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 ***********
Awards and Honors * One of the top 50 Experts Of 2008 *
Question I adopted a second cat (Charley). Male, nutered and 2 yrs old. Very passive, outgoing. Resident cat (Sadie)is spayed female, about 7 yrs old. Also adopted about 3 yrs ago. Sweet and outgoing. Kept them seperated about 2 weeks. Followed what I read about introducing new cat. Now they eat in the same room, often sleep in the same room. New cat wants to play badly. Follows her everywhere. Sadie takes this as aggresive move. Will flatten her ears and growl loudly. Charley always backs away. Should I interfer when this behavior occurs, clap/spray water? Let them work it out? I never leave them alone together. Appreciate any help with this. thanks
Answer Linda,
It takes time. Growls, hisses, and slaps are a form of kitty communication. She is giving him the ground rules on who is boss, who is the denominate cat, and not to get too close. If Charley backs away then he is getting her message. I wouldn't be too concerned unless fur is flying and blood is being shed. They are doing a 'get acquainted' ritual.
If either cat getting stressed 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 anxiety. 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: http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm
Once they can be together semi-calmly feed both cats yummy cat treats (like tuna, sardines (in oil), 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, 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 information is helpful. There are SO many variables depending on their personalities that you kind of have to play it by ear and make adjustments according to how it's going.
I would leave them together for a short time at first Like when you go to the store. See how they are when you get back. There shouldn't be any problems though. A lot of what cats do is for show.
