Help introducing a new cat to a resident cat

robert kitchell

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We've had our resident cat for right about 1 yr (His name is Midnight). When we first got him he was a very shy, skiddish little man and he was 1 yr old. Now, he's a very social, extremely loving cat and affectionate cat. My girlfriend and i decided to adopt a second cat yesterday, because our local shelter was doing free cat adoptions. We found a 3yr old orange/blonde shorthair named Peaches (female). She was incredibly loving and sweet, the shelter claimed she was very friendly with cats, dogs, and children. We figured she would be perfect.

When we first introduced them...we didn't introduct via smell first. This was likely a mistake. We introduced them face to face, and everything actually went well. They would mostly avoid one-another throughout the day, if our resident cat got too close to the newly adopted cat though, she would start to meow and growl very quietly, but would never act out violently. Then, last night, Midnight (our resident cat), got a little too close to her i suppose. She swiped at him once and chased him off. So we separated them for a few hours. Now since then, every time we've tried to re-introduce them to each other the new cat (peaches) will actually pursue midnight and try to start a fight. Usually ends up in hissing and pawing at one another.

Both of these cats are extremely sweet to humans, even those they haven't met before. But they're now being aggressive with one another (Well, peaches is kind of tormenting Midnight, he's just minding his own business). This is day 2 of having both of them..i would love for my cats to get along. 

Help, please.
 

calicosrspecial

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I would go through the formal introduction process.

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/how-to-successfully-introduce-cats-the-ultimate-guide

So what we really want to do is slowly get each cat to get to know the other one and know that they will not be hurt from the other one.

So we want to keep them separated to begin with. Start feeding the cats on each side of the door, move it a little closer every day. We want to associate the other cat with something good (like food). Then we want to do some scent swapping (have the scent of the other cat on an old shirt). Have that shirt around when the cat is playing, eating, sitting in a cat tree, sleeping, etc. Then do some site swapping and try to play and feed each cat in the others place. Then start doing slow sight experiences. And then when you feel it is time to get them together and if one starts focusing on the other distract with play. What I wrote may differ from the link I enclosed. The link is excellent.

Peaches is in a new place and needs to adjust and feel safe and secure. Start playing with her and after play give her food (or treats). Give her places to go high (cat trees) and then give her a lot of love and get her to feel comfy in her new home.

We'll help throughout your process. Thanks for adopting another cat and saving her life and giving her a good home. An orange female is a very special cat.
 
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robert kitchell

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Thank you for your help. I've listened to both Jaxon Galaxy's method and read quite a few others now (including the one you linked). I will do my best to follow them now. 

If you have any person suggestions, let me know. I'll keep this updated.
 

calicosrspecial

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You are welcome.

The more comfortable Peaches is the easier the integration. But don't forget about Midnight. They both need to have a lot of confidence. They need to feel like the other is a positive.

There will be good days and some setback days so just keep up the program.

I will also add, I truly believe cats take on our energy. If you and your girlfriend stay calm and are confident they will feel that and take that on. It is hard sometimes but I truly believe it is very important.

I deal with a lot of ferals, some pretty scary. If I act like it isn't a big deal and project strength and confidence they tend to calm down and not be as much on edge.  I really believe in that.

Feel free to ask anything anytime during this process. We'll be here for you.  I am confident you will do a great job.
 

jkuras

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HI:  I am reading these articles since I plan to adopt another cat.

I adopted a rescue cat 5 months ago, part Siamese named Sushi.  He was thin and very gentle.  Did not play or meow too much.  Now, he has filled out, robust, energetic, and extremely playful.  He is very loving but is needing to play all through the day  - He whines when I stop playing with him . He will not play with toys just me.  Then, he stalks me and hides - when I look for him he comes crashing out and jumps up and bites me.  He also grabs my leg and nips.  They are play bites, but he is so desperate to play so I know he needs a companion as I cannot satisfy his play drive anymore.

I am a bit nervous since I work, and the only room I can put a new cat in is my storage room.  It is airy and has a nice window.  I could put a cat stand there with another litter box and food, but it is not a large room and I know the cat will meow when I leave for work.  I feel torn.  I also need a cat that is loving and friendly, not a kitten.  Sushi is 1 years old.  He was found on the street with old scars.  I have no idea if he ever had a loving home since he did not even know how to play until 2 months after I had  him.

Also, Sushi has underdeveloped kidneys so he gets wet food and dry Renal - per the kidney specialist's recommendations.  I am trying to help him  not have kidney failure which I was told was not avoidable in the near future.  

Should I look at males or females?  How old would be good?  I am 66 years old and that is why I prefer an older cat, as well as not wanting my house to be destroyed by a playful kitten.

Any Advice?

Joyce
 
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calicosrspecial

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Joyce,

It is very hard to know what may work. It sounds like he has a lot of confidence now and you have done a great job with him. Thank you so much for saving him.

Sushi is neutered, correct? Both he and the new cat should be neutered or spayed.

I would ask my vet if it would be ok to bring in another cat given his renal condition.

Also, since he needs special food it may be complicated to make sure the other cat does not eat the food intended for Sushi.

Finally, cats can take a loss of their cat friends pretty hard. If Sushi has risk of passing away early it could be hard on another cat.

Also, I would really like to transition him to playing with toys rather than your legs etc. I assume the bites are love bites but I don't want you to be hurt from a cat bite (and get infected).  I would really try to get him interested in something like "Da Bird".  Especially when he stalks you then hides and is ready to pounce to try to get him to pounce on "Da Bird" or the toy might get him to do that rather than use you as a toy.

I am not familiar with cats with renal disease so please ask your vet if it is ok to feed Sushi after play. Feeding after play is very good.

It is hard to know what cat you should get. I have males and females and they all get along because I go through the process. On the age question I am wondering. Bringing in a older cat may not be playful enough, a young cat would be very playful. A middle age cat might play a fair amount but might be more set in their ways. But I don't really know. I have cats about the same age except for an older cat.

You may want to start a new post and get other views as to what age a cat might be best.

Thank you so much for caring so much and helping Sushi and wanting to save another life.  
 
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