I just introduced a new cat to our home (a 4 yr old male), and I dont think it went too well. I really didnt think that my 10 month old cat would react as fiercely as he did, as I did not initially separate them. They hissed at each other, but then usually calmed down and then just stared at each other. I finally separated them, putting the new cat in our bedroom with all the things he needs and things seemed to calm down. I was thinking about putting the cat in our bathroom, but we we only hae one and a half baths in our house and they are really small rooms. The guest bedroom is already occupied, so I cant use that room either, so the only appropriate room is the bedroom. The problem with that is my 10 month old cat likes to sleep in the bedroom at night sometimes and I am worried that this will cause problems. I am just worried that since things got off to a bad start that this will cause a bad situation in the long run. I need some help!!!!
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Trying to Stop New Cat Disaster
Replies (4)
>>I just introduced a new cat to our home (a 4 yr old male), and I dont think it went too well. I really didnt think that my 10 month old cat would react as fiercely as he did, as I did not initially separate them. They hissed at each other, but then usually calmed down and then just stared at each other. I finally separated them, putting the new cat in our bedroom with all the things he needs and things seemed to calm down. I was thinking about putting the cat in our bathroom, but we we only hae one and a half baths in our house and they are really small rooms. The guest bedroom is already occupied, so I cant use that room either, so the only appropriate room is the bedroom. The problem with that is my 10 month old cat likes to sleep in the bedroom at night sometimes and I am worried that this will cause problems. I am just worried that since things got off to a bad start that this will cause a bad situation in the long run. I need some help!!!!
Don't worry. You're ok. Although the first meeting didn't go as smoothly as planned, this doesn't mean the relationship is doomed. They need a slow and gradual introduction. Start doing that now as if you had just brought the new cat home today. If you read through the other messages on this board, you'll find lots of tips on how to introduce them gradually.
In the meantime, they really should be separated at first, if for no other reason than you need to quarantine the new cat for a bit to make sure he doesn't have any illness that could spread to your kitten. You didn't mention your living room. For the next few days, can one cat live in exclusively in your bedroom and the other cat stay exclusively in your living room/rest of the house? Also, you mentioned that your kitten "sometimes" sleeps in your bedroom. What is his usual sleeping place? If possible, I'd keep the kitten in the room where he usually sleeps at night, and keep the new cat confined to the other area. Let me know if this makes sense given the layout of your house.
Try not worry. Some of the closest cat relationships start off with a few giant hissing and growling matches. Both cats will pick up on your emotions now. So if you are calm and accepting, they'll likely be more calm and accepting as well. And don't forget to give the kitten a bit of extra attention during this transition time. 
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PHCurious
Cat Chat Host
Curious is right, you'll be okay if you start the introductions over again. Can you close the door to your bedroom at night and allow your kitten to sleep with you while giving the other cat run of the house at night? Then in the morning, you can allow your kitten out to roam the house and confine the new cat to your bedroom. This will help both cats get used to each others smell. After a week of that, you might try putting te new cat in a carrier in the livingroom and allow your cat to smell and see him and get used to his presence. There will of course be the usual hissing and spitting, but that's okay. Then you can let the cats have some time together out of confinement. If they hiss and spit at each, don't worry. Just make sure no major fights break out. If that happens, seperate tem and start the introductions all over again. Good luck and keep us posted as to how things are going.
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Dottie
If you do get a cat fight. Don't try to pick one of them up you'll just end up getting hurt. Use a water bottle to scare them. Then remove one to the confinded bedroom.
Be sure you are giving equal attention. I introduced a kitten a month ago to our house hold of 4 cats. Three of the cats have accepted her as part of the family. The fourth Crash can't stand her still. But she is jealous I can't even talk to the kitten when Crash is around, or she gets all mad. So now I give Crash has much attention as possible before she goes out to the garage. She starting to love the garage very much.
Good luck.
jaime
>>If you do get a cat fight. Don't try to pick one of them up you'll just end up getting hurt. Use a water bottle to scare them. Then remove one to the confinded bedroom.
>>
I'm glad Jaime brought this up! Never, never, never stick your hand in the middle of a cat fight to break it up. You'll get hurt in the process. Instead, startle them with a squirt from a water bottle or by making noise. Some suggestions are stomping your feet or clapping loudly. Once the cats are startled and jump back from each other, THEN you can grab one to separate the cats.
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PHCurious
Cat Chat Host
