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Cats/new cat and resident cat not getting along
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Question
To give you an idea of my situation I will give a little history. We had a female cat(cat A) for 10 years that recently died a few weeks ago. Six months ago we got a new female cat (cat B) from an animal shelter that was about 2 or 3 years old. The 2 cats coexisted semi-OK with each other. Cat A had a stong dominant personality, and cat B seemed to accept that and they tolerated each other, but didn't necessarily play or seem to really love each other. They never fought, although cat A would hiss at cat B. Cat B would usually just walk away. When cat A died cat B was our only cat for only a short time. We took in a new cat about 1 1/2 weeks ago. The new cat is also a female, and is about 4 or 5 years old. She is a very sweet loving cat, but scared of everything. Her previous owner told us she gets scared easily. Cat B also has a very sweet, laid back personality. When I first brought the new cat home they were both scared of each other. Now cat B has tried to approach the new cat, but hissing and growling ensues from both cats. The new cat seemed to be adjusting to her new home for the first few days until cat B started trying to approach her, and now she hides and rarely comes out from under my bed. The new cat is terrified of cat B. Cat B never hissed at cat A when we had her, although cat A would hiss at her. Cat B would always walk away. Now cat B can't seem to get along with our new cat. She will sit in front of the bed where the new cat is hiding almost daring her to come out. Cat B never acted this way before. The new cat, according to the previous owner NEVER hissed or growled, but was never around another cat. Now she will growl at cat B when she approaches her. Both cats have a very loving, sweet personality, and love people, so why are they not getting along with each other?
Kristin,
Cats are very territorial and must be properly introduced. You need to isolate the new cat in a room behind a closed door to calm both kitties down. The isolation period will help to accomplish gradual introduction process. Please see my previous answers on this subject.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. 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. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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