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Expert: - 1/22/2008


Question
Hi,

I'm going to be moving in a couple of months and at first I'm going to be staying with some relatives for a couple of weeks until more permanent living arrangements can be made. They have a six year-old cat, I have a ten year-old cat (who seems to be fairly friendly toward other cats) both cats are male, both of them are neutered and both of them used to live with older female cats that have since passed away. In addition to my cat I also have an eight year-old dog and I'm wondering if there is something I can do to minimize the chaos (somehow I don't think it can be entirely avoided).

Thanks!

Clea

Answer
Hi Clea,

Get some Feliway Comfort Zone. Hopefully this will help keep all the cats relaxed. Keep your pets in their own room. Try to limit contact for the first week. If there isn't any major hissing going on let your cats and theirs mingle a little bit. If there isn't too much aggressiveness going on I would let them mingle. There will be some hissing but if there is no outright attacking then let them be. If you have problems separate them again and slowly introduce them a little bit of time each day. Increase the time spent together until all are ok with each other. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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