socializing stray with another cat - Page 2

I am in the process of socializing a year old feral and introducing him to my indoor cat, Jake. Jake is almost 3 and used to being the only kitty and head of the household! We also have a large dog, Misty. Shadow (my feral) has been coming in the house off and on since January. He has stayed inside only one night, but often comes in for several hours each day. At first, I would put Jake and Misty away, but that soon became a hassle. Jake loves to go inside an old dog cage we have so that was my next step. They could sniff each and even get paws to each other. We also have a pet tent that we used to take Jake outside that works really well. It is about 6 feet long so Jake can move all around and feel safe. We have just started putting Jake on a harness and having true face to face meetings. There is no hissing or growling, but Jake does lunge and swat. What I have found to be really effective is a couple of products. We use the Feliway diffusers in a couple of rooms. I also have the spray. I also use a product called Feral Cat Rehabiltation and Safe Space for Dogs and Safe Space for Cats from Spirit Essences. They are similar to Rescue Remedy. http://www.spiritessence.com/?action...act=view&id=70

Lastly, I have been using Composure treats. I buy the large dog size and break the treat in half for Jake and Shadow and then Misty gets 2 whole treats. It is a dream. It takes about 15-45 minutes to work, but the calming effect on the animals is wonderful. I order mine from Amazon.

Good luck. I know it is frustrating at times.

It just takes a ton of PATIENCE!!! I know it is hard not to want them to become fast friends. Some come around very quickly and will adjust to the other pets quickly. But other's will take much longer for both sides to accept. Of course, there are times when certain personalities just won't mesh, no matter what. But you have to give it many months of them together before you can say for sure. Put Daisy back in her room and just try again over and over. Use play sessions and treats during their interaction periods. Then put Daisy away, and just keep doing that over and over. They will associate good and fun things when they are together then. Keep updating and letting us know, we care and want to help. for Daisy and Winston to become friends !!!!!!!

I echo the advice of Feralvr. It can take some serious time. I'm so sorry Daisy's been so aggressive. I'd try keeping her in her room, have a good long play session with her so she's somewhat tuckered out, THEN bring Winston in there, and have one of you play with Winston and one play with Daisy. Don't make the focus of the "meeting" be "meeting" each other or even interacting with each other.... but like Lauren says, just getting them to associate being near each other with "good" things. Have favorite treats for each at the ready, and just give it 10 - 15 minutes. And just praise the heck out of them for not doing anything but playing with you!

Positive reinforcement for "no negative" behavior, refocusing the attention to toys, getting them to associate "fun" and "treats" with being near each other.... and time.