Expert: Becky - 1/25/2006

Question
We adopted a female cat who is small in size and now about 1 and a half years old in June 2005. We decided to get her a companion from the RSPCA to keep her company while we are at work in the day. We now have a male cat, 3 years old and quite large and fluffy. Both are nutered. We have only had him a few days, and have let them get used to each others smell and have let them meet each other through a glass door. They have seperate bowls, bedding, litter and toys. They are kept apart when we cant supervise. The male seems to be meowing at our female in a curious way, but she tends to growl and hiss a bit. I think it is more fear than aggression from her. We give both of them treats and praise our old cat during the meeting. We have also held onto our female cat so she can watch the male walk around and meet him without the glass so they cant fight. Do you think they will accept each other eventually? Are we going about the introduction the right way? Is it normal for one or both of the cats to hiss?

Answer
Hi Jennie,

You are doing a great job introducing them!  Most people tend to throw two cats together and wonder why they fight!  I think they will eventually get used to each other and will probably be great friends.  You can expect a little hissing and growling, that is perfectly normal.  I just brought home a new kitten at Christmas and my other cats are still hissing at him, but they also play with him too.  You will probably be able to put them together very soon.  

God Bless
Becky