Help with adopted cat

I haven't been here in along time but I could use some advice on how to get two cats to accept each other.

I adopted two sisters about 4 years ago. We lost one of them about a year later so we've only had one cat for the last three years. Well there was a cat that lived on the back road who would visit us and sleep in our garage. This went on for about two years. We knew who her owners were but they really didn't want her. Finally she started coming in but for months she would sleep on the microwave at night and go out during the day. Now she has decided she likes it here and is trying to take over the house intimidating my cat. She has also started urinating in spots. She tries to take over. My cat hates her.

She is starved for affection wanting to be held and cuddled constantly which upsets my cat. My husband loves her to death but he is gone a lot so she looks to me to provide what she needs. It is so heartbreaking to think she was so neglected all these years. However, I love my cat and do not want to upset her. She is my buddy and my best friend.

Is there anything I can do to get these two to accept each other? Throwing the new cat out is not an option for me. I can't stand to see cats homeless. I feed many ferals as well and do what I can to help these animals. How can I stop the urinating and give them both what they need? It has been months since the new cat moved in and they aren't making much progress. Is there any hope that the two will get along?

Sorry this is so long. Any help is appreciated.

peanunt

It sounds like maybe you need to start over with a slow introduction, as if the cats had never met. There is a good article on introducing cats, and if you do a search you'll find quite a few threads addressing the same problem.

I know that some people plan on weeks or months to introduce a new cat. I can't really give you a lot of help there since my longest introduction took only three days.

I'm sure someone with more experience will be along soon to give you some tips.

Good luck, and thank you for taking in this kitty.

BTW, what are your cats' names?

Aw, how wonderful of you! This will work.... it seems a lot of people have more trouble with female-female introductions. Our Spook is one where things take quite a while. But with patience, you'll get there!

The introducing cats article is a great place to start. Giving her her own "safe" room during the reintroduction process is important. I'd give her two litter boxes as well, it will help with the litterbox "retraining" process. If you can afford Dr. Elsley's Cat Attract litter, I would use that for now.

In the meantime, make sure you've cleaned the spots she's peed with an ENZYME cleaner, preferably a high quality one like Urine-Off or Nok Out (we use Nok Out. It's only availalbe online: http://www.nokout.com).

A new member was asking about introductions, and I posted here: http://www.thecatsite.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=225758

If you don't already have Feliway, I'd get that going too.

Thank you. There name's are Peanut and we have renamed the new cat Sassy. Her original owner stated her name was Lindsey. That is very cute but if you knew this cat you'd know right away she isn't a Lindsey. She is a very large cat and very bossy.

It makes me very angry that someone could have a cat like this and treat her so poorly. They have another cat and now that one is at my house everyday. We are feeding it now and then but it mostly comes over to visit. Why do people get animals if they don't want their companionship?

I will read and as soon as I can will purchase the items suggested. I have to find a way for them to accept each other. It is so important for my first cat to still feel that she is number one. She is starting to feel pushed out and is reacting. The new cat hardly goes outside now. She loves laying by the fire at night and sets in the window during the day. It is very cold where we live and to think they just let her sleep whereever she could find a place breaks my heart.

Thank you everyone!
Peanut

You had got some excellent advices.
Myself I want to second extra about the Feliway diffuser. Good not least for Peanut. I presume you are cuddling a lot with Peanut, extra much.
Dont cuddle much with Sassy while Peanut can look on. Peanut must feel she is number one in yours and your hubs eyes.

One important question: is Sassy neutered? If not, do it. It will prob make the assimilisation process easier, and her less eager to want to be nr 1. (that said, I know neuters too can eagerly defend their territory, as she by know prob feels she is the boss cat).

Originally Posted by peanut07

I feed many ferals as well and do what I can to help these animals.

Click to expand...

Who are these, and how are you doing this?

Ie, feeding neuters is excellent, but feeding whole cats kind and nice, but not necessarily excellent... They tend to multiply... So feeding ferales should be combined with a plan: neutering and or adoption. Look up the acronym TNR...
Your are welcome to discuss these questions, but please start an own thread on this, here in this one forum for ferales, rescues and strays.


Good luck!

Yes, Sassy is neutered. She is probably 7 years old. She had been visiting us since she was a little kitten but would never come in our house. Well one day her previous owners decided to give her to their married daughter who lived in a town about 80 miles away. She stayed there about two months and according to them almost got killed. When they brought her back she came to our house and got serious about moving in. I think she was afraid they would take her away again.

She is quite happy here now and I'm sure she is urinating because she wants to be the main cat. She is very pushy and hates other cats. I had hoped they would be company for each other but she does not get along well with others.

I love Peanut so much and just can't stand the thought of her feeling pushed out. My big worry is when I'm away. My husband takes good care of them but if I'm not here Peanut really feels alone. I'm praying in time it will all work out ok.

Making a list of the items suggested on here. Will keep everyone updated on their progress. Hoping there will be some.

Thank you,
Peanut

A way is to double everything. Ie each have her own food and water place, her own litter (Sassy two), her own sleeping place. Her own hiding place.
Your routines so it not necessary for them to meet.
Two different territories in your flat, if you want.

Ie, making it possible for both of them to live in the house withouth needing to pretend there is another cat. A sort although no friendship but coexistence of sorts.

Hopefully you do manage with a fostering of them into pals with a slow reintroduction. But if not, they CAN coexist as long as they arent openly hostile. It is entirely possible and does happens.


Good luck!