Moving Jet into the house -- advice

Hi All

I believe it's time for JetBlack to move into our main house.  He's been exceptionally agreeable and friendly to meeting new people up in his "kitty condo" -- he climbs into laps, rolls onto his back and likes tummy rubs.  He has face rubbed me, licked my hand and my daughter's hand and really seems to be ready for more interaction and experiences.  Plus, I believe he is getting a bit bored up alone in his condo -- he is so vocal when we visit with him -- it's like he starts having these long conversations with us -- if anyone gets that.  It would be easier for everyone (I think) if he could move into our main home and have more time with humans and human sounds.

I have several Feliway diffusers -- one for Jet's room -- which is my daughter's bedroom on the main floor of our house -- we thought it might be best for him to be on the main floor in her room because she would like to be with him.  Our bedroom is across the hall from our daughter's room and all our cats sleep in there with me and my husband.

However we do have two bedrooms in our lower level that are vacant...

We have four older cats: one male who tends to spray when other cats come into his territory (front yard), so that is a concern in terms of house destruction for us, lol.  Also, I think the lower level tends to smell more like cats in general because we keep a few litter pans in the laundry room down there, but who knows - a cat's sense of smell is so much more sensitive than ours.

I also have enough litter boxes for him to have one in his room, his own food, water, window perch, etc...

Anyway, any advice would be great.  It's been about 9 years since I took in a new cat family member into our household, so I"m not sure how things will go -- well, I can anticipate, but who knows, really.  Seems like my cats were a lot more open to other cats when they were younger.  Even my old girl, Peaches has chased other cats out of our yard -- she's 16 now.

I do know that I will take everything slowly and am in no rush to stress anyone out ---especially Jet.  I believe he needs to get into our main home because even if it doesn't work out for us to keep him, he won't be truly socialized to a household setting without being in the house.

Thanks for any feedback!
Betsy and JetBlack

The best advice I can give is to take intros very slowly.  If you just throw Jet into the mix, there is bound to be trouble.  I will post a few articles as well as a video to help you out.  Slow and steady wins the race!! 

Also is Jet neutered?  This will also be important in his introduction phase.

Feliways are helpful as is Composure calming treats or liquid.

Will you keep him confined in one room for awhile?  This is best.  It lets him get used to the house and it will also help to keep the peace with the other cats.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats

Yes, Jet was neutered two weeks ago.  I plan on using our daughters room for as long as it takes for him to settle in and definitely NOT throw him into the mix -- I know that would be trouble.

thank you for the links!

momskitten said:

 
Yes, Jet was neutered two weeks ago.  I plan on using our daughters room for as long as it takes for him to settle in and definitely NOT throw him into the mix -- I know that would be trouble.

thank you for the links!

Click to expand...

A trick I learned was that when are ready for sight visits, you can use two baby gates stacked on top of each other.  I decided to use a screen door.  I bought a $20 wooden one from Lowes and let it rest up against the door.  I semi secured it with tension rods.  It allowed the cats to see and smell each other.  I only did the visits supervised as the screen could easily rip.  I put a baby gate in the door way for a bit of extra protection.  I used this screen for months. 

I have also seen people purchase a trip fold decorative screen.  They are about 4-5 feet tall and can easily be moved and folded up when not in use. 

Good luck and take it slow and steady. 

Thank you for rescuing Jet, neutering him and making him a part of your family.