introducing stray to inside only cats

In the behavior forum there are often threads about proper and scientific introduction.

 

How is Riley, I suppose he is male. Is he a tom? Is he territorial tom or is he a cat friendly, rather docile tom?   (observe, not so few territorial toms may be friendly to humans, but ferocious to everything they think is rivals).

 

If neutered, how long ago?

 

 Ex homeless are often more used in interaction between cats then home raised cats.

Thus, they often have much easier to adopt to the residents then a home raised, bough cat.

A typical reaction is they are submissive to the residents, eager to please themselves in.

 

The big exception is territorial, non shy toms...  They can often beat up the residents.

So that is why it is imperative to neuter them several weeks before you even think on letting them meet the residents.

 

Shy, not aggressive toms are much easier.   :)

 

So that is why Im asking.

 

If your answers show he is neutered long ago, or a very cat friendly, non territorial tom - you can start rather sharply. No big need of waiting much longer, now when the quarantine period is over.

 

Make sure they all have nails cut. Make sure there are places to take shelter in the meeting room.

Let him (and the residents of course) make himself comfortable with the meeting room. One hour does suffice.

And let them meet.

You can preferably begin with the friendliest of the residents.

 

This should work good enough. But if you want to be thrice safe, take it more slowly and more scientific of course.

Vanilla on the base of tails, swapping smells, etc...

 

Good luck!

 

 

If Riley is happy outdoors, but also likes sleeping in your basement, why not accept that happy arrangement? Our 3 males are very happy outside and have shown no inclination to come inside. They have warm cozy beds in a crawl space under the sun room for the winter and seem very content. One of my female cats stays mostly outside, but sleeps in the basement. She will not venture into any other room. Our 5th cat is indoor and outdoor, but mostly spends her time indoors.

 

Every cat is different and if Riley is content with what you have provided so far, I would leave it at that. My cat that is indoor and outdoor would never allow another cat in the house with her so I would not traumatize her by trying to introduce another animal into her domain.

 

I should mention that 4 of our 5 cats were strays and the 5th cat was born in our backyard.

Happy to read your update . I am sure Riley is happy you are caring for him He really seems happy to have things just the way they are for now. I hope that in time he will be more inclined to just stay in the basement - especially with the cold weather coming. He might then be asking you to close that door I think you have a great, relaxed attitude about Riley coming in and out on his own. Doing it this way is really the best first step to eventually keeping him totally indoors - if he chooses He will let you know - Smart boy that one

No I dont think so.  Especielly as Riley isnt openly sick? He is healthy as far as you can see?

 

Sure, theoretically it is possible for them to catch. As there are changes in the house, including a little different bacteriae flora. And more stress.

 

But for it they should be very sensitive, with a bad immune defence.

 

Normal, healthy cats simply arent that sensitive for normal changes.

 

Ask your vet when you are there!    :)

 

 

Good luck!  *vibes*

For Max and his vet visit.

It is possible that they are getting something from Riley, especially if you think Riley has had the sniffles. I would try to keep them separated until you can get Riley checked out again at the vet. He probably was so stressed about his neuter and trip to the vet that it brought on a cold. My Perkin's get stress URI from vet visit's. You can start Riley on L-Lysine. http://www.netrition.com/now_lysine_page.html. It is very cheap and will help when the kitties start to sneeze or are stressed. You can even give it everyday. 1/4 tsp. 500 mg. twice daily to start then go to maintenance 1/8 tsp. 250 mg. once daily. It has no bitter taste and mixes easily into wet food.

Also - has Riley been checked for worms and had a clear stool sample ? I would then also keep your other cat's out of his cat pan until such time as a negative fecal. Much luck at the vet and hope all of your babies get well very soon

I think that you are doing the right thing. My feral is still happy to be outside but I worry that it is getting cold out. My husband does not want him in the house. He thinks that my inside cat will be upset. So I sit out side with my feral until he goes in his heated house at night. .