My cat introduction may not be going as smoothly as hoped, so I'm seeking advice and insight. I have read "Introducing a new cat to your old cat" and the Mary Anne Miller article. I also read "Cat vs. Cat."
Some background on the cats. The resident cat is a 1 year 5 month old neutered male. The new cat is estimated to be 3 years old or so, also neutered male.
The resident cat might have serious dominant aggressive issues. He is completely unable to restrain himself from charging at another cat and jumping on their neck, as if he were a kitten doing this to one his litter mates. There is some more background to this if anyone needs to hear it. He has never been in a real fight, and doesn't hiss or growl. He is a slightly nervous and jumpy cat.
The new cat is very calm and self assured. He immediately adapted well to his sanctuary room, set up in our master bathroom. He made himself at home right away, and quickly expanded his territory to include the bedroom, marking things with the side of his face as he went along. He has also never been in a real fight, doesn't hiss or growl, and was raised at various times with dogs and other cats. He took to us right away and seems to want to be where ever people are.
Both cats were given time to adjust before introducing them by scent, sight, and finally nose to nose through a slightly open door. Treats were given each time.
About 7 minutes into their second supervised meeting, the resident cat jumped on the new cat's neck as he was lying down on top of a chair. The new cat was calm for a second or two before pushing the resident cat off. This was followed by several more attempts by the resident cat until he was able to land on top of the new cat and grab him around the neck again. The new cat immediately got up and ran toward the door, turning back and forth as he realized the door was closed and obviously distressed. End of session.
The rest of their meetings have been marked by the same aggressiveness, instigated 90% of the time by the resident cat, and 10% of the time by the new cat. The new cat instigates things by pawing at the resident cat, while the resident cat goes straight for jumping on the neck.
They also appear to be working out their territorial and boundry issues with the same rough play. Most of the time the new cat will run away. If I let this go on, he will eventually try to stay away and watch the resident cat warily. Sometimes this stare provokes the resident cat to charge him again.
I am worried that that their level of aggressive interaction will lead to a real fight. So far I am unable to deter or distract the resident cat from his neck jumping, except to put it off for another minute or two when he gets into that excited mood. Food and toys do not distract him. I will be around to answer any additional questions. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Some background on the cats. The resident cat is a 1 year 5 month old neutered male. The new cat is estimated to be 3 years old or so, also neutered male.
The resident cat might have serious dominant aggressive issues. He is completely unable to restrain himself from charging at another cat and jumping on their neck, as if he were a kitten doing this to one his litter mates. There is some more background to this if anyone needs to hear it. He has never been in a real fight, and doesn't hiss or growl. He is a slightly nervous and jumpy cat.
The new cat is very calm and self assured. He immediately adapted well to his sanctuary room, set up in our master bathroom. He made himself at home right away, and quickly expanded his territory to include the bedroom, marking things with the side of his face as he went along. He has also never been in a real fight, doesn't hiss or growl, and was raised at various times with dogs and other cats. He took to us right away and seems to want to be where ever people are.
Both cats were given time to adjust before introducing them by scent, sight, and finally nose to nose through a slightly open door. Treats were given each time.
About 7 minutes into their second supervised meeting, the resident cat jumped on the new cat's neck as he was lying down on top of a chair. The new cat was calm for a second or two before pushing the resident cat off. This was followed by several more attempts by the resident cat until he was able to land on top of the new cat and grab him around the neck again. The new cat immediately got up and ran toward the door, turning back and forth as he realized the door was closed and obviously distressed. End of session.
The rest of their meetings have been marked by the same aggressiveness, instigated 90% of the time by the resident cat, and 10% of the time by the new cat. The new cat instigates things by pawing at the resident cat, while the resident cat goes straight for jumping on the neck.
They also appear to be working out their territorial and boundry issues with the same rough play. Most of the time the new cat will run away. If I let this go on, he will eventually try to stay away and watch the resident cat warily. Sometimes this stare provokes the resident cat to charge him again.
I am worried that that their level of aggressive interaction will lead to a real fight. So far I am unable to deter or distract the resident cat from his neck jumping, except to put it off for another minute or two when he gets into that excited mood. Food and toys do not distract him. I will be around to answer any additional questions. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.