Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/10/2008

Question
Hi Tabbi: My concern is with my new 5 week old kitten, General Lee, whom I have just recently introduced to my 8 month old female kitten, Moe.

The normal territorial issue arose at first sight, and Moe, who is bigger and much stronger, attacks everytime we bring Gen. Lee out of his own room. Lee (and I) can't get a moments rest.

I know you've already answered type of question before, and I think I understand it's just a normal thing, but my main concern is when should I intervene, either physically or verbally? Should I allow Moe to go through the motions and hiss, growl, spit and swat until there's harm, or should I stop it BEFORE she attacks?

I'm not sure that she would really harm him, and I'd like to see just how far she would go if I didn't do anything, but at the same time, I don't want a hurt kitten. I am really confused about how to handle this.

I've done all the normal things of separating them during the day, and bringing General Lee out for awhile during the day. I am home all day, and can supervise, so that's not a problem. SHOULD i keep him locked in the room for a week or what?

I would really appreciate your time.

Thank you,

Terry

Answer
Terry,

You have to go through the introduction process slowly. It takes about 2 weeks or more to do it correctly and effectively. You can't rush it or you will have behavior problems that are going to be hard to correct.

When you get a new cat it needs to be kept in one room with food, water, and litter for a few days. That gives the cat a chance to get to know you, gain confidence and trust, and get acclimated to having a new home. Then you let it explore the home gradually, one room at the time. It is too overwhelming to have a whole big house at one time to be in. You can put the cat in a carrier  for short periods of time in a room that has the most traffic so it can get used to the normal people movements in the house and voices. Then as the cat is comfortable with the expanded area, let it go where it wants but still have the safety of it's 'safe' room to run back into. You should NOT add the introduction to the resident cat until the new cat feels secure and comfortable with you and the new home. Then you start the getting acquainted process. Otherwise there are too many new and confusing things going on, and too much to learn and accept all at once.

I am attaching a couple of links on how to go about the introduction process: (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...

If the female is stressed I would get what is called Feliway (or Comfort Zone with Feliway). It is a spray and you can get plug-ins (try PetSmart, a vet (they use it too), or on-line). It is very popular and is great for calming cats and reducing stress. It copies the relaxing pheromones that cats produce from rubbing their faces on things.

There is also a calming product that you can add to their food or water that reduces anxiety called Bach's Rescue Remedy. It is available on-line and in health food stores. Here is a link about it: (copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)
http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

Once they can be together without fighting feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant.

Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, etc.) is great for interaction between the two cats. They both can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.

It just takes time and patience. All will work out.

Tabbi