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Cats/On the right track with Introductions

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Expert: - 9/18/2011


Question
Hi Ali,
I have a 2.5 year old female cat and my fiance has two male cats that are a little over a year old. All the cats are spayed and neutered and individually have a very good temperament. A month ago we moved in to a new apartment together. The boys had the run of the place and we kept my cat in a room by herself with her own toys, litter box, and food. At first, we would let the cats have brief interactions with each other. The boys took a liking to the girl and try to get close to her. They eat her food, drink out of her water bowl and even use her litter box. The female cat would hiss and growl when the boys got close to her, but she still has a healthy appetite and uses her littler box (even after the boys have been in it). She will swipe at the boys if they get too close or if she feels threatened. One of the boys is very laid back and doesn't seem to be bothered by her, and the other boy is more likely to swipe back. It is rare for either of the boys to hiss or swipe at the girl unless she starts it first. Her behavior hasn't changed much, and my fiance and I were worried that she was getting too lonely closed off (she is a very social cat and before the move, would follow me around constantly). We recently kept the doors of her room, but when the boys get close to her she still hisses and growls. I'm worried we haven't done enough to make them get along. Currently my cat is sleeping near me in her favorite spot in her room and one of the boy cats is sleeping a few feet away on a chair. Am I doing the right thing taking away her sanctuary room? Will she ever stop hissing and growling when the boys get close to her? Is there something I can do for her to actually like living with the boys and to feel more comfortable in her new home? Is this normal behavior for cats and should I stop worrying? i just want to make sure I'm on the right track because I'd really like all of the cats to get along.

Answer
Sarah,

Some hissing, growling and swatting is completely normal after cats meet face to face for the first time. Be patient and don't worry, from what you're describing things are progressing completely normally and everyone should figure out their place within the social hierarchy soon. Taking away your girl's sanctuary room is actually a positive step towards completely integrating the two feline families so while she may initially be unhappy she should settle down nicely fairly soon. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me again - I'm more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Kind regards,

Ali

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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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