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Introducing new abandoned cat to 14 year old cat

klpohl Dec 06, 2004 12:29 PM

I have a 14 year old male cat who was neutered at few months old and whom we have had since 6-8 weeks of age. He went outdoors until about 5 years ago and now is in all the time and content to do so. He has been very pampered and receives tons of affection. Loves to be talked to like baby and quite vocal when you do also. Can tell he thinks he is king of the castle. He is and always has been very gentle and tolerant but we think territorial where other animals are concerned. He used to chase the neighbors cat out of our yard but it was ok for him to go over there. We had a dog for a few years and the two of them were ok but the cat was only 2 years old when we introduced them.

Over the weekend my husband and daughter found an unneutered male cat that had been abandoned. He is very affectionate and sweet. He actually hopped into our car as we tried to leave not once but twice. We were even able to bathe him as he was so dirty without a whole lot of struggle. Obviously I have to make sure he is vaccinated and probably neutered before I try to introduce the two. I am concerned it isn't going to work. In the past if there has been another cat in the yard ours gets quite agitated (tail puffs up and he growls down low etc.) Any suggestions/tips on successful introduction techniques or am I hoping for something that isn't going to happen? Thanks in advance.

Replies (2)

PHMadameAlto Dec 06, 2004 06:28 PM

If you look through the posts in this area you will probably see a reoccurring theme of isolation - switching off - and then gradual introduction for several weeks. This is the course you should be following. I am glad you will be waiting until all is clear on the health front before introducing those two.

Here is a link with some very good tips for introducing new pets:
Feline Behavior

It may be an impossible task given the age of your cat, but worth trying. If anything this could buy you some time to find a good home for the other cat.

Good luck! Let us know how things go!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

klpohl Dec 09, 2004 08:34 AM

just an FYI everyone. our foster kitty is going to vets for shots and to be checked for FeLv and FIV today. think we will have him neutered next week and then try introduction gradually after this. will keep you all posted as the whether this works out or not. if it doesn't we figure by taking care of everything medically for him at least we would increase his chances of finding a home if it doesn't work out for us.

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