Hi!
I'm brand new here and I'm really frightened of introducing my new stray cat, who knocked on my door, to my two year old tabby cat. I must bring the stray into my home, perminantly, tomorrow.
Thankfully, I have a cosy study that the stray can inhabit throughout the introduction phase. The tabby can have the rest of the flat.
I've been advised that I should anticipate this taking approximately a month, maybe longer.
In practical terms, the advice I'm going to act on (unless told otherwise here) is to keep my bedroom as resident cat's area, for the introduction phase, and keep the stray in the study. To put resident cat in the bedroom, for an hour a day, at first, while the stray explores the rest of the home and build on the time from there.
In addition to this, I will do the scent swapping with blankets. I've read that three times a day is advisable.
I have purchased two Feliway diffusers (one Feliway Friends, for multiple cats, for the sitting room and one regular one for the study). They are both plugged in and switched on now.
I purchased Calmex Cat to give to them both in their food for the first two weeks. Resident cat is not interested in her experimental evening meal this evening so I may not be able to rely on the Calmex as back up.
One other thing I thought made sense was to find a clear sheet material (like a glass door) to put over the doorway of the study before I allow them to be in each other's, physical, company with nothing between them.
I'm really frightened as I'll be doing this on my own. I know that my being frightened will be unhelpful as I need to be in control of the situation, for the sake of those kittys. They will outnumber me!! That's why I signed up to The Cat Site this evening. Strength in numbers, methinks!
There is a lot of conflicting information out there on this subject!!!
Forgive me, I realise that my situation is probably a common one and there'll be lists of posts attending to this very subject but I just don't have time to read and analise it!
Please help!
I've had many cats in my life but have never had to deal with a cat fight (yes, never!) or an introduction like this.
I will be so very thankful for any suggestions/support you can give.
I'm brand new here and I'm really frightened of introducing my new stray cat, who knocked on my door, to my two year old tabby cat. I must bring the stray into my home, perminantly, tomorrow.
Thankfully, I have a cosy study that the stray can inhabit throughout the introduction phase. The tabby can have the rest of the flat.
I've been advised that I should anticipate this taking approximately a month, maybe longer.
In practical terms, the advice I'm going to act on (unless told otherwise here) is to keep my bedroom as resident cat's area, for the introduction phase, and keep the stray in the study. To put resident cat in the bedroom, for an hour a day, at first, while the stray explores the rest of the home and build on the time from there.
In addition to this, I will do the scent swapping with blankets. I've read that three times a day is advisable.
I have purchased two Feliway diffusers (one Feliway Friends, for multiple cats, for the sitting room and one regular one for the study). They are both plugged in and switched on now.
I purchased Calmex Cat to give to them both in their food for the first two weeks. Resident cat is not interested in her experimental evening meal this evening so I may not be able to rely on the Calmex as back up.
One other thing I thought made sense was to find a clear sheet material (like a glass door) to put over the doorway of the study before I allow them to be in each other's, physical, company with nothing between them.
I'm really frightened as I'll be doing this on my own. I know that my being frightened will be unhelpful as I need to be in control of the situation, for the sake of those kittys. They will outnumber me!! That's why I signed up to The Cat Site this evening. Strength in numbers, methinks!
There is a lot of conflicting information out there on this subject!!!
Forgive me, I realise that my situation is probably a common one and there'll be lists of posts attending to this very subject but I just don't have time to read and analise it!
Please help!
I've had many cats in my life but have never had to deal with a cat fight (yes, never!) or an introduction like this.
I will be so very thankful for any suggestions/support you can give.
