Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello - I'm new to this forum. I'm looking for some advice, validation on a situation. I have a 10 month old female kitten (Molly). She's indoor only and I adore her. Three days ago, however - I adopted a tiny, male, organge tiger from the local pound to be Molly's companion. I did quite a bit of research on introduction techniques and this helped. The new kitty's name is Ziggy and he is quite healthy. I have set up a separate room for Ziggy and he's become very comfortable in his new area. The first introduction did not go as well as I'd hoped, and Molly crowched low, hissed, and raised her paw as Ziggy fearlessly approached. Lasted about 60 seconds. Several additional attempts have occured, with no more hissing - but still the eventual raised pay (almost as if Molly was attempting to protect herself). Its weird - because the neighbor male cat Charlie(outdoor cat) comes to my screen door and really hisses at Molly when she's at the door. He swats the screen and growls. Molly isn't the least timid. In fact, she keeps going to the screen in an attempt to change Charlie's mind. This is what Ziggy is doing with Molly. Ziggy really wants to get close and play with her. It's day three and I now have a baby gate wall between Ziggy's room and the rest of the house. They get close to the gate and do quite a bit of paw swapping and nose butting. Little Ziggy's arm fits right through the hole so I have to watch him closely. I don't think Molly will maul him - but I'm not sure. I'd appreciate any advice, comments others could provide. Is this doomed? I hope not. I love my Molly and I've really taken to the kitty too - but Molly come first right now.

I don't think the relationship is doomed at all. Molly is displaying a classic sign of showing that she is the boss. She raises her paw to see if Ziggy will lie down in submission. I don't know if Ziggy is doing that or not.

Good luck! It really does sound like things are going pretty well.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thanks so much. This makes me feel so much better. Actually, yes - Ziggy is bowing down - or backing away. He actually rolls over on his back and attempts to play with her. I let them spend some face to face time again this morning and Molly seemed gentler, more accepting, and less threatened. Ziggy actually got his face right up against her and Molly let him put his paw on her. I had to dash for work, so I cut the meeting a little short - but I'll try again when I get home. I will also try giving them both treats while they are together, and playing with them. Molly really is a good natured kitten - so it is comforting to feel that she'll befriend Ziggy soon. He's is lonely for a kitty friend. Thanks again.

It sounds like they are already pretty good friends! When Ziggy rolls on his back he is showing that he is accepting Molly as the dominant cat in the house. I think this will work out beautifully. Be sure to have some interactive playtime with you and both of them. They'll love it.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

Thanks to all for such supportive feedback. Quick update. I asked my neigbor to stop in on the two and give them some attention. At this point - I was more concerned about Ziggy being alone for 12 hours. I explained that Ziggy was temporarily confined to the spare room due to the adjustment period (for Molly) and to make sure the door was closed when she left. Imagine my surprise when I returned home that evening and the door to Ziggy's room was wide open! Molly was in the kitchen window - ready to great me as usual. I did a quick Molly greeting and then dashed to Ziggy's room to find him. After a call or two he came out from under the bed...untouched. I think he was sleeping and I woke him up. However, his food was licked clean from the dish (???Molly). Of course, I over-reacted - and closed the door again. Mostly because I needed to do some house things and couldn't supervise them in each other's company. I let them in together this morning though and was amazed at how much calmer Molly is becoming. I think tonight I'll really let them spend some quality time. I wasn't quite ready to leave the door open all day today though - and I do feel a little guilty (over protective) about it - but needed to go with my gut instinct.

Sounds to me like you have done everything right and it's just a matter of time before those two will become fast friends We've introduced many cats into our household over the years and while some aren't close in their relationships they all learn to get along happily.

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