[claule]

Hi all,

I'm new to this forum, but I have no doubt that i will get lots of good info and advice.

So here it goes... i addopted Nibbler (4year old) male this week as his family is moving abroad - he settled in briliantely and seems happy...because myself and my hubby are workingg full time I intent to adopt a second adult cat (female 3-4 years) but unsure of how to deal with the introduction and how is best for both of them not to get stressed out or distrought.

I had browsed the web and there is a lot of info - but typically for a settled in cat with a new cat - in my case I would have only had Nibbler for a week and a bit before the new cat should arrive, therefore not sure how to deal with the sitution best.

I would very much appreciate advice in this matter.

Thank you, Claudia

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[kittyclaws]

I can't answer for you (I only have one cat so no experience with introductions yet) so I'll hang around and see what comes up anyhow for experience. I also want to add (to your question); can you introduce cats, after a while, through the shower (because a shower door is see through plus a barrier)? (lol)

[AlanC]

I introduced the newcomer via the outside enclosure with flyscreen closed so the could see and sniff each other and everyone was safe.
When that was ok, they were put into harness and leads to keep control of the situation for face to face.
Maybe I've been lucky, but its never taken more than a day or two and I've never had a catfight in my house.

[oriental cats]

I am in favour of a very slow introduction, a younger cat would be better, but I would allow your new cat a little time to settle down first. Did Nibbler come from a home whee he was the only cat? if so he needs to first adjust to his new home and people and then to being in a two cat home.

In my experience it may take between 4 and 6 weeks for acceptance.

The slower and gentler the better chance of them getting along.

[claule]

yes, Nibbler comes from a family with a baby but no other cats, however the prev owner said that he was ok with other cats visiting and he used to play with other cats outside.
Marmalade is arriving next week, my plan is to give her own spare room and let Nibbler to have the run of the house as he does now, and after a while swap them let Marmalade to get the house for a few hours to get used to the smells and us... meet Marmalade today and she's a very docile 3-4 year old very calm and she just sat on my knee for the minit i've picker her up, I don't think she'll be a problem...I just hope Nibbler accepts her. I'll let you know how it goes.

Claudia x

[Beama's Slave]

Maybe I've been lucky, but its never taken more than a day or two and I've never had a catfight in my house.


Geez Alan, you oughta have grown up in my house, my twin sister and I ....... scary!!!

*lol*


Back on topic....I'm soon introducing a 12 week old kitten to my house, Beama will be almost 10mo. They are full siblings, the new one is female. I'm nervous about the introduction esp as I am very very new to cat ownership.

[Beama's Slave]

oh I forgot....I recently read to rub a cloth on each cat then rub their scents onto each other.

Obviously you do that as well as very gradual introduction, keep the new cat isolated for the first few days.

I stand corrected though, I may be way wrong! (shhh don't let my husband hear me say that!)

[aboutTaya]

Patricia L posted a link to the Cat Coach site the other day, she is a feiline behariourist and it has a great article on introductions with some pointers you might like to incorporate. http://thecatcoach.com/blog/?cat=5

[claule]

hi all,

thanks a lot for all u're advice.

marmalade came home yesterday 06 Nov, she setteled in great- really got on with the kids, eate, used the litter box no probs soo really pleased - today i've let them smell eachother teritory while they were in complete different enclosed rooms, very courious about eachother a lot of sniffing. Nibs my boy is really easy and want to play behind the closed dorr, bur Marmalade is hissing and being a bit deffensive - but is only their second day - so I'm sure they'll be alright given more time.

Claudia x

[Beama's Slave]

You'll have to keep posting these updates Claudia, I'm going to be studying your success (or lack of..??!!) very closely in preparation for our new little girl in 13 more sleeps :-)

[claule]

Hi all,

Really pleased to say that Nibbler an Marmalade get on OK, they stay in the same room, don’t ever fight, therefore I think they tolerate each other. Marmalade is still hissing at him if he's closer than 1 meter from her - but I believe in time they'll end up playing together.... So really pleased with how it all went so far.

Claudia x

[KyleW]

That's great news!

[2Chester]

Sounds like they will be friends very soon!
Good luck
Beth

[littlevampirebites]

Claudia,

I'm so glad they are getting along (or at least tolerating one another!).

Re-adjusting is difficult.

Hope it goes well !

Nicole

[GoldCoastGirl]

oh I forgot....I recently read to rub a cloth on each cat then rub their scents onto each other.

This does work. Make sure the cloth is a little damp as well.

Plus just patting one cat + having it's scent on you then patting the other cat to transfer the scent (and hence getting them used to each others' scents) is also a great way to help introductions.


Tux was fine with Marnie almost instantly (he was the resident cat) whereas it took Marnie 6-8 weeks for her to "acclimatize" as such.

Now? My avatar shows proof that they can get along ! :D