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Question
Dear Norman,
We have a five month old female Bengal called Vivienne, who is a very friendly and playful house cate. As we work all day, we decided to get another cat to keep her company - a six month old male, also a Bengal, called Comrade.
Since Comrade arrived he has been very laid back, if timid. Viv, on the other hand, has been hissing, growling, and generally unwelcoming. She's taken a few swipes at him, but nothing serious.
What should we do? Would it be better to separate them for a while?
Hannah,
Once they have been introduced, you may as well let them run together. Cats go through a rather loud intimidating "getting to know you" ritual with each other. There is often lots of hissing, spitting, growling, and posturing. Given that Viv was there first, she has the advantage of being the established cat. Rarely will domestic cats really hurt each other. They have very tough skin and the biting/scratching behaviors often are rough play. So, unless someone draws blood, I would grit my teeth, ignore the noise and leave them work it out. Any human interference (separation, discipline, etc.) is counter productive and just prolongs the whole business. Usually, after a few days or weeks, they work out their relationship and tend to get along. The first inklings are if they are playing chase (even if it ends up in a mock "fight"). Other good signs are mutual grooming and eating together, using the same litter pan and the like.
A couple of tips. You may have to have a separate litter pan in another part of the house as cats can become very territorial over litter pans. I would pay extra attention and give extra treats to Viv if you are playing with Comrade. Given their ages,things should settle down fairly quickly.
One thing to avoid is the temptation to ascribe human motives and emotions to cats. They do not think like we do!!!!!
Please let me know how it goes.
Best regards... Norm.
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Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
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