Resident Cat and Newby getting along great, when can they meet?

crazycatlady2

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We got our new cat, Lazer, last night and he has settled in quite well, eatting, using the litter box, playing, etc. Our resident cat, Mongo, seems to be just fine too, he meows to him through the door (we have seperated Lazer into our extra bedroom for the time being), pawing at each other through a cracked door, only one hiss from both, and generally just smelling and taking each other in. We have let Mongo into Lazer's room (while Lazer wasn't in there), and he was fine, and let Lazer explore the other parts of the house and he was super excited (while Mongo was in his room).

My question is this: do I need to seperate them for a whole week? Lazer has a clean bill of health and they both seem eager to meet each other. Mongo has had a little bit of "What in the world is that?" but hasn't reacted aggresively or with jealousy. Is three days of seperation too little? I hate having to hear Lazer cry when I spend time with Mongo and vise versa.

p.s. My husband names the cats, so that's my excuse for why they are such ridiculious names. I'm using this as collateral so that I get to name our children


p.p.s. for what it's worth, Lazer is 4 months and Mongo is 2 years old
 

gardenandcats

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Long as though your sure your new cat has a clean bill of health. Then if they are seeming fine I would myself let them meet under strict supervision.Some cats do get along fine right from the start. If they do get along ok, I still would not leave them along together for a few days just to make sure . I would hold on of the cats and first let them smell each other.
 

cearbhaill

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Every situation is different- I put my new one in with the old ones on the first day- along with lots of supervision. I didn't leave them all together "home alone" for a week or so, though.

If they seem tentative but not aggressive, try playing with them with a lure toy or spreading treats around generously. If you see the least bit of flat ears, or hissing, or too much arched backs/raised hackles then nip it in the bud and separate them.
 

urbantigers

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It sounds like they're ready to meet each other
I introduced my 2 on the first day and have never separated them since.
 

mauld

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I'd put them together under 'supervision' in a room. You can sit & watch them, or read, watch tv-- while keeping an eye on them for an hour or two. If they seem to be getting along without much fuss or hissing/swating etc, you can leave the room, checking back on them every once in awhile. You might separate them at bedtime for the first night, then reintroduce them the next day. If they are getting along, I'd say leave them to it. All cats (like people are different), some get along with others right away-- others it takes awhile, just be patient
 

satai

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Originally Posted by CrazyCatLady2

We got our new cat, Lazer, last night and he has settled in quite well, eatting, using the litter box, playing, etc. Our resident cat, Mongo, seems to be just fine too, he meows to him through the door (we have seperated Lazer into our extra bedroom for the time being), pawing at each other through a cracked door, only one hiss from both, and generally just smelling and taking each other in. We have let Mongo into Lazer's room (while Lazer wasn't in there), and he was fine, and let Lazer explore the other parts of the house and he was super excited (while Mongo was in his room).

My question is this: do I need to seperate them for a whole week? Lazer has a clean bill of health and they both seem eager to meet each other. Mongo has had a little bit of "What in the world is that?" but hasn't reacted aggresively or with jealousy. Is three days of seperation too little? I hate having to hear Lazer cry when I spend time with Mongo and vise versa.

p.s. My husband names the cats, so that's my excuse for why they are such ridiculious names. I'm using this as collateral so that I get to name our children
They sound ready - please let us know how it goes!

PS: brilliant plan
 
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crazycatlady2

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Sorry for the delay. Yes, I've introduced them and it's been going alright. Mongo is definitely trying to establish dominance, but the kitten just seems unfazed and ready to explore. I think Mongo feels a bit put out, but except for a few minor skirmishes, the introduction has gone ok. One weird thing I've noticed though is that Mongo now uses Lazer's litter box, it's weird because he uses Feline Pine while Lazer uses clumping litter - this is a cat that won't use his box if I switch the brand of pine litter, but suddenly likes clumping litter. I suppose it's just more dominance.

I think Mongo is a bit insecure.
Everyday is getting better, less chasing and more hanging out - calmly.
 
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