How to blend in a new cat to the family?

Snookercues

Hi all,

Just looking for a bit of advice! We have had a cat for the last 9 years, and she is the princess of the house - she is relatively relaxed and is out and about most of the time.

I am getting another cat from the rescue centre next week (couldn't bear the thought of the poor thing being cooped up in a cage for the last couple of months!), and I just want to see what is the best way to introduce new moggie to existing moggie without either of them doing a runner! Separate beds in separate rooms etc?

Thanks

Ms Doubtfire1

keep them in separate spaces for the first week, but switch the spaces around so they can get used to one anothers smell. The rest really depends on the cats own nature.When I introduce a new cat ( and I have 17) some cats will throw a hissyfit,while others just saunter over to the newcomer , say hello and off they go. Have you any history of the prospect?

Snookercues

Thanks Ms Doubtfire, wow 17 cats - sounds like my idea of HEAVEN!

The existing cat is used to interacting with other cats, as the neighbours have cats, but I suppose I am just worried that this new cat will literally be in her house! No, I have no real history of the prospect other than she has been with the SPCA for the last 5 months, and is a lovely character - she is only 1 and is neutered.

Ms Doubtfire1

lol.Trust me its a nightmare sometimes-especially when it's muddy out .
She's only a baba so and in a cage since she's 7 month. You should be just fine.:-).Well done on adopting a kitty!!!

morgana

Definitely keep them separate. We introduced a 4 month old kitten to our two long time resident cats (10 and 12 years old at the time). The difficulty we found was to get them to engage (not the kitten, she hadn't a clue about catiquette and would happily bounce onto them). They would just avoid the kitten (i.e. go outside or into a different room). It took a lot of patience and elaborate containment procedures (so they could see but not touch each other), but eventually the older one accepted the kitten (the younger one just followed suit) and now the older one will usually be found near enough of the now all grown up and huge kitten!
Also make sure to give plenty of attention / treats to your resident cat.
In case of problems (our eldest seemed to be unsure and not her usual queeny self) we found Feliway diffuser actually helped.

Snookercues

Thanks Morgana - that Feliway sounds like a really good option if it all gets a bit heated! I am really looking forward to seeing how they both get on together - I am praying that the new arrival is a bit of a lap cat, as current cat runs like the clappers whenever cuddles are imminent ha ha ha

Ghetofarmulous

Hi, I cant post links as I am a new member but have a look at a channel on youtube called The Cat Behaviour Channel.

You can search "Introducing Bengal cat to a new kitten for first time". They have a series of videos that are very helpful.

Dandelion6

There are a lot of good tips here. Take it slow - some cats will adjust to each other very quickly, some take much longer, but you're much better to err on the long side.

intheclouds

We tried for 18 months to introduce two cats and it just never worked out in the end. We did everything you are meant to do - in painstaking detail - but it never worked out.

Our problem really was the the older cat simply hates all other living creatures and refused to engage as well as being absolutely terrified every time she saw the new cat.

The new cat wanted to engage but no joy. They do occasionally meet outside now and the older cat just shuts down and hides screaming in a bush until the new cat leaves. No fights, just a lot of stress.

Eventually the vet said that we were causing a lot of stress to the older cat and that some cats just need to be in a 1 cat home.

Speedwell

Bring a towel with the new cat's scent into the house and leave it in a place where the old cats walk (not in their sleeping area or eating area, just out in the open for them to get used to).