Timid Cat and New Cat

Okay, I need some info from folks with experience in these matters! Franz 8 yrs old, is getting a new sister next week. A one year old, or a little less, much smaller, who lost her right eye due to infection. I've read all the proper info on introduction but have another question. Franz is a very loveable, yet timid guy, he's gotten better in some aspects, but regresses sometimes. Hiding, meowing in fear etc. It's better when I had him on Pet Calm (kava kava root extract) and Rescue Remedy but I was advised here to discontinue it, once he improved. I am going to restart him on these this weekend, as this last week he has been hiding again. He is fine physically, good appetite, VERY GOOD APPETITE, loves to be brushed, petted, etc. I also notice he does not play with his toys as much (if at all). I used to hear him all the time at 3am, not now, unless I'm sleeping thru it. Sometimes I think he's depressed.

The new kitten comes next week. The shelter/foster woman who I got Franz from (she had him almost a year). Told me he got along splendidly with all her other cats and dogs. The new cat is from her shelter as well. She describes her as slighty timid, not as bad as Franz.But then she's been thru a lot in her short life, eye surgery, being a stray, and just getting spayed a few days ago. My question is this: (about time!) Is is possible a new younger cat will cheer him up and make him less timid? Has anyone here had a similar experience/situation? I have feliway spray, and I don't see that working at all. Maybe I should have gotten the disfuser. If it does not help him it might help little Madeline (Maddy-Meow to her close friends! ) Please, all advice is welcome!

That is quite an age difference. I have read that it isn't recommended to get a "kitten" for an older cat:

Misconception #6:
My Older cat needs a kitten to liven him up!

In general, adopting a kitten (1½ years or younger) as a companion for an older cat ( 5 years and older) is not a good idea. A youngster has boundless energy, wants to play and run constantly, and requires very high amounts interaction--all of which are likely to overwhelm and irritate an older cat in short order. Likewise, a kitten is apt to be frustrated that its companion does not have the same energy level as itself. At the very least, this can lead to two very unhappy cats. Worse case scenario, behavior problems such as litter ox avoidance or destructive scratching can occur as one or both cats act out their frustrations on their surrounds. Long-term, it is almost certain that the two will never have a close, bonded relationship, even after the kitten matures, since their experience with one another from the beginning of the relationship are likely to be negative. An older cat is better matched with someone of their own age who has similar temperament. Likewise, kittens as a rule need other young cats to play with in order to be happy. If you insist on adding a kitten to a household that already has an older cat, at least get two--this way they will entertain one another and the older cat can participate or not depending on its mood.


I would take the introductions very slowly...does the shelter allow you a "trial" period to ensure the 2 get along??

Katie

Originally Posted by TNR1

That is quite an age difference. I have read that it isn't recommended to get a "kitten" for an older cat:

Misconception #6:
My Older cat needs a kitten to liven him up!

In general, adopting a kitten (1½ years or younger) as a companion for an older cat ( 5 years and older) is not a good idea. A youngster has boundless energy, wants to play and run constantly, and requires very high amounts interaction--all of which are likely to overwhelm and irritate an older cat in short order. Likewise, a kitten is apt to be frustrated that its companion does not have the same energy level as itself. At the very least, this can lead to two very unhappy cats. Worse case scenario, behavior problems such as litter ox avoidance or destructive scratching can occur as one or both cats act out their frustrations on their surrounds. Long-term, it is almost certain that the two will never have a close, bonded relationship, even after the kitten matures, since their experience with one another from the beginning of the relationship are likely to be negative. An older cat is better matched with someone of their own age who has similar temperament. Likewise, kittens as a rule need other young cats to play with in order to be happy. If you insist on adding a kitten to a household that already has an older cat, at least get two--this way they will entertain one another and the older cat can participate or not depending on its mood.


I would take the introductions very slowly...does the shelter allow you a "trial" period to ensure the 2 get along??

Katie

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Thanks TNR...I read about the age difference thing too. The foster/adoption woman told me that Franz has interacted with her kittens, very paternal, or should I save maternal, grooming etc.He even got along with the dogs. And yes there is a "return" policy. The odd thing is while Franz remains very loving and cuddly in the last couple of weeks, now that he is over a some of his fears, he does not play. When I got him his Olympic sized litterbox, he thought it was a toy as well. Running, in the litterbox at night (not to eliminate) scratch, scratch scratch...running, no barreling out to livingroom and repeat about 5 times. He really got a kick out of it. Now he barely touches his toys. New ones I bring home he is sometimes oddly frightened of...like bright colored, rubber-like mice of all things.

My only theory (JUST a theory) is that he is bored/depressed and he misses all the activity and his pals at the foster home. Yes, I will take the intro slow. I've purposely taken some time off to supervise. Some people take time off to go to the Bahamas, I'm staying in Brooklyn to cat-watch! HA!

Thanks again!!...
Anyone else with advice/theory? I would gladly appreciate more ideas!

Barbara I hope everything works out OK. Poor Franz to be feeling like that. You may be right about him missing his old friends. My old cat Hercules suffered from depression after our dog had to be helped over the bridge. They had been together many years. He just used to sit there hanging his head down. The vet put him on anti depressants. He started to pick up after about four days and within a few weeks he much, much better. Eventually he was his old self again.

Originally Posted by Cilla

Barbara I hope everything works out OK. Poor Franz to be feeling like that. You may be right about him missing his old friends. My old cat Hercules suffered from depression after our dog had to be helped over the bridge. They had been together many years. He just used to sit there hanging his head down. The vet put him on anti depressants. He started to pick up after about four days and within a few weeks he much, much better. Eventually he was his old self again.

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Thanks Cilla, Maybe Franz and I can share anti-depressants, My psychiatrist gives me lots of free samples! LOL---Just kidding!

Cilla, I've been meaning to tell you, my grandfather, now deceased, Patrick Kane was from Manchester. He came over here before WWll as a young man. He had about 10 siblings, who he "lost" after the war. He did not know what happened to them, dead, alive, whatever. He made many trips back to search for them over the years, to no avail.
So whenever I see your posts, I have a warm spot in my heart for you..like to think of you as a long lost cousin!

Originally Posted by Mom of Franz

Barbara I used to go to school with a boy called John Kane, he is the only person I have ever met with that surname, but I believe he is still about in Manchester. I wonder????? It is a small world and you never know. If ever you want me to do some secret searching I will just pm me and let me know more details e.g. names etc.

So whenever I see your posts, I have a warm spot in my heart for you..like to think of you as a long lost cousin!

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Aaawww Barbara that is beautiful thankyou, shall we be adopted cousins

Sorry Barbara I wasn't very clever with posting the quote was I

Originally Posted by Cilla

Sorry Barbara I wasn't very clever with posting the quote was I

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Hey don't talk about my cousin like that...all of us are clever!!! I will talk to my Dad about searching...at 80 he's the big cheese! Thank you Cilla..you are the best!