my boyfriend and i recently moved in together. we somehow forgot that we each had our own cats that they would be making the move too. they obviously met each other the wrong way (sink or swim, not the slow, sniff each other through the door way) and now his cat constantly chases my cat, . his cat is older (2yrs) mine is only 6months. my cat does not want to play with his, we've been living together for 3 months and this hasnt gotten any better. i dont know what to do, i've told his cat no, i put them in a seperate rooms when they fight, and right after i feel they've had enough alone time and let them out , she goes right after my cat again. my cat now sits on the kitchen counter all day because she's scared of getting chased. i am at my wits end with his cat. and recently i've noticed she's(his cat) been vomitting. is she stressed? what can i do to make her stop chasing my cat? i talked to our vet and she said that some cats will just never get along. i cant spend the length of my cats live being stressed because his cat is stressing out my cat. please help.
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2 kitties, not happy
- Thread starter aleycat
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I would go back to square one and separate both of them for at least 2 weeks. I would do the towel rubbings on both of them to transfer scent, then place the towel under their food bowls. I would do the bedding swap, and if possible instead of putting a solid door between them, I would use a screen door or a baby gate put up vertically in the doorway.
Also investigate Little Big Cats website, they have several remedy mixes that would be useful to give both the cats.
Here is an article that might help you as well
http://www.thecatsite.com/cat_behavi...oducing%20Cats
Also investigate Little Big Cats website, they have several remedy mixes that would be useful to give both the cats.
Here is an article that might help you as well
http://www.thecatsite.com/cat_behavi...oducing%20Cats
First...I would take the cat that has been vomiting to the vet. Find out what is going on..is it stress, is it the food? Also....and I know this will sound a bit "odd" to ask....but how many litter boxes do you have?? It is a good idea to have at least 2 litterboxes for 2 cats (I actually have 3). Since both of them have been used to having their own space..it isn't unusual for them to try to establish their territory. Another thing you may want to do is rub a towel on one of them and then rub it on the other..that way they can smell themself on the other one.
Good Luck...I'm sure that other people will give advice.
Katie
Good Luck...I'm sure that other people will give advice.
Katie
Tips For Introducing A New Cat To Your Cat(s)
Keep Them Separated
When you bring your new cat home, have a special place set up
for them. A guest room or the bathroom is ideal. Put food, water and litter box in the room along with toys and a scratching post. Keep your new cat in this room, away from your other cat(s) for about a week. It is tempting to let them interact right away, but you will have much better luck if you wait.
Introduce The Smell First
To a cat, a sniff is worth a thousand words. To get your existing cat use to the smell of your new cat, rub a towel or washcloth gently over the new cat. Let your cat(s) smell the towel, but don't be surprise if your cats start to hiss. Hissing and growling are normal reactions so don't scold them when they hiss or growl. Do the same with our existing cat so the new cat can smell them too. Also, you can leave the carrier you brought the new cat home outside with the existing cat.
Encourage Interaction Through The Door
Place your new cat's food near the door of the room so he/she will stay near the door. Your cat will smell and hear the new cat through the door. Give your cat treats and/or catnip near the door of the new cat's room so that he associates it with good things.
Let Them Roam Alone
Lock up your cat in the bedroom, and let the new cat roam around the house. This lets them explore and exercise, and it also helps them find good hiding places for later. Then put your new cat back in its room and let your old cat walk around and smell them without having to see the new cat. This is another good way to get them use to each other's scent.
Open The Door A Crack
After a few days, carefully open the door a crack so the cats can see each other but can't stick their heads out. Be prepared for some hissing and growling, but if one tries to smack the other, close the door. Do often--a few times a day.
Let Them Out
Bringing a new cat into the house is not unlike introducing a baby to an older sibling. Jealousy and pouting are normal reactions. Even though you are excited about the new member of your family, do not forget the cat that has been your faithful companion until now. Do not yell, scold or punish them for hissing at the newcomer. They may not react like they way you want them to right away, but your cats will come around.
When the time comes to let the new cat out (do not rush--wait a week) and be sure to monitor closely, open the door to see what happens. Most likely your existing cat will hiss and growl, maybe even wail, confirming their worst fears. Unless open fighting breaks out, let them hiss as cats need to establish hierarchy and territorial rights. Even though the growling is upsetting and sounds bad, it's okay.
Reassure your cat verbally and pet him if you can (he may not let you because he's upset so don't take it personally). When is nice or at least non-threatening to the new cat, praise your cat lavishly and give give them treats.
Do Not Expect True Love
We all wish our cats would become best buddies and curl up together, lick each other, etc., but unfortunately this does not always happen. However, your cat and the new will at least form a truce. They may not want to hang out together, but they will eventually respect each other's space and stop hissing. Don't worry if your cats never become best friends because they will still keep each other company and they will both love you.
Living Happily Ever After
Spend time with your cats--brushing, petting and playing with them. Cats may seem aloof and independent, but they need attention from humans. Cats are curious and easily bored. Be sure to provide some sort of new entertainment for your cat everyday. You will be surprised how much fun an empty paper bag can create.
Remember your cat is your responsibility. Just like a child, a cat is innocent. They did not ask to be put in your home, you made that decision. Be sure to live up to your commitment by taking them to the vet for their shots and check-up. Provide them with food and water daily. Scoop their litter box daily and empty the whole thing weekly. Devote time out of your busy schedule to play with them. Never forget the number one ingredient for a happy cat is, LOVE!
http://www.pawschicago.org/PetCare/catintroductions.htm
Keep Them Separated
When you bring your new cat home, have a special place set up
for them. A guest room or the bathroom is ideal. Put food, water and litter box in the room along with toys and a scratching post. Keep your new cat in this room, away from your other cat(s) for about a week. It is tempting to let them interact right away, but you will have much better luck if you wait.
Introduce The Smell First
To a cat, a sniff is worth a thousand words. To get your existing cat use to the smell of your new cat, rub a towel or washcloth gently over the new cat. Let your cat(s) smell the towel, but don't be surprise if your cats start to hiss. Hissing and growling are normal reactions so don't scold them when they hiss or growl. Do the same with our existing cat so the new cat can smell them too. Also, you can leave the carrier you brought the new cat home outside with the existing cat.
Encourage Interaction Through The Door
Place your new cat's food near the door of the room so he/she will stay near the door. Your cat will smell and hear the new cat through the door. Give your cat treats and/or catnip near the door of the new cat's room so that he associates it with good things.
Let Them Roam Alone
Lock up your cat in the bedroom, and let the new cat roam around the house. This lets them explore and exercise, and it also helps them find good hiding places for later. Then put your new cat back in its room and let your old cat walk around and smell them without having to see the new cat. This is another good way to get them use to each other's scent.
Open The Door A Crack
After a few days, carefully open the door a crack so the cats can see each other but can't stick their heads out. Be prepared for some hissing and growling, but if one tries to smack the other, close the door. Do often--a few times a day.
Let Them Out
Bringing a new cat into the house is not unlike introducing a baby to an older sibling. Jealousy and pouting are normal reactions. Even though you are excited about the new member of your family, do not forget the cat that has been your faithful companion until now. Do not yell, scold or punish them for hissing at the newcomer. They may not react like they way you want them to right away, but your cats will come around.
When the time comes to let the new cat out (do not rush--wait a week) and be sure to monitor closely, open the door to see what happens. Most likely your existing cat will hiss and growl, maybe even wail, confirming their worst fears. Unless open fighting breaks out, let them hiss as cats need to establish hierarchy and territorial rights. Even though the growling is upsetting and sounds bad, it's okay.
Reassure your cat verbally and pet him if you can (he may not let you because he's upset so don't take it personally). When is nice or at least non-threatening to the new cat, praise your cat lavishly and give give them treats.
Do Not Expect True Love
We all wish our cats would become best buddies and curl up together, lick each other, etc., but unfortunately this does not always happen. However, your cat and the new will at least form a truce. They may not want to hang out together, but they will eventually respect each other's space and stop hissing. Don't worry if your cats never become best friends because they will still keep each other company and they will both love you.
Living Happily Ever After
Spend time with your cats--brushing, petting and playing with them. Cats may seem aloof and independent, but they need attention from humans. Cats are curious and easily bored. Be sure to provide some sort of new entertainment for your cat everyday. You will be surprised how much fun an empty paper bag can create.
Remember your cat is your responsibility. Just like a child, a cat is innocent. They did not ask to be put in your home, you made that decision. Be sure to live up to your commitment by taking them to the vet for their shots and check-up. Provide them with food and water daily. Scoop their litter box daily and empty the whole thing weekly. Devote time out of your busy schedule to play with them. Never forget the number one ingredient for a happy cat is, LOVE!
http://www.pawschicago.org/PetCare/catintroductions.htm
