Expert: Tina - 6/19/2010

Question
Hi Tina.....I have 3 cats, two 1 year olds and one 8 year old. They all get along perfect together. I just got a 12 year old cat and she's hissing and trying to nip at my other cats and also me and my husband. I just wanted to know how long this behaviour usually lasts and what can I do to make the 12 year old cat warm up to me and my other cats. I just got her today, but I want to know what I should be doing to make the new cat happier. She was an only cat and lived with the same woman her whole life. How do I get her to trust me.

Answer
Hi Jen,

Changes are very hard for cats especially older cats. You need to give the new cat her own space - a separate room - and let her settle in a while before introducing her to the other cats and the household. It can take up to 6 months for a new cat to feel relaxed in a  new home.  I think you will find these articles helpful:

introducing a new cat:

http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/introducing_cats.html

here is some info about winning her trust

http://catnet.stanford.edu/articles/careguide.html