Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/21/2008

Question
QUESTION: We have had Redgie, a 5 year old Pixiebob, for 3 years.  We thought a four footed friend would make his life more interesting since he seems to be interested in neighborhood cats that pass his window.  We got a 3-4 year old, spayed female.  She is about half his size.  He wants nothing to do with her and she is stalking and attacking him, tremendous cat fights.  We can't stop her from this behavior. We have tried the spray bottle, clapping our hands, shouting, etc.  Nothing works.  She gets afraid of us but does not stop her stalk and attack behavior.  We are at our wits end and the house is in an uproar.  As a last result I have thought of a small dog electric training collar to get her to associate the punishment with the activity.  But I have read blogs that say that won't work with cats.  Is there anything we can do?

ANSWER: Tom,

NO! Do NOT EVER use a shock training collar on a cat!!

When you introduce two cats you need to go through an introduction process or you WILL have behavior problems. The getting acquainted process takes at least two weeks or more.

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 correctly: (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

You can 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 takes time and lots of patience.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do I interpret correctly that you are saying just wait?  It is three weeks.  Advice on intro not terribly pertinent and we have done almost everything listed including Feliway.  The exception is the Bachs Rescue Remedy.  The older cat is really suffering from stress.

Answer
Tom,

You previously didn't mention how long you have had the new cat. It sounds like you have done everything you could. There are rare times, due to the experiences, inherited traits, and background of a new cat that it just won't work out. There are too many sweet, loving cats in shelters that are going to be put to death because of overcrowding and being unwanted (especially grown cats) that you don't need to have an animal that isn't adapting and ruins the harmony of your home.

Your resident cat is your first priority and if this cat is continuing to be aggressive and causing your cat stress then it may be best to re-home or return this cat and try again. Or maybe the cat would be happier being an outside cat (especially if it came from feral parents).

It is great that you are getting a friend for your cat. Cats should have a friend to play kitty games with, groom, snuggle with, and have for comfort and companionship. Keep in mind though, that there is a very slight possibility that your cat may NOT want a companion and only appears to be interested in the neighborhood cats because they are in HIS territory. Overall though, after a period of adjustment, most cats will enjoy a companion.

Gender doesn't matter, it's the personality and temperment that is important. Try to get a cat that is near your cat's age and temperment. It's hard to tell for sure because they are scared and confused in a shelter (if that is where you 'kitty-shop'). Spend some time with each cat you like. Get to know their personalities. Look for a kitty that doesn't hide, that seems comfortable around people, and is friendly. If a cat gets up and comes to you, then it wants your attention. That's a good friendly outgoing kitty. Some people even take their resident cat with them to see how the cat interacts with the different choices. I've never done it, and I can see it being a fiasco all around, but it HAS worked for some.

When you do find the right cat companion for your kitty, take your time and do the introduction process slowly and things should be fine. It usually takes about 2 weeks, but it can be longer with an older cat.

I hope this additional information is helpful.

Tabbi