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introducing a third cat - any risks to disturbing relationships between existing cats?

post #1 of 5
1/18/12 at 2:55am
Thread Starter 

Right now I have two cats (both females and about the same age 3) that have been together for the past 10 months or so. It took a good two months of care and constant monitoring to integrate these two and now they are very good with each other. I'm planning on having a third cat (also female and age 3) and while I know the ins-outs of introducing two cats - this time, I will be introducing a new cat to two resident cats. One of my concern is whether the wonderful relationship that currently exists between my two resident cats, could be disturbed by the introduction of a new cat? I know the relationships between new cats are generally hard to predict and one needs to be very careful during the intro process -  just wondering if there are possible concerns about disturbing relationships between existing cats that are currently getting along fine. All will be females and about the same age. The new one appears to be relatively shy and timid and is smaller than the resident alpha female who is very motherly to my other cat right now. I plan to pick the new one up in about a week or two. These cats will still have plenty of room to be by themselves if need be.

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post #2 of 5
1/18/12 at 5:59am

In the beginning there will be changes in the relationship between the 2 resident cats.  But in time and with proper introductions, things will turn out well between the 3. 

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post #3 of 5
1/19/12 at 1:00am

Not an expert on this, but in the beginning it might be tense. Take things slowly, get the other 2 used to the new one's smell. Make sure to supervise them so they don't try to dominate the new female or vice versa. My cats are going through some drama, so that's the best advice I can give.

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post #4 of 5
1/22/12 at 10:10pm

I don't think the relationship between your original two would change. However, they may or may not accept the new member at the same pace.

I'm sure if you take it slow...things will work out. Good luck!

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post #5 of 5
1/23/12 at 6:17am

Just as a heads-up, I heard someone say that every additional cat you introduce approximately doubles the chance of litterbox problems.  One way to reduce that chance is to be sure you add another litter box and put it where the new cat has exclusive access to it for a couple of weeks. 

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