a good time to let them meet face to face for the first time (without the door crack)?? Do I wait until he no longer growls/hisses at her through the door cracks anymore? Grace does not seem afraid of him at all.. She is very curious and wants to run to him and say Hi. I, of course, had to stop her before she could push her way through the door crack.
