Introduction feels really overwhelming! Help!

Hi all,

I'm looking for some words of encouragement regarding cat introductions because as of right now, I feel hopeless and like I've made a really big mistake.

Long story short, I started feeding a pregnant stray on my patio. I already have a 7 year old indoor cat.I decided to spay, immunize,test and de-worm the stray. With the investment I decided why not try seeing if I can keep the cat.

It's day 2 of introductions and it feels so darn overwhelming, hard and I fear it could be hopeless.

I live in a loft, so I have my cat upstairs, she cries and wonders why she no longer has the run of her home.

I have the stray downstairs whose eyes bug out when she hears my cat cry.

And on the occasion the stray has seen my cat, her tale poofs and she gets a crazy look in her eye like she wants to jump the 2 sets of baby gates I have set up on the stairs and attack my little house cat.

As I said, I have 2 baby gates on my stairs so I'm worried the stray cat may get bold enough and jump them. (The gates are my only option as I live in a loft and the stairs are open and there are no doors on either end of the levels, so I just improvised the best I can.)

I know it's soon, but I feel so desperate and stressed. I would love to hear feedback from those who have had success introducing cats.

BTW: both cats are female, one aged 7, the other between 3-5 y.o.

First, thank you so much for rescuing this girl and taking care of all her vetting! She is very, very lucky to have found your porch!

It's very normal to be feeling overwhelmed. Introductions can be a very challenging process! It's not ideal that you can't physically separate them with a door, but, you have to work with what you have so here would be my tips. 

Start by draping a sheet/blanket over the baby gates. Direct eye contact = challenge in cat world and giving them that opportunity is just asking for trouble. If you can, I would actually go to the hard wear store and cut yourself a high piece of plywood to fit the space (of course, for you to get in and out you would need to cut a door with hinges on it but it's super easy and affordable.. I can send you pictures of mine if you are interested). You can also try getting some chicken wire and angling it (I think it's 37 degrees or something close to that). With the ways cats eyes work having the angled wire makes it look uncrossable and they won't. You could even try just putting this on top of the baby gates. 

Once you have found a way to secure them, start with food integration. You want each to associate the other with the awesomeness of eating. Put their bowls on opposite sides of the gate and feed them at the same time. If you want to start slower rub a towel on the head of each and place it next to the others food dishes. Then move up to site eating. 

Also you want to start engaging in site swapping. Each night you should rotate them. So, if your resident is in the bedroom today and tonight, tomorrow she gets the downstairs while the new girl gets the upstairs. This teaches to both of them that they both co-own the space and neither gets more than the other. 

After you have done this a few times start lifting the sheet during mealtimes (or opening the door a crack so they can see each other if they want to). This is a safe way to semi-see the other while still being distracted enough from attacking. 

Once you are having open viewing mealtimes it's time to start removing the barrier. Always talk about what you are doing as it can change the energy in the room and prepare them for what is happening. You don't want to just move the barrier and have one sneak up on the other! Make sure they both have a heads up. And, go slow- some hissing is normal but you do not want it to escalate past that. One great technique is to have a friend over and have them play with your resident at one end of the loft with a wand toy while you play with the new girl at the other. As they become more and more involved in the hunt start walking towards the middle. This again allows them to be near each other while still being distracted. After the session (and anytime they are near each other) reward both girls with lots of praise and treats!

I know it feels overwhelming but you can do it. It just takes a little time and effort. Above all, don't rush things and let them set the pace. I have faith you guys can do it!