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Introducing a new kitty to an older cat

post #1 of 6
6/14/10 at 10:53pm
Thread Starter 
Hello,

I have been owned by a beautiful female cat for the past 6 years, her name is Misty. Unfortunately, she had a hard start to life, getting sick after being attacked by another older cat in the household where I first got her. She has always been a bit aloof and timid.

For the past 5 years she has been my husband and my only cat. We recently decided we would like another kitty to join the family.

Two days ago we brought the new kitty (5 month old Jessie from the RSPCA) home. When Misty saw her she was both frightened and very aggressive. Jessie is use to other cats being around her and only reacted slightly frightened. We have kept them separate since but found the older cat trying to attack the newbie under the bedroom door.

We would really really like for this situation to improve. We don't want fighting cats, or for either cat to end up being bullied all its life. But, the thought of having to give up the new kitty is very upsetting (I understand that this might be necessary worst case scenario). We have plenty of space in our home for two cats (we are in a large 2 storey house, and the older cat has access to the yard). Any advice would be very welcome ...

Thanking you all in advance.

Shandel
Sydney, Australia
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post #2 of 6
6/15/10 at 1:08am
There will likely be plenty of aggression at first. Keep them separated for 10-14 days or so and let them bat it out under the door; this is the first step in getting used to each other. Cats will almost always sort things out and come to an amicable living agreement.

We had two cats for several years and then one died. For 5 years Jack was a solitary cat. He was always the more aggressive of our two and he liked being king of the house. Well tough, Jack! We wanted another cat so we added Lily. Despite some initial hissing, the introduction went far better than we thought it would. Jack can still be a butthead sometimes (he leaps on her when she's not paying attention and she's skittish to start with), but they coexist and both seem perfectly happy. It went so well we added cat #3. Jack barely noticed Boo and Lily took her time getting used to it, but it is all good now.

I guess what I'm saying is don't stress out too much and be patient. In a big house both will have somewhere to escape to if they want space. There will be jockeying for position between the cats but that's normal. They are animals after all!
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post #3 of 6
6/15/10 at 4:02am
Thread Starter 
Thanks Jen! I appreciate the advice because you have obviously been there and done it.
I have had cats all my life and never had this problem, except for when I first got Misty and the other cat attacked her - perhaps she feels this is payback! I have paid a lot more attention to Misty today and she seems to be fine with me so the test will be next time she takes an interest in Jessie under the door!
Have you used any technique to introduce the cats that you would recommend? I have been reading a bit aboout cat diffusers?
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post #4 of 6
6/15/10 at 5:04am
Shandel,

All of our previous cats went through being the resident, and the newcomer. Of our present three, one (the last one) hasn't been a resident. My opinion is that its difficult to predict what the behaviors will be. It might be best, and it's been my experience to socialize them right off the bat.

It will be obvious what may transpire. I wouldn't recommend putting them together and then walk out the door and go to work. You may not have much of a home left when you get back, or, you may have a hard time finding one or both of them.

Having the aggression and response under the door may prolong their becoming compatible, and could make it worse. Cats have a way of establishing a pecking order. You've got to remember that Misty has had the house to herself, and it may take time for her to accept Jessie.

Kittens do have the ability to be a cutsie fun loving play experience, that an older cat may take to. I would let them get to know each other on their own terms, but with supervision.





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post #5 of 6
6/15/10 at 6:12am
Use Feliway plug in diffusers. Smell is everything to a cat.

Exchange smells by rubbing a towel on one cat then they other. Put one of these towels under Misty's food dishes so she associated the smell of the kitten with good things.

Two weeks of separation as was mentioned, changing out the room. Kitten in room one day, Misty in room the next, whcih also helps blend smells.

Then supervised integration separating when no one is there to watch them. Expect some dust ups, cats do have to work things out for themselves. Keep nails trimmed!

Make sure you have enough litter boxes (three) and elevated space for each cat in whatever room you spend the most time in (cats like to be up high to observe their worlds)

Have lots of patience. It can take many months for cats to adapt to each other, especially for a cat with Misty's history, but don't give up hope!

Hurray for you for adopting from a shelter!

It's off topic but: To hear some tell it, there are no kittens in the UK, and if there are, it's impossible to adopt from the shelter because of the requirements, so moggies must be deliberately bred. grr.
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post #6 of 6
6/15/10 at 4:20pm
Thread Starter 
Thank you all for the advice.

Otto, I think your method seems to be the most widely accepted from the reading I have done.

This morning Misty saw Jessie as I carried her between rooms and there was no response so perhaps she might be calming a little.

I have ordered the Feliway and it is on its way!
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