First, the history: We had 2 litter brothers, Shadow & Critter from 9 wks. old. We lost Shadow 3 months ago due to complications from long term illnesses. The 2 made it to 14+ yrs. before the inevitable happened. Critter, the remaining cat was having trouble with the loss. They had never been separate in those yrs.. After much thought and discussion with vets, we too k the chance and brought in a 12 month old, "Kattin"(Beastie) who seemed to fit the bill; easy going, good with other cats/kittens in the shelter and a people cat.
Over the last 2 months, we have done EVERYTHING suggested to properly introdue the 2 cats: separated with the new cat in a "safe room", introductions through closed doors, intro through a screened in/glassed doorway, etc. over a period of the firstmonth. We began giving the new cat some solo time to get to know the house, a few hrs. a day. We began feeding them within sight of each other, moving the dishes closer over a week. They have been getting time together in the house with us monitoring.
All has sounded like a plan. Critter, the elder cat is having none of it. When the young cat initializes a confrontation/meeting, it eventually winds up in a hissing/yowling /swatting match.
In MOST of these "meetings", the new cat, Beastie, chirps, rolling purrs, flopping down (submission, I guess) in front of Critter. He will have none of it. We've had 3 occasions when Crit pushed Beastie too far and all Hell broke loose, with Critter hiding and demoralized.
After all this, we feel Critter may be sinking into mild depression. He has stopped most of the things he loves to do., hides, sleeps more than usual and is afraid of his own home. He is still eating, though and taking treats.
We make sure we give both equal attention& love but don't know what else to do. We've also gone the FelWay/cat s=tress drops, too. You name it, we've done it. HELP!
Over the last 2 months, we have done EVERYTHING suggested to properly introdue the 2 cats: separated with the new cat in a "safe room", introductions through closed doors, intro through a screened in/glassed doorway, etc. over a period of the firstmonth. We began giving the new cat some solo time to get to know the house, a few hrs. a day. We began feeding them within sight of each other, moving the dishes closer over a week. They have been getting time together in the house with us monitoring.
All has sounded like a plan. Critter, the elder cat is having none of it. When the young cat initializes a confrontation/meeting, it eventually winds up in a hissing/yowling /swatting match.
In MOST of these "meetings", the new cat, Beastie, chirps, rolling purrs, flopping down (submission, I guess) in front of Critter. He will have none of it. We've had 3 occasions when Crit pushed Beastie too far and all Hell broke loose, with Critter hiding and demoralized.
After all this, we feel Critter may be sinking into mild depression. He has stopped most of the things he loves to do., hides, sleeps more than usual and is afraid of his own home. He is still eating, though and taking treats.
We make sure we give both equal attention& love but don't know what else to do. We've also gone the FelWay/cat s=tress drops, too. You name it, we've done it. HELP!
