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Having trouble introducing new cat to others

JohnnyZ Jan 11, 2004 08:39 PM

Hi!

I'm new here, so please bear with me.

I recently took in a stray cat (Snorkie, about 3 years old) who had been coming around for food for several months. My other cats (both neutered males, about 4 years old) used to watch him through the window with no incident.

I've been trying to use the tips I've read here, but I don't seem to be having much luck.

When I brought the stray back from the vet (I had him neutered and a leg injury looked at) I isolated him in the bedroom.

After a couple of days, I let him wander (supervised) around the house for short periods of time so he could get used to smelling the other cats and vice versa.

One of the resident cats (Purr-sival) seems openly aggressive towards the new one, and vice versa. (The other resident cat stays away from the new one.) They got into a fight when Purr-sival tried to go into the bedroom, which was previously his favorite room.

I've tried propping the door open so they can sniff each other without risk, but Snorkie gets out. I've tried the towel rubbing/scent exchange thing, and that didn't work. I've just ordered some of the Feliway stuff, but it hasn't come yet.

It's been over 2 weeks now and they are still growling at each other through the door. I've never had this much trouble introducing a new cat before. I've even been considering making Snorkie a primarily outside cat, but I don't want to do that.

If anyone could help me with some advice I would really appreciate it. And again, I apologize for the length of the message.

Many, many thanks!

Replies (2)

JaimeMarie Jan 13, 2004 04:41 PM

Keep up the good work. Sometimes it takes longer. It took my cat Crash six months to except Gabby the kitten.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

PHMadameAlto Jan 13, 2004 04:46 PM

You are doing everything right. You need to give it a little more time.

Another thing is to put one cat in a carrier and allow the others to sniff around. They will growl and hiss for sure. I would probably not let the new male mingle quite yet - give him a week of sniffing under the door.

The Feliway stuff should help. Many people also like to rub a drop of Rescue Remedy on the inside of the ear tip or to put a few drops in their drinking water.

Keep trying. You may be surprised that all of a sudden the hissing and growling will stop. But give it time and don't push it.
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

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