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Old Kitty Socialization...

post #1 of 3
10/16/10 at 4:23am
Thread Starter 
Hi all!

I'm new here, with a problem! I have a 14-year-old, spayed female tortoiseshell kitty. She was a rescue (as all my cats have ever been), and badddly socialized. We overprotected her, because we found her in pretty bad shape. So she is a spoiled princess! She is an only cat because she cannot tolerate other felines. She used to live in a multicat household, but terrorized the other 'oldies' so bad, she had to be moved (she lived with my parents, now she lives with me).

Now I have an opportunity to adopt another feline, and I'm in love. He's a 2-year-old spayed tom called "Gorbacsov", and he is recovering from a badly broken jaw. According to the shelter's description, he's a very laid back, friendly guy. My only problem is that I do not want to overstress my old lady here. Is there any way I could try to socialize them together - with her history, is it worth trying, even if he is so relaxed?

I'd appreciate any feedback, personal stories of success or failure - anything to aid me in my decision!

Here is a link to pics of my potential lovie:
http://www.noeallatotthon.hu/gallery...CAK/GORBACSOV/
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post #2 of 3
10/16/10 at 7:16am
Gorbacsov looks like a nice fellow, IMHO, rescues, like him often make very good companions.

I cannot offer a lot, but did go through essentially the reverse experience; I brought my "set in her ways"rescue tortie, Kasey home when she was about 8 years old.

Her story is in My Cats at the top of my post.

The old "warrior queen" was not well cared for and used to fighting for her life with wild critters and dogs. So settling in took a while, it helped she likes me and thinks I am mother-cat ; she took well to home life.

It took a while, 6+ months for her to truely settle down with the other animals and she still goes after them, once and a while although not too severly, now.

Mostly, everyone gets along well, now.

I think it would take performing the introduction routines others describe on the forum, and some time and patience.
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post #3 of 3
10/16/10 at 7:18am
Personally, I wouldn't do it. Knowingly putting your older cat into a stressful situation where she's not going to do well is not a wise decision. You have to think about what's best for your cat. If she can't tolerate other felines, then she will deteriorate and do poorly with a new addition. There really is no question.
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