Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/19/2008

Question
I have recently adopted two cats from the pound.  One cat "stalks" the other.  The "stalked" cat is very fearful and stays in one place all day unless I move her.  She even used my couch to go to the bathroom when she couldn't get passed the other cat to use the kitty litter.  There has been no damage done by the other cat except for intimidation.  Both are neutered females approximatey one year old.  What can I do to help them get along and to lessen the fear of the "stalked"cat?

Answer
Maureen,

If it were me I would see if I could return one of the cats and get another that was similar in temperment of the one you keep. It's hard to know what experiences that the cats have been through to know why they behave like that, but it's best to have two that act the same to prevent the dominant and intimidating behavior of one from the other one. One may have been used to being the 'boss' and the other may not have been around other cats, or was terrorized by other cats previously.

You can also try the introduction process and see if that helps. It may take two weeks to a month to see if it is going to work (rarely it just won't work out). The most important thing about introductions is to go SLOWLY! Do not try to rush it or force them together or you WILL end up with behavior problems. I am including some excellent links to articles on how to do the introductions properly. They should be helpful as a guide.
(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...

Growling, slaps, and hisses are nothing to worry about. They are just "kitty communication". That is the way the older cat tells the younger cat to keep her distance, what the rules of "his house" are, etc. When to be concerned is if there are ears pinned back, blood being shed, or major fur flying.

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.

I would also put another litterbox close to where the timid cat is temporarily until things smooth out.

Everything involving new cats together takes time and patience with a lot of love thrown in.

Tabbi