Newly Adopted Stray named Buddy

Originally Posted by Ondine

Man, you have a fantastic set up. Between the outside run and the "rooms" in the basement, there are two lucky cats in your home!

I think with time and patience, Buddy will learn his boundaries. Tiger has been only cat for so long, he needs some time, too.

We have a cat that still causes all kinds of stress when he gets a hair up his butt. He actually heads to the bathroom when we say "You need a time-out." It's actually kind of funny, although the oher cats don't think so after having been terrorized!

Keep up the good work. You are doing a great job!

Click to expand...

Thanks. Yeah Buddy will have to learn some manners. It doesn't seem like Buddy flys at Tiger with aggression but just with a playful spirit, but Tiger doesn't see it that way and reacts with a fight. Then he runs away and Buddy runs after him. The wrong signals are being picked up by Tiger because of Buddys intense playful actions. So today I set up the training pen I had built. They did well for the first day. I think it going to take more time being close on friendly terms and I hope the pen will help them get there.

Originally Posted by killerapple

Hey Pete,

I've been following this but didn't want to respond since I'm not sure what to tell you! I'm such a newbie at cat intros and everything!

Food has been a good distractor for mine but I have mixed feelings about that - worrying it's a re-enforcer or something negative.

Have you tried using Feliway sprays of diffusers? Sorry - my memory is getting bad.

I'll be following your thread closely as always!

Click to expand...

Don't feel bad, i'm new at it too. I'm better at taming between cat and me than cat to cat. Sometimes it hard to control two cats actions at the same time.

No I haven't tried the Feliway spray, diffuser or food at this point. If I don't get the results after the training cage method I will try it.

Today I set up the training cage I had built when I had Tabby. With Tiger and Buddy I thought I waisted my time building the training cage because these two cats are so friendly, with me anyways. But now i'm glad I built it.

When Tiger goes down in the basm't he gets concerned because he knows Buddy is down there. So before I brought Tiger down to the training cage in the basm't I put Buddy in the cat run outside. I just had to open the window for him to go out to the run. I shut the window and put some cardboard in front of it to block Tiger from seeing him when I carry him down to the training cage.

So I got Tiger in the training cage without any trouble. He began to meow in a very low pitch voice close to a grawl. I could tell he was uncomfortable being down there. He could smell his not too friendly kitty at least the way he see Buddy. Before I let Buddy back in his cage I spent some time calming Tiger down. This was also the first time he had been restrained in this cage. So things were very much different for him. After a while he started to calm down. He investigated his new surroundings and in a short time he was ok with it.

I opened the window and let Buddy in his cage. I think Tiger was a little releaved to see him. Because he didn't see him but he could smell him and I think back in his mind he was concerned when and where this little black and white fur ball was going to come after him. So when they saw each other they both laid down and just looked at each other.


Both showed great interest at first in each other.




I didn't want Tiger to get upset with Buddy looking at him for a long period of time so I placed a piece of cardboard in front of the screen in case Tiger wanted to get out of site and have a little peace.


I kept them together like this for a little over a half day. After a while Tiger settled down into his bed and spent a few hour resting there, still aware that Buddy was near.


I think things went well for the first session. After the preliminary meowing of Tiger, things kept pretty quiet during the day. Tomorrow I will continue the session but remove the cardboard in front of the cage. Then as the days go by I plan to move the training cage closer and closer to each other a foot at a time until there right next to each other. I thing a lot of time spent near each other in a safe zone will help matter greatly. They just need to get used to each other and that will take time. I'm thinking to keep them in the cages at least two weeks to a month before a one on one session again.

No advice, just wanted to let you know I am following Buddy and Tiger's progress.

Well one advice, the training cage method is a great idea, I'm glad it's working so well,but I think you may still have to let them have it out a time or two, as awful as it is when they do. They really do have to work our their hierarchy.

Keep claws trimmed!

Originally Posted by otto

No advice, just wanted to let you know I am following Buddy and Tiger's progress.

Well one advice, the training cage method is a great idea, I'm glad it's working so well,but I think you may still have to let them have it out a time or two, as awful as it is when they do. They really do have to work our their hierarchy.

Keep claws trimmed!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate the insight. I'm no expert when it comes to "cat to cat"(one on one). But what I wanted to do is make every effort to have them get along. Your absolutely right, in the end it's going to be on terms they work out themselves. It's too bad they have to fight to do that.

Usually a cat will approach another cat slowly, give the body posture and or vocal and then maybe fight to some extent. What Buddy does is just run in on Tiger so Tiger has nothing left to do but fight. Tiger is used to fighting when he was a stray but I hate to have him go through all that again, he's such a sweet cat.

Yeah, I kind of had that in the back of my mind that they will have to work things out in the end. I just hope the training cage sessions helps that process some. Thanks for the nail cutting tip.

Originally Posted by tigerclaw

Usually a cat will approach another cat slowly, give the body posture and or vocal and then maybe fight to some extent. What Buddy does is just run in on Tiger so Tiger has nothing left to do but fight. Tiger is used to fighting when he was a stray but I hate to have him go through all that again, he's such a sweet cat.

Click to expand...

Too bad you don't have a dog to take sides ? If all else fails, the best way to terminate a fight is splash water at the cats in combat. Or throwing something soft between them as a good preventive step if Buddy does begin an automatic charge and jump. Without him "assuming the stance" you may need quick reflexes, though. If it is your broom, redirect some of the energy to make a game of it - as one cat scatters the other cat will often pounce on it. Another good suggestions is to have a blanket ready. If a real fight breaks out, throw the blanket over the instigator and pick up the cat that way ;-).

When it isn't the resident cat giving chase, you may be dealing with an inevitable difference in energy levels. Feliway and other calming products wouldn't be a bad place to start...

If nothing else, Buddy is learning Tiger doesn't have a problem with him if he's not trying to play with him!

Originally Posted by elayman

Too bad you don't have a dog to take sides ?

If all else fails, the best way to terminate a fight is splash water at the cats in combat. Or throwing something soft between them as a good preventive step if Buddy does begin an automatic charge and jump. Without him "assuming the stance" you may need quick reflexes, though.

If it is your broom, redirect some of the energy to make a game of it - as one cat scatters the other cat will often pounce on it. Another good suggestions is to have a blanket ready. If a real fight breaks out, throw the blanket over the instigator and pick up the cat that way ;-).

When it isn't the resident cat giving chase, you may be dealing with an inevitable difference in energy levels. Feliway and other calming products wouldn't be a bad place to start...

Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions. Your right about the difference in energy levels. Buddy the new kitty if young, full of energy and flys all over the house, while Tiger is more laid back. Today I used the wand top to redirect Buddy's energy with great success.

Originally Posted by LDG

If nothing else, Buddy is learning Tiger doesn't have a problem with him if he's not trying to play with him!

Click to expand...

It's good to know that Buddy is learning something even though he doesn't always show it. They had a good day today...see below.

Buddy and Tiger had a real good day. Tiger was in his training cage so I thought I would bring Buddy over to be near Tiger. I held Buddy with my hands on the floor and hand walked him over closer to Tiger. As Buddy got within a couple feet of Tiger's cage Tiger gave him a hiss and a grawl as a warning. I held Buddy because I didn't want him to charge the cage and upset Tiger too much. I thought for a moment that if I let Buddy go it's not going to work out too well.

I thought of what I could do and the wand toy came to mind as a mind distraction from his never ending intense focus on Tiger. I got the wand toy out and he immediately wanted to chase it. So there he went around in circles chasing the wand toy and burning some of his energy. It seems like it's working. He already had an addiction for the wand toy so i figured it to be a good distraction. He focused on the toy not so much on Tiger.


Tiger could tell the change in Buddy's behavior. He even stretched out one leg in a much more relaxed posture.


Their getting more relaxed with each other. Made great progress today.

We call that arm stretched out pose the "Pasha Kitty".

Originally Posted by LDG

We call that arm stretched out pose the "Pasha Kitty".

Click to expand...

Pasha Kitty, ah....so Tiger is the high ranking kitty here?

They had another good day today. The session today was without the wand toy. More like being one on one with a 2" x 3" mesh screen barrier inbetween. I have notice that the larger screen mesh makes a big difference in the way they act towards each other. With the fly screen inbetween they knew, at least Tiger did, that there is a barrier inbetween them to restrict direct contact. But with the 2" x 3" mesh screen it's a different ball game. Tiger scences it. Every time Buddy would focus on him Tiger came with the low grawl to stay your distance. If he came too close Tiger gave Buddy a gentle hiss and the raise paw. I liked the interaction. I think it's teaching Buddy how he is supposed to handle himself around other cats. I think he just doesn't know how to act, he's just not socialized and needs a little growing up to do. I think Buddy sees Tiger as a play toy and just wants to play and doesn't respect Tiger's space. I think the training cage is working quit well. One on one without the physical contact. It's a good learning process and a starter to get them towards the actual one on one which will be next. Any comments on this process/theory?

No comments on your methods other than it sounds like you are having a lot of fun and I'm glad it's working, I certainly am enjoying the process of Buddy learning how to be a proper house cat and live with another house cat.

Originally Posted by otto

No comments on your methods other than it sounds like you are having a lot of fun

and I'm glad it's working, I certainly am enjoying the process of Buddy learning how to be a proper house cat and live with another house cat.

Click to expand...

Yeah, it's kinda fun. Buddy and I are learning alot about cat behavior. I'm not sure about Tiger. This morning when I went down to the basm't to feed him, he walked over to his litter box in the middle of his training cage and peed(sprayed) all over the concrete wall. He looked at me if to say, this is what I thing of this whole training thing. He does spray outside because there are some strays out there and he keeps his territory well marked.

The other day he even left his poop uncovered. I think he is sending Buddy a message that he his the alpha cat around here. I hope he doesn't start spraying in the house to prove it every day.

I think the training sessions are helping Tiger cope with this new cat Buddy. For the first time today he walked right in front of Buddy's cage as he headed for the training cage where his food is. He is getting braver around the bouncing fur ball named Buddy.

How are things going with your boys???

Originally Posted by killerapple

How are things going with your boys???

Click to expand...

Things are more or less at a stale-mate. Not much pregress. I keep them separated so they don't fight. Buddy every chance he get goes into his stalking mode which turns Tiger completely off. He just tries to ignore him. Trying to figure out a better method than just throw them into one room and leave them fight it out. I'll probably go try Buddy with the restraining harness. That's about the only way I have some sort of control over Buddy. Something like you would train a dog on a leash. I've trained hunting dogs before and I think it's easier to train a dog than a cat. Cats got a mind of their own.

Originally Posted by tigerclaw

Things are more or less at a stale-mate. Not much pregress. I keep them separated so they don't fight. Buddy every chance he get goes into his stalking mode which turns Tiger completely off. He just tries to ignore him. Trying to figure out a better method than just throw them into one room and leave them fight it out. I'll probably go try Buddy with the restraining harness. That's about the only way I have some sort of control over Buddy. Something like you would train a dog on a leash. I've trained hunting dogs before and I think it's easier to train a dog than a cat. Cats got a mind of their own.

Click to expand...

I was just thinking that, you really ought to just give letting them work it out themselves a try. Keeping them separated all the time at this point is just reinforcing to them that being together without barriers is not a good thing.

Trim their claws and let them be out and about in the house while you are home, and let them fight it out. They need to work it out for themselves.

That's the way many cats have to work out their hierarchy, after all.

Originally Posted by otto

I was just thinking that, you really ought to just give letting them work it out themselves a try. Keeping them separated all the time at this point is just reinforcing to them that being together without barriers is not a good thing.

Trim their claws and let them be out and about in the house while you are home, and let them fight it out. They need to work it out for themselves.

That's the way many cats have to work out their hierarchy, after all.

Click to expand...

I was afraid you were going to say that. Back in my mind I figured it was going to come to this. I'll let them at it this weekend when my grandson isn't around. We take care of him on thurs. & Fri. days. I'll cut their nails, get a can with some stones in it for a noise maker and a wand toy that Buddy mighty deside to play with..... wish me/them luck.

Lots of luck to you Pete. Remember, cat fights can sound much worse than they really are. Jennie swears like a sailor, you'd think she was being killed when she plays Tumble with Tolly or Mazy. It sounds really horrible. But it's all air.

They may surprise you!

Originally Posted by otto

Lots of luck to you Pete. Remember, cat fights can sound much worse than they really are. Jennie swears like a sailor, you'd think she was being killed when she plays Tumble with Tolly or Mazy. It sounds really horrible. But it's all air.

They may surprise you!

Click to expand...

I just didn't have the heart to subject Tiger into an all out cat fight without seriously thinking this whole matter of getting them together. I rolled it over and over in my mind and still remained puzzled about the hostility between these two sweet cats. Gosh, isn't there another way to have them become friends other then throw them together and hope for the best. So Monday I put Tiger in the 2" x 3" mesh screen training pen like I did before as in the pix above. I put Tigers sleeping bed in the center of the pen this time and the litter box in the corner near the screen. This way Tiger wouldn't be so close the the screen when he would rest in his bed.

So I let Buddy out of his cage and he went right for the pen where Tiger was in. He came at the pen in a stalking mode and Tiger picked up on that and began to hiss and growl. Buddy doesn't do any vocals but he justs comes in and wants to jump on Tiger what I assume in a playful manner. Something like a litter-mate would do in play. Tiger sees this as aggression and fights back. I let them go at it at the screen of the training pen and it got pretty intense. Buddy's tail swelled to about 3" in diameter but no vocals. Tiger got pretty aggressive it the hissing and growling and batting at Buddy at the screen. He banged the screen pretty hard a few times with his paws but with no phycsical contact because of the screened cage. The larger 2" x 3" mesh gives the effect of no screen at all. Pretty much like open air. That's why the intensity.

The way the cages are set they can look at each other all day long. I let Buddy out of his cage to interact with Tiger about four times a day. Then let Tiger upstairs where he normally been sleeping. Tues the intensity lessened somewhat. I guess they seemed to realize that maybe all this growling wasn't necessary. When I brought Tiger down to his cage Wed. morning and let Buddy out I was shocked. Buddy walked over to Tigers training pen and they sniffed noses. No hissing or growling. I couldn't believe it. They started to act just like they did with the fly screen inbetween. After they sniffed noses, Buddy walked off and then came back and started to rub his body all over Tiger's pen. What a change in attitude. Tiger sensed that and stayed calm. No vocals. All through the day Buddy just normally walked up to Tiger's pen and rubbed all over it and Tiger just looked at him in a very calm state. This is how I was hoping they would act before I put them together.

I'm going to do this for a few days more and then carry the cage thing a step further by constructing a 1" square screen divider in the middle cage of the three level cages I have where they can sniff each other all day and nite if they want. Do this for a week or so and then let them get together. I think by that time they should be as calm together as they are going to get with a divider between them. I think I owe it to them because their so sweet and I don't think they really want to fight to become friends. I'm happy they are progressing in the right direction. I give both a lot of hugs and kisses all through their training, they are just so sweet to us humans.