Update and Suggestions

This is an update on my attempting to socialize a feral or stray cat that is roughly 13-15 months old - THEO a male.  I have made great progress with Theo.  I can now pick him up easily, he is happy to lie beside me, even on me if I am reclining on a couch.. He seems so much calmer and purrs easily.  Before this one could hardly approach him. It is now two weeks since he returned from the vet neutered , given shots etc.,  Theo lives in our guest room and I try to make frequent visits during the day and while Theo does not seem like he wants to play he is very happy to be stroked and picked up . I am the party that usually ends those love-in sessions as he seems more than willing to have them go on endlessly. I even get the odd 'love bite' but he is very gentle with me.

I feel badly about keeping him locked in the guest room even though it is a very comfortable room with plenty of light during the day time.  My problem is I have two other cats : a male Maine Coon -Bigboy and a small female -Jaylo.  My past experience with Theo when he was merely a visitor to our deck had him relatively calm in  Bigboys presence and they would often sit near each other on our deck.  However the little female Jalo would often launch into an aggressive output of sound and even lash out when she say Theo on the other side of the deck's glass door. Her actions reduced over time but she still had moments of aggression or discomfort upon seeing Theo.

Is it too soon to introduce Theo to our two cats?  Should I continue first to further 'socialize' Theo to the point where he begins to come to me for affection. I usually approach him and he is always amenable to my petting him and picking him up etc.,     My major concern is with Jaylo.  I thought I might be able to find some type of baby barrier I could use that would allow Theo to have visual contact with the two cats but not necessarily to allow all three of them in the same room. Jaylo and Bigboy are mature older cats , certainly 12 years old or more.

 Am I rushing things?  I am reacting as I said to wanting to improve Theo's environment by getting him outside of the guest room. I live in a large home.  My two older cats are free to go outside as I have an ideal location-- a safe environment here and have never had a problem letting them out.  They never seem to go out for long. Obviously I would take great pains NOT to let Theo out of the house at this time.  Who knows if Theo would ever return though he was a constant visitor for feeding before we caught him and took him to the vet.

Suggestions?

Thanks

Michael

Michael,

Well done!! This is awesome to hear. You have really gotten Theo to a great place and so quickly. Awesome. Glad to hear you will keep him inside as well.

I think it is too soon to introduce Theo to the others especially Jaylo. Introducing cats takes some time (I am doing it right now).

Here is what I would suggest.

First, try to feed Jaylo near the door where Theo is staying right now. Keep the food (even if it is just treats, or some chicken or some wet food) a little way away from the door and move it closer every day. I realize Jaylo does not eat here usually so she is going to be wondering why there. Do this with Bigboy as well. But you want to associate Theo with good things (like food). Also, try to get Theo's scent on something and have it by Jaylo when you are feeding her. You want her to associate his smell with good things. 

I think then you would want to feed Jaylo and Bigboy (doesn't have to be at the same time) with Theo eating on the other side of the door. Take you time on this. Eventually if you can have some sight between them when they are eating this would be helpful. Then you might want to place Theo in a different room and have Jaylo come into the room where Theo has been. Give her treats, pet her, play with her in there. You want her to smell Theo but also to build confidence, not to be afraid.

Just take it slowly, it is a process. Theo will have to know his place and how he responds will help in the situation. If he defers and respects her that will be helpful. If she feels like he is not a threat and she is getting treated well then it should progress well. But it takes time. Given the history you mention with Bigboy and Theo I am making the assumption that he should be easier to accept Theo.

Also, make sure you build Theo's confidence (which you are doing now) with love, food, play. Watch his body language, his tail (straight up).

There will be hissing and watch the responses when they see each other but are still kept apart by a partition.

When they do meet in the same room down the road make sure there are multiple exit paths. That Theo will not feel cornered or threatened. Both horizontally and vertically. Making sure they all have confidence will be key.

It is hard especially when there are existing settled in cats but if done correctly and slowly they can live harmoniously together. Continue socializing Theo but I think Jaylo is going to be where a lot of the attention will need to be.

Good luck, keep up the great work. I hoep this advice helps and others will come in with more and better advice I am sure. Feel free to ask anything. Theo sounds like an awesome cat.  Well done and good luck.

Thanks for the quick reply. VERY helpful! Will proceed and follow the advice. Hopefully Theo will agree - ha!

Best

Michael

Michael,

You are welcome. My experience has been that the existing cats have the hardest adjustment as someone new is coming into their home. It is a bit harder for them to accept the change as they are being disrupted. Then it depends on how the new one sees the hierarchy. Some realize where they are in the order and when they realize they are subordinate and need to conform to the existing cats norm then it goes easier. Theo sounds like a good cat so hoping Theo is like that.  Good luck and keep us up on how things are going. 

 Glad to read that Theo is doing so well.  My suggestion is that, assuming that that BigBoy and Jaylo follow you to Theo's room, is to sit on the floor inside Theo's room and "tease" the other 2 with a large feather underneath the door. Hopefully, they will swipe at the feather and stick their toes through to the other side so that Theo can get a good sniff of their paws and they can hear/smell him. After you are sure that Theo isn't going to do any "smack talk", you can reverse your position and sit outside Theo's room, with BigBoy and Jaylo at your side. Try to get Theo to paw at the feather and stick HIS toes where BigBoy and Jaylo can sniff/play with Theo's feet. The other 2 may growl and/or hiss for a bit, but they should become more accepting with time. Then you can open the door a crack, let them get a quick glance at each other then shut the door - just to pique their interest and curiosity but without enough time to really object. sometimes cats really do prove true the old adage, "familiarity breeds contemp"

Kudos for all your wonderful successes so far