Sudden Aggressive/Frightened behavior

Hey all, I'm new here and unfortunately my first post is about an issue im having at home.

For context: I just moved and I have a fairly cat friendly place with tunnels and hides for my 4 year old cat Francouer.

Recently a friend posted about a family friend needing to give up their 13 year old kitty. I thought maybe it would be a good addition since previously Franc has lived with cats and gets along with everything and everyone.

I met this 13 year old cat and she was very sweet and seemed gentle so I brought her home. Francouer gave her space but she didn't seem bothered by him. Then suddenly after I got home from errands she was very aggressive toward me and my friend.

I got her a place to hide and have sprayed some areas where she frequents with cat calm, I know that's not a miracle spray but I figured it could help. Then I just left her alone as has Francouer.

I know she's certaintly very nervous and frightened in a new place with new people and new things but I want to know what are other ways I can calm her down and make her feel safe.

This isn't a chronic thing because before we left her old home she was letting me pet her and even pick her up. She has also has to move twice before this into homes so that certainly does not help.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to TCS!

What you're describing is common when there is a newcomer cat. Have you done any kind of introductions? Introductions are important for every time a new cat is introduced into the household. Even if the resident cat has been with other cats, it's always a good idea to treat them as complete strangers and introduce them slowly.

HEre are some ideas:

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

Thanks. She seemed so docile I hadn't thought about that.

After a bit of a struggle I have her in the bathroom which is an area Franc didn't go. She has her blanket, litter, water, food mix of her old food and the new food a comfy hiding place and a toy. Sprayed the toy with some catnip and used the calming spray in the bathroom.

I really hope this helps her because when I met her she was super sweet. She must be so shocked right now.

That's a great start. Just be sure to be patient and calm -- cats are notoriously good at picking up vibes from you. If you're stressed, so will they be. Go slowly with the introductions, starting with scent swaps as described in the article. They should not be seeing each other for at least a few days, up to a few weeks depending on each cat's temperament.

Do post here often and keep us updated on how it's going!

Of course. I'm so glad this forum exists. I've owned cats my whole life and even worked at shelters but I've never seen such an extreme behavior change.

I appreciate the advice!

I have her in the only bathroom in the condo so hoping people coming in and out of there for brief periods isn't going to be too troubling.

Hoping in a few days she'll feel ok with the situation. I'm going to leave her alone today except for when I absolutely must go into the bathroom.