I have posted here before and have appreciated the advice I got---so thank you again.
I recently added a 3rd cat to my household, doing the recommended gradual desensitization routine, and it's generally successful so far, but there are a questions that have come up.
Generally, things are fine. There is no fighting, aside from ocassional hissing and chasing, and for the most part, everyone seems to share their space well. They have progressed to sharing litter boxes and food stations, and sometimes all 3 share the bed with me (never without) at night.
First, in what I suppose is good news, the 2 resident cats seem to have bonded more. But second, the new cat has seemed to change personality---she was billed to me as docile and sweet when she was alone in her other home.
She seems to reject getting too close to the 2 others and will get a litle nasty with them, causing them to back off---in just about every instance, they back down and allow her to "win." I am assuming it will just take more time, perhaps months, before she becomes more tolerant, perhaps even friendly to them.
The worst part, though, is that she seems to be rejecting me a bit---is less toleratant of getting picked up and being petted, has swiped at me (but no claws) or meowed in a pre-hiss way that says "leave me alone!" She still wants to hang out in the same room with me (and the other 2, of course), but seems to be getting more distant.
I continue to give all 3 attention equally, and outreach to the new cat as much as I can, while backing off myself when she starts to get snarly. I have a feliway odorizer. Any advice?
