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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/new cat
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Question
Hello,
I have had my current cat for almost a year. I love her. She really is part of my
family. I got her from a foster and voice trained her and actually had to train
her how to play with string or hangy things. I have been told by people who
have visited that she just stares at the door when i leave for work then just
lays in everything mine. So i gather that she is just kinda bored without me
and misses me. I have noticed she just goes to sleep away in my things when
im doing other things in my apartment. So I thought for me personally and
for my cat Morgan another cat would be nice. If they get along she has a new
friend and can play and hang with him when I am gone. I have done research
and found it might actually be easier to bring a male cat in since mine is
female. My question is what is the best way to introduce them? I live in an
apartment complex. I don't have any unused rooms. I go in and out of all of
them on a daily basis. I have an old dog crate if needed. My current cat is very
low key. I have come home smelling of someone else's or my sisters dog and
does smell it but doesn't seem to care. The cat I am looking at it massive. He
is 22 pounds. My current cat is 9 pounds. What do you think is the best
suggestion?
Adam,
)
It doesn't really matter if it's male or female, it is the personalities and temperament that are important. It's best to get another cat that is similar in those and about the same age.
Most cats enjoy having a friend for companionship and company, but sometimes you get a cat that prefers being an only cat. There is no way to know unless you try it. It takes about 2 weeks to a month for them to get acquainted and used to each other. You can't rush it or force them together. Growls, slaps, and hisses are normal kitty communication and nothing to worry about unless there is blood being shed or major fur flying. You don't want an aggressive cat with a timid cat.
I am attaching a couple of links 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&act=show&item=cattocatintro...
I use a big dog crate for a new cat. I got mine at Petco and I am attaching a picture of it. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to another cat around, and the other cat can sniff and check them out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. You can switch and let the new cat out to investigate the home safely while the resident cat is in the crate getting used to the new cat's smells.
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 just takes time and lots of patience. It will work out if you take it slow.
Tabbi
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Answers by Expert:
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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