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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/getting along
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Question
Help me please. 2 1/2+ months ago had to put down 1cat 10 and a dog 10+. I had 3 pets total mille the youngest is a foster kitten. She never had any problems with cat or dog. About 3wks ago I adopted a cat at the MSPCA he has been there for over a year. He is a LOVE BUG! However, mille is not accepting of him. I've kept them seperated, I rubbed towel for scent. Everything I could possibly do that your site suggested. What else can I do. Draco(new cat), runs under bed all the time, even if mille just stares at him. He is not aggressive and she seems to be. She's never been a cuddly cat. I want them so badly to get along. Also, I'm home 96% of the time(hanicapped). Can I bring them somewhere? Is there anyone I can hire? NEED HELP. I just want everyone including me to be happy. Just want a family and love them.
Irene,
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It takes a LOT of time and patience. It is a slow process. Sometimes they never do get along but that is rare.
I use a big dog crate for a new cat. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed, to hide in, and to get up on, and they still have room. That way Draco can get used to your other cat, and other cat can sniff and check him out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. You can also switch and put Mille in the cage and let Draco out to play and pet. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.
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 cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.
I hope this helps!
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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).
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* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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