Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/17/2008

Question
I guess I didn't do a good job of introducing my new kitties. Have 2 new cats
into household with 1 resident. 1 of new cats is being very aggressive and
trying to dominate everything. Both new cats had URIs so they were in own
rooms for 10 days - I would open the door and each new cat saw resident cat
etc. Now for past 2-3 days I let them all have run of the house but the
aggressive one is driving me crazy. she does respond at times, and is sweet.
Then they calm down and sleep nearby each other. 1 new kitty (1 year) was a
stray, the aggressive one was only kitty and may not have been handled well
(11 mos).

Any suggestions - do I start the introductions all over? Keep aggressor
confined most of the day and correct any aggressive behavior immediately. I
just gave him some Calm Down! liquid stuff from Pet Smart.

Answer
Carol,

Some cats just do not adjust being locked up when they are used to being outside. Some cats are just happier being an outside cat where they can hunt.

You don't say how the other cats react to the aggressive one besides sleeping near each other (good sign).

It is hard to know the experiences the kitty has lived through that may made her react in an aggressive manner. And if the cat was weaned too early she didn't get to get the behavior training that a mama cat gives them so she may not know how to react. Sometimes it takes a lot of time and patience and a long time for a wild or stray cat to calm down and adapt. A prescription for 'kitty Prozac' may help. It is a common treatment for cats that are stressed, have emotional problems, or are aggressive. I would speak to your vet about it.

You also don't mention if the cats are fixed or not. That can make a big difference.

I will give you instructions for proper introductions. Some things may not pertain to you at this stage, but the some of the information may be helpful:
(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 fighting 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 (and you).

There is a calming product that you can add to the cat's 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: http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

I hope this helps

Tabbi