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About 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).
Education/Credentials
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Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Cats > Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral) > two cats
Expert: Dear Tabbi - 11/1/2009
Question
I have had a cat for a year or so and we have recentally gotten a second. Generally I am looking for hints and tips to make the older cat more comfortable with the new one. I looked around here a bit but couldnt find just what I am looking for. Samantha (the older cat) is I suppose a "Feral" I am not too sure about her father but her mother was not in any way a house cat and was (atleast half) a wild cat. The other (currentally nameless) was mothered by a house cat that sometimes goes out and (as far as I know) the father is unknown. Both the mothers have had kittens multiple times before. Also I got Samantha straight from her mother (at the right age) same as with the currentally nameless one. Horribly sorry if you have a guide for this here I just couldnt find one.
Answer
James,
First I will give you a link that has a GOOD 4-part article on ferals and their typical behavior that may be informative to you. (copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)
http://petplacestation.com/articles/?s=jacobi%26paged=2
Next, I would suggest, if they are not done already, is to get both cats spayed. That helps a LOT of behavior issues and makes for better pets.
Though a lot of the success of introductions of any cats depends on the personalities and temperaments of the cats involved, the basic rules for introductions are time and patience!
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. I am attaching a couple of links as a guide 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%26act=show%26item=cattocati...
I prefer using a dog crate when I introduce a new cat to the family. Instead of putting a new cat or kitten in a separate room, as recommended, I use a large dog crate (48x32x30) that I got at Petco, or a big dog carrier. The cats can smell, growl, hiss, etc. at each other, and get used to each other by being together, but safely. You can let the new one out a little at the time. Plus, the new one gets used to the noises and movements of the people in the home and is not secluded alone in a room by itself. For a new cat that is nervous, you can put a small cat carrier inside it with the door off for it to hide or sleep in. It also helps a new cat get used to the sounds and movements of you and the home, and helps them get used to using the litterbox.
I am attaching a picture of the cage that I am using for fostering some kittens. It's also great for new cats. As you can see there is plenty of room for everything.
Territory is a big issue for resident and new cats. I would suggest giving the cats their 'own space' by having grocery store boxes with cutouts strategically placed for them to hide and sleep in.
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, pieces of raw steak, tinned sardines in oil etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant and not negative.
Also, getting a pet laser light (from Petco, 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.
I hope this helps and gives you some ideas on how to make the addition to the family a success.
Tabbi
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