Our New Kitty is Home--but not quite ready to meet the other kitty...

Thanks everyone for the advice on caring for our new kitty, Emma, after her spaying surgery. She is home now, and after a day of rest, is quite perky and affectionate!

Her older "brother" Oliver, our 3 yr old resident kitty, has caught a few glimpses of her--we have glass french doors that separate the guest suite, where she's staying, from the rest of the house--and he seems interested--no hissing, growling or even flattened ears or puffy tail on his part. Just inquisitive meows and looks to me as if to say "Why can't I play with her? She's awfully pretty!"

Emma seems not quite as keen on him, and has been hissing at him a little and growling through the door if she sees him, and then turning her back and walking away as if to say "No thanks pal".

I'm having her sleep on a blanket which I will give to him tomorrow, so her scent is on it, and then he can have it for a few days---that trick.
I don't want to personally introduce them too quickly esp. since she just had surgery--but I am eager to see them interact--in a couple of days, a week or so.

What signs should I look for in the both of them that would indicate they are "ready" for a face-to-face, adult supervised playdate? Oliver seems like he's getting bummed that she keeps dissing him!

Glad to hear Emma's recuperating so well! It's a good sign that Oliver is interested in Emma - looks like at least half the battle might be won, LOL!!! I know you're eager to have them make contact, but I'd go slowly. You're right to want to give Emma time to fully recover from her surgery, and she also needs to just get used to her new surroundings. It's a lot for her to adjust to. I'd wait at least a couple of more weeks. You might try putting up a baby gate in about 7-10 days so that they can touch noses and bat at each other if they want! This way they have physical contact, but limited so as not to overstress Emma especially, since it may take her a bit longer to warm up to Oliver. You might try giving them both a special treat when they're in close proximity to each other, too.

I too advise waiting. Don't be so eager, let them get used to each other in small degrees-

perhaps this article can help


http://www.thecatsite.com/content/view/11/26/

Absolutely no rush. We adopted a traumatized/rescue 10 mo kitty to join us with our 12 yr old Sasha and we knew it would take some time. It worked out great for us but we had a good teacher (Hissy) and really tried to observe their behavior and not project our wants onto them too fast. You will do great.

Please take it really slow. Oliver will acclimate much easier and it is Emma you need to be worried about. Once you introduce each other's scents and after they fully understand they share a house with another cat, I'd wait a full week after the kitten stops hissing to introduce them face to face for a short visit. Probably let them share a particularly good meal together so they start off in a happy mood. But don't rush it -- they have 10+ years together pending good health, so they can wait a couple weeks.

hissy: What is that link you are trying to give? It just redirects me to the front page.

i may be going through a kitty introduction here soon too. Hissy's article is a great help, but it sounds like you are doing great so far Olly. Just take it one step at a time and I am sure your two will be great friends!

I just introduced a new boy last night...and my first boy is not happy! We still have them separated but I don't think anyone slept last night...the new one (Egon) kept yowling all night long outside the bedroom, and inside Winston just stared under the door and never jumped on the bed like he usually does. We're trying to take this slowly, but it's rough...

Originally Posted by Nano

Please take it really slow. Oliver will acclimate much easier and it is Emma you need to be worried about. Once you introduce each other's scents and after they fully understand they share a house with another cat, I'd wait a full week after the kitten stops hissing to introduce them face to face for a short visit. Probably let them share a particularly good meal together so they start off in a happy mood. But don't rush it -- they have 10+ years together pending good health, so they can wait a couple weeks.

hissy: What is that link you are trying to give? It just redirects me to the front page.

Click to expand...

Oops try this one

http://www.thecatsite.com/Cats/Cat_B...cing_Cats.html

Thanks! Very thorough article.

VANILLA! Putting a bit of vanilla on both cats (scruff of the neck so it works through and base of the tail) has worked wonders for me in the past. This way, they both smell the same.

I hope Emma warms up to Oliver soon.

Thanks for the tips as I will have this hurdle too in 2 weeks and I want it to go smooth for all the furrys involved! Belly rubs to all the new additions! and resident furrys

Originally Posted by imogen

VANILLA! Putting a bit of vanilla on both cats (scruff of the neck so it works through and base of the tail) has worked wonders for me in the past. This way, they both smell the same.

I hope Emma warms up to Oliver soon.

Click to expand...

Hi there! Hey, I tried the vanilla thing last night but I don't know if I used enough...I didn't want to put too much on because they're so sensitive, you know? And should you reapply on later days?