Introducing myself and my fur kids.

Hello.

I am a proud kitty mama to three cats. Oliver (long haired orange tabby), Austin (short haired brown tabby) and Bella (Siamese)

I love kitties and volunteer with different rescues in my area.

I joined today seeking some advice on how to reintroduce my two boys (see profile for picture) They love each other but recently got into a fight due to what I believe was redirected aggression. Since then they have been separated and I am letting one out at a time to have free roam with my third cat Bella. Right now they are sill very aware that the other boy is next door and focus on standing or sitting outside the door. Eventually hissing and spitting starts and I break it up.

I know I should ignore it or just try to distract one with a toy or food. It just seems like they won't stop sitting by the door of the "newcomer".

Until then I am trying sock exchange and rubbing each with the same brush. That doesn't stress them and they have no reaction but going into the other ones sanctuary room does cause hissing and growling. I've backed off on room exchanges.

Has anyone experienced this? How long did it take before the cats were able to get along again?

Any positive stories or suggestions will help my stress

Thank you so much and happy holidays to all.

Welcome to TCS! It's wonderful to hear about people who do rescue.Here's where to ask about behavior questions:http://www.thecatsite.com/f/5/behaviorYou'll get lots of great advice over there!

Hi, welcome to TCS!  It's nice to meet you.  We have also experienced redirected aggression in my household.  I thought my boy, Speck, a sweet and loving soul, would be thrilled to have another cat in the house.  I thought Daisy, who had a rough life prior to becoming our resident princess, would have a real problem with introduction to a new cat.  I had it backwards, though.  Our neighbors' poor cat sought a better life for herself and came to our house.  We wanted to let her come in, and the first time Speck went ballistic.  He attacked DH, though he remained docile and calm with me.  I had never seen him behave like that.  Daisy just sat back and watched the drama with wide eyes.  Fortunately, Speck has grown to love Blackberry, the former neighbors' cat. (The neighbors also left their other cat to fend for herself when they moved away. We adopted her, too.  My cats are so scared of her that we don't have any conflict.  A life of probable abuse and neglect made her so mean that they give her a wide berth.)  

My cat saving sil has also had problems with her two boys.  They normally get along, but they start fighting each other if they catch a glimpse out the window at the feral she feeds.  

Good luck with your situation.  I feel certain that, in time, it will work out and you will have peace again.  I didn't mean to be so long-winded, but I wanted you to know that this is a very common problem and there is hope.  

 

Thank you very much for the encouragement. That's what I need to hear now. I just started rotating the boys out one at a time for free roam time. I keep telling myself that everything will be Ok. So far I am encouraged that Austin is acting fine in the main house but I have a baby gate up so he can't get too close to Oliver's door. I am taking it SLOW!!!