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Question
Dear Norm:
I have a similar question as a recent one on 2-11-10. I have a neutered 10 year old female Domestic Shorthair/Ragdoll mix cat who has been an only pet in the whole ten years. She is affectionate with me and greets my friends when they come over, but isn't overly affectionate with them. Since I work about 9-10 hours a day, I would like to get a companion for her and to add to my feline family as well. I volunteer at the local Humane Society and met a wonderful 1 year old neutered Domestic Shorthair who is very loving, affectionate and laid back in personality. I came home after our meeting and let her smell his scent on me then gave her lots of attention. A few days later, I brought him home for a few days for a visitation to see how it would go. I have followed the suggestions of introduction given on several websites and am hoping for the best. So far only some hissing on her part and a little bit of "attitude" has been expressed to me, but I can see she isn't real happy about the interloper. I have "cat-sat" for friends, keeping the animal separate from her and she tolerated it, but didn't really like it. It has only been a few days. Am I pushing her beyond her limits of what she will tolerate or do I need to give it more time? An adoption decision needs to be made in a couple days. I would like to for my cats to love each other as much as I love them, but that can't be forced, I guess. Please advise.
Thanks,
Julie in Kansas
Julie,
Given the age of your female, you really have not given it nearly enough time. You may be talking about weeks or even months for things to settle down. You need to just let them figure it out and stay out of their proceedings. If they hiss and spit, ignore it. Also, do not ascribe human emotions or motives (except jealousy) to things cats do. They do not think like we do!
If they begin playing chase, even of it ends up in a "fight", that will be a good sign. Any mutual grooming, sharing of food dishes and litter pans are all hopeful signs.
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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