Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, My name is Kerri and I have a 6 year old female named Trouble. On November 30th I took in a year old male cat. I have read the books and took the gradual steps I needed to take to make sure that the introduction was gradual. I have kept the male cat, named Spirit, in his own room for three weeks while I nursed him back to health (he was wounded). I made sure that Trouble had enough time to smell him. When I brought him out, it was in a carrier, and there was some hissing and that but not that much. For three weeks they batted paws under the door because there was about an inch gap. Sometimes Trouble would sit by the door and hiss and jump at his paws, but it was nothing serious.

My problem is, after I got Spirit neutered, I let him out and Trouble has gone into hiding under the bed. What usually happens when they have a face to face confrontation is, Trouble takes the upper hand and hisses and Spirit turns away and cowers. I know, normal territorial stuff, but what happens is, Spirit then jumps at Trouble to play and she runs and hides. Finally I had to bring her food and litter box in the bedroom so she would feel comfortable. I do not shut the door and keep her in. I leave the door open a crack so she can get out of she wants.

I have been giving Trouble Reiki, and start Bach Rescue Remedy. It has only been a week since Spirit has been left out and I am seeing Trouble approaching the door but when Spirit comes close she hides under the bed.

One added note....I have seen hissing and batting on Trouble's part, and only some batting back by Spirit (who I think is playing). I feel that is Trouble really couldn't stand Spirit, there would have been a major fight by now.

Am I doing everything right? Should I put Trouble in his own room and allow Trouble out for a bit to get her confidence back up? Will Trouble eventually come out?

I have heard from many people that they have cats who just tolerate each other, but I want them to get along in the worst way.

Any advice or suggestions would help greatly!
Thank you so much! Kerri

It sounds like your doing everything right. My cat Crash (6 now) didn't accept Gabby for a whole yr. She would run when she saw Gabby. Now afte a yr Crash tried to play with Gabby. It just takes some cats a lot longer then others.
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Jaime owned by
Mya the dog
and the cats:Crash, Moxie, Gabby and sometimes Tucker

It would be good to put Spirit in isolation for about an hour every day and allow Trouble to sniff about the rest of the place on her own. Also put Spirit in a carrier for about 15 minutes and let Touble sniff around so she doesn't feel so threatened.

It sounds like things are not going too badly. You are right that Trouble would be much more aggressive if she totally couldn't stand Spirit!
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Smile, it will make them wonder what you are up to!

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>>Any advice or suggestions would help greatly!
>>Thank you so much! Kerri

Kerri, it really sounds like you are doing everything right. IMO, it seems that Spirit is very accepting of Trouble so it seems that it's Trouble who needs to loosen up and start accepting Spirit. If I were you, I'd just let them be together and stop worrying about it.

Good luck and be sure to let us know how things are going with these two!

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Ruby and the Kitties
Simba, Samantha, Katrina & KatyKatt
Meow!! Meow!! Meow!! Meow!!

How wonderful to do nothing and then rest afterwards. Meow!