AboutAli Expertise I cannot offer medical advice, after all, I am not a veterinarian! I can help you introduce your resident cat to your new feline friend. I can offer suggestions on dealing with common behavioral issues. If you are wondering how to choose the best food to feed your feline friend I would recommend that you do your own research. Things aren't always as they seem when it comes to the pet food industry, and doing your own research allows you to be sure you are providing the best nutrition possible your cat. I can help you understand your cat's basic needs so that you can meet them. Cats must have interaction and stimulation. Being able to train your cat means finding out what motivates them. Cats all vary in personality, energy level and intelligence just as people do. An intelligent, high energy cat with a mischievous personality must be kept occupied or they will make their own fun even if you aren't fond of their choice of entertainment. I have fostered several cats and kittens. I have experience in dealing with some special needs cats including helping to regain the trust of abused and abandoned cats. I have rescued a number of strays and I can offer tips on how to trap, neuter, vaccinate and release cats in feral colonies and rehabilitate strays to find them loving forever homes. Currently I own 3 cats ranging in age from 3 to 9 years of age. My oldest cat has ongoing kidney issues so I`m willing to offer limited suggestions on this topic. For behavioral issues that I lack experience in I am willing to consult the staff at my family veterinary clinic, however I am unable to provide medical advice so if you have a cat that is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment administered by a qualified vet.
Experience I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed the cats that most people recommended euthanasia for. I am the proud pet guardian of three wonderful cats. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up.
Expert: Ali Date: 7/22/2008 Subject: introducing cats
Question I recently moved into a condo with my 5yr old female cat. My roommate has a 1 yr old male. My cat has never been around other animals before and is not adjusting to the new cat very well. How can I get her to stopping hissing at him?
Answer Tamia,
Proper introductions are key. If one cat has been established in your new condo then they should be considered the resident cat. I would recommend that you and your roommate make the decision as to who the resident cat is if both cats are new to the environment. Cats are very territorial and they aren't fond of changes. My recommendation would be to isolate one cat in a room behind a closed door for 2-3 weeks with all of the usual kitty conveniences including food, water, litter, a bed and a few toys. It is important that both cats be played with daily and receive enough attention. During the isolation period I would recommend that you feed the cats on either side of the closed door to the room that the other is isolated in. This will help each cat to become accustomed to the presence of the other cat. I would also suggest that you also use one clean towel to rub down one of the cats and use the same towel to rub the other down. Rubbing each cat with the scent of the other allows them to get used to the other cat's scent. After the cats have been kept apart for the 2-3 week isolation period you can begin to introduce them to each other. I find that plenty of bribery (small amounts of tuna or meat and broth baby foods work well for the most part) and play will help to prevent any major issues between the cats. It is perfectly normal for things to start off with minor aggression such as hissing and the occasional swat. It is worth warning you that getting in between cats that are fighting can cause you serious injury. Cat bites have a tendency to become quite infected so if you are bitten by either cat you will require medical attention. In the event that the cats start fighting (not just posturing) I recommend that you toss a glass of water on them or use a broom to gently guide them to separate rooms to cool off. If the two cats aren't spayed and neutered that may be an issue. Beyond the obvious birth control that spaying/neutering provides it can decrease territorial behavior, fighting, using urine or feces to mark their territory. I would recommend that if either or both cats haven't been spayed or neutered that you have them done as soon as possible and time the isolation period from the time that they come home from the vet clinic. Hormone levels will have the chance to drop significantly during the 2-3 week isolation period and help things to be calmer. I hope that you have found this information helpful. If you have any further questions, concerns, or you would simply like to send updates or photos my way, please don't hesitate to contact me again.
