Kitten scared of big rescue cat

awill0003

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So one of my grooming clients dropped this huge cat on my lap that I just couldn't refuse to give refuge to. He was matted from head to toe upon arrival and is possibly the most tolerant cat I have ever met. Let me shave him down and bathe him without a single issue. He is a huge cat over 20 pounds and still on the skinny side. The problem lies in my bobcat mix who is only 5 months old and terrified of him. She has been the only cat since 5 weeks old ( guy lied about her age because he had no choice but to find them homes because of his situation) she hisses and growls and freaks when she sees this big gentle giant and he does not react thank god. He ignores her... I think he knows he is so big because he isn't even threatened by our bulldog who follows him around lol.... How do I help kit understand this big guy won't hurt her? Or is it just going to take time? Bellow you can see them both... I started shaving him down due to the severity of matting his skin would soon start to rot... He had ALOT of dander too
 

cinqchats

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That's a good sign that he is so unconcerned and non-confrontational. You don't mention how long they've been together but I'm betting your little kitty will come around. It usually takes awhile- the fastest intro I ever had took about 2 weeks, and that was one little male cat who just didn't care to a female boss cat. Try feeding them in the same room but start several feet apart, and maybe get a Feliway diffuser. Group play time can also help, depends on what motivates your cats.
 
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awill0003

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He was just dumped on me last night... I thought my husband would be mad lol he wasn't when he seen how tolerant he is of everything. She won't attack him, but if he gets near her she hisses and spits and backs up. And he also walks away or just lays down and looks away from her. ( I think he knows he could hurt her lol) she has claw caps on because she is part bobcat and I refuse to de claw her( everything is a scratching post for her) he is rather lazy and doesn't play much but she will play when he isn't around.... My grandfather told me she will realize he is no threat and calm down
 

betsygee

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That's a very short amount of time for them to get used to each other.  It's a good sign that he's so tolerant and not reacting.  We had a similar situation--introduced a new kitty to two established ones.  The new guy did the same as yours--didn't react at all to my female's hissing.  After awhile she realized he wasn't going to do anything so she just quit.  They are not best friends, even after five years, but they get along fine.

There are plenty of introduction techniques you can try if they don't seem to be working it out:  http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-successfully-introduce-cats-the-ultimate-guide

So good of you to take him in, poor guy.  
 
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awill0003

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I think she will eventually be ok with him once she figured out he won't hurt her... Since he is so calm natured and ignoring her I am just letting them both roam, she can still keep her distance and watch him but neither will be crated up or feel like they are less loved... I know his skin if going to take months to heal from the obvious neglect he has been threw. I'm so glad he is so sweet. Our dog will mess with him and he just ignores her too. I couldn't believe someone would be so cruel to a cat so loving.
 
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awill0003

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To be honest I would freak too lol he is way more than 4 times her size lol
 

betsygee

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That's a big boy!  Our 3rd cat Ozzy that I was telling you about is also big--but he's tall and long, not heavy.  

Sweet boy--I hope it all works out.  Keep us posted!
 
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awill0003

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He is a sweet baby.... He is still non reactive to her growling and hissing... They are eating near each other , she is still growling but he is still ignoring it lol I can't say I blame her he is huge lol
 
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awill0003

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Well this big boy is still in his hiding stage... He knows how to open cabinets so he hides in my bathroom cabinets most of the time but kits reaction to him is becoming less and less fearful. Last night I tried some mutual play techniques and he tried to play... ( didn't seem like he knew what to do with the toy ) after he watched kit for a while he batted at the toy once or twice... Then watched her some more... He has started coming out of his cabinet more too.. And kit isn't growling and hissing from across the room... He has to actually get close to her for her to start up now. Some times she looks like she wants to play but isn't quite sure of if she should... She was about 4 feet from him rolling around and checking him out ( showing off kind of look)
 
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awill0003

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Definetly... I knew she would be a little distrusting due to her natural behavior... I just never expected her to boss him around lol she did get mad at home when I went to take a bath and he got on the side of the tub ( her spot since she was 5 weeks).... Poor girl... She still sleeps
Next to my head and he won't dare get into my bed yet lol
 
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awill0003

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Lol yea he is a big guy... Just as sweet as he is big
 
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