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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/introducing my cat
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Question
Hi, Me and my kitty moved in with my boyfriend and his two cats. We kept my cat (Elizabeth) in her own room for about two weeks she adjusted to all the smells and sounds of the house and hearing the other cats. When we introduce all of the cats we knew that they would fight but it's been a month now and Elizabeth is still attacking the other two. What do I do?
Please help me,
Jessica
Jessica,
)
The older the cats the longer it takes for adjustment. Plus older cats don't take new things and stress as well as a young cat. It is going to take time and patience. It can take from 2 weeks to a month. In some cases, they won't get along, but that is rare. It has to be done slowly. You can not rush them together or you will have behavior problems. Don't worry about the hissing, growling, spitting, and slaps. That is kitty communication which the cats understand between them. It could be one setting the rules, setting the pecking order, telling the other cat it's boundries, etc. When to be worried is when there is major fur flying, blood being shed, or ears pinned back. Keep a watch on them, but don't be too protective. Once they can eat near each other, or sleep in the same room, or area, without any scenes then you are on your way.
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 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 and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to other cats around, and other cats 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. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it. It lets the cat be around everyone too, and not locked up like she's being punished.
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
***********
Awards and Honors
* One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
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