Question:
This is for the woman who wants to adopt a cat for her 10-year-old cat, Katy. I learned these amazing tricks from a very wise friend who helps others with cat problems.
For several days, keep the cats in separate rooms. Provide bedding for them both and periodically switch their beds. This will allow each cat to get familiar with the other's scent and realize there is another cat in the house.
During their separation, she should spend time "mixing their ears" as follows: Pet Katy, paying special attention to her ears and face, then go into the other room and pet the new cat, also paying attention to the face and ears. Without washing her hands, go back to Katy for more of the same. She should do this as often as she can. The extra attention will be reassuring, and this also will help familiarize the cats with each other's scent. Kitty treats should also be involved.
For the introduction, she'll need a small spray bottle (new or thoroughly washed). A single, quick spray at a misbehaving cat should distract it. However, do not chase a cat while continuing to spray it with water; it will only make the cat fearful and possibly mean. One spray should be sufficient.
After a few days, allow the two cats to have open access to each other. Be prepared with treats, the spray bottle and a towel to throw over a cat if it misbehaves. If the cats exhibit aggression, separate them and repeat the ear mixing/bedding switching/treat giving for a few more days.
When they are introduced again, put each cat in a carrier first. Let them see each other and become familiar before allowing Katy out of her carrier. Then she will get to know the new cat, who should be fine with his new friend by then. If no negative behavior is observed, allow the new cat out of his carrier and immediately provide their favorite food or treats, in separate bowls placed a few feet apart.
M.B., Port St. Lucie, FL Nov 21, 2011
Answer:
Thanks for this helpful synopsis for how to introduce a new cat to a resident cat. I hope cat adoption shelters will provide this information to all people who are taking in additional cats.
I must remind readers, of course, to have a veterinarian thoroughly check any new cat for infectious and contagious diseases and to treat the cat for internal and external parasites as needed. If there are any doubts about the cat's health, it should be quarantined for seven to 10 days before bringing it into the home. In well-run animal shelters, all of these steps are usually covered, including spay/neuter, so you can take the cat of your choice from the shelter directly home to begin the introduction process with your resident cat(s).
Subscribe