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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Two male cats, one house
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Question
Tabbi,
I just moved in with a friend of mine who has a year and a half old all black male cat named Stud who he's had since he was a kitten. I recently was given a 11 week old ginger male kitten who I named X-Man. Anyway I was hoping they would get along, but figured they wouldn't and they don't. Stud hisses and has even swatted at X-Man every time I've tried to get them togethor to see how they would react. I am keeping X-Man in my room and my bathroom for the time being and I feel really bad that those are the only places he can go so he doesn't get hurt. Help me please. What can I do so these two can get along?
Chris,
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It takes a lot of time and patience. You need to do the introduction process SLOWLY. It can take 2 weeks to a month, If you don't you can have behavior problems that are going to hard to correct.
You are bring a new kitten into Stud's territory and he will not be happy about it. That is normal. Hissing, growls, and slaps are normal 'kitty communication'. They are ways to warn each other, state who is 'boss', etc. They are not worrisome unless there are ears pinned back, major fur flying, or blood being shed.
I am attaching a couple of links on how to go about the introduction process correctly to use as a guideline:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...
Once the cats can be together without being aggressive, or freaking out, feed the cats yummy cat treats periodically (like tuna, sardines (in oil) or pieces of raw steak, etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cats as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.
Instead of putting a new cat or kitten in a separate room, I use a large dog crate (48x32x30) that I got at Petco. The cats can smell, growl, hiss, etc. at each other, and get used to each other by being together, but safely. Plus the new cat/kitten gets used to the noises and movements of the people in the home and is not secluded alone in a room by itself. And you can let the new kitten/cat out for short periods of time, getting longer each time. Also you can reverse who gets out so the new one can sniff around safely. I am attaching a picture of the cage that I am using for fostering some kittens. It's also great for catsitting! As you can see there is plenty of room for everything.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
Dear Tabbi
Expertise
My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.
Experience
Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).
Education/Credentials
***********
Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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