Calling all cat owners...

[oranges]

Missy-- I think that it wasn't too bad either. After I came downstairs w/ Jinx, and we played for a bit, she came back to bed with us and fell asleep! I guess she wasn't too traumatized!!! She also isn't stalking his door at all. So I think that she will accept him-- I hope that they become fast friends!!! I agree about potentially not keeping them totally separate, especially after they had access to one another for 4.5 hrs! I think that he might have just hid from her--- not too sure, but when I walked in the room she ran out and he was nowhere to be seen. I was absolutely terrified when I saw the door to his room open this morning-- I think I over-reacted to the situation because I was trying so hard to do this properly! Darn old house!

 

[justginger]

Don't be worried, these things happen. If it had gone poorly, you would have heard them fighting and screeching. The fact you slept through it is a very good sign.

I would still proceed somewhat slowly, but perhaps skip ahead to the point that you carry one into the other one's space, and let them visit with each other while supervised. Things may not have gone badly last night, but too much too quickly could still cause issues. I'd spend the next day or two taking them into each other's spaces and then separating them again for time for them to unwind. It's nice for them to know they still have their own space while they're making the adjustment, you know?

Sounds good though, especially for a surprised, unsupervised, midnight visit!

 

[oranges]

Don't be worried, these things happen. If it had gone poorly, you would have heard them fighting and screeching. The fact you slept through it is a very good sign.

I would still proceed somewhat slowly, but perhaps skip ahead to the point that you carry one into the other one's space, and let them visit with each other while supervised. Things may not have gone badly last night, but too much too quickly could still cause issues. I'd spend the next day or two taking them into each other's spaces and then separating them again for time for them to unwind. It's nice for them to know they still have their own space while they're making the adjustment, you know?

Sounds good though, especially for a surprised, unsupervised, midnight visit!

You have no idea how much better I feel after "talking" to you and Missy. I was SO worried that the entire process was shot! I think that I'm going to keep them apart during the day time when I'm home alone and then when my boyfriend gets home tonight we'll do the introductions tonight and tomorrow. I think that it will work well. They still need their own space. Jinx is acting like nothing happened. I'm so surprised that she isn't even trying to wander upstairs! I'll keep you updated. This is tough but I think it will work!

 

[oranges]

Update: We have been allowing Jinx and the new little guy (who my boyfriend named Ranger) see each other through a baby gate. Jinx is growling and hissing and swatting when he comes near the gate. He is incredibly submissive. He hasn't hissed or growled or even swatted back. He will either walk away or roll over!!!! We have only done this twice so far. At what point will it improve? This is so stressful! Clearly Jinx isn't ready to have access to him-- I guess over a few days maybe she will stop doing this?

I just want this to work out quickly! I'm just wondering if she'll warm up to the sweet little fellow .. she detests him!

 

[justginger]

This is normal - just keep doing what you're doing. When Jinx gets extra snarly/aggressive, clap your hands at her and give her a "Psst!" She needs to know that you don't approve of that behavior. She will get better though.

 

[oranges]

Jinx is still reacting the same, if not a little worse. She is very aggressive towards him, snarly and trying to get at him through the baby gate when they are introduced. It's so sad-- he is super adorable and thinks it's a game. He thinks it's all play so he'll run away and then come bounding back and then roll over while she's growling and being evil. At this point, I would never consider allowing them to meet face to face-- I'm afraid that she would actually attack. Well if being a super b*tch is normal behavior then she's being perfectly normal

On a totally separate note, I have been having very itchy eyes and a runny nose for the past few days. Is it possible to have allergies to some cats and not others? Has anyone had experience with this? I found an article that says yes, but I find that pretty weird. This is an adventure, that's for sure. Hopefully the symptoms are a fluke and Jinx will get along w/ the little cutie and everything will work out.

 

[Missy]

Oranges, give both cats a bath. I had a similar reaction when I first got a couple of my kitties and the bath helped.

Give jinx more time to get used to snuggles. She has to learn he is part of the family and sometimes it takes time. I don't remember how long Frankie went around hissing at everyone when we introduced new fur babies but she eventually learned they were family and is in love with all of them now. It just takes time. Fingers crossed!

 

[oranges]

Oranges, give both cats a bath. I had a similar reaction when I first got a couple of my kitties and the bath helped.

Give jinx more time to get used to snuggles. She has to learn he is part of the family and sometimes it takes time. I don't remember how long Frankie went around hissing at everyone when we introduced new fur babies but she eventually learned they were family and is in love with all of them now. It just takes time. Fingers crossed!

Good suggestion, I'll give them baths today! Hopefully won't get too many scratches. I'm glad I'm not crazy. I thought that people were either allergic to cats or weren't. I had never even considered the possibility.

Jinx does need more time-- I think she is just especially territorial. The trial period is 2 weeks-- that should be enough time to see if she is capable of acting *civil* towards him!! I'm sure they won't be best friends, but I should be able to see if they can live with one another. I really appreciate your support- this process has just overwhelmed me for some reason!

 

[Missy]

You're so welcome Oranges. It is very overwhelming so don't be hard on yourself. I remember how stressful it was when we were introducing the new kitties. I was very anxious and worried. Sending big hugs and lots of kitty dust your way!

 

[Haven]

You're so welcome Oranges. It is very overwhelming so don't be hard on yourself. I remember how stressful it was when we were introducing the new kitties. I was very anxious and worried. Sending big hugs and lots of kitty dust your way!

I agree--you are doing great!

I can't wait for your update when they're getting along and cuddling together in window sills!

 

[oranges]

Oh you guys rock! I feel better after posting about my "first world problems" here.

Well, I gave him a bath and WOW that was an ordeal to say the least. Just getting him downstairs to the bathroom was a mess. He is terrified of the cat carrier since coming home (I guess) and he freaked out and now I have two huge scratches on my neck. So I gave him a few minutes to gather himself again, and caught him in a towel and swaddled him. He responded very well to swaddling! This kept him secure enough so that I could transport him downstairs and into the safety of the bathroom. Meanwhile, Jinx was STALKING the outside of his room. I slipped past her with him all bundled in a towel, she didn't notice ... so I left the door open so that she could explore his space. The bath took forever, he is so afraid of water. I had to cup some water in my hand and then pretend to pet him while getting him wet at the same time! I would do that once, and he would hide under the tub... then for the shampoo, he hated that and the rinsing was the worst. By this time, he was completely fed up, so even the water petting trick was a difficult maneuver! I hope that I got all of the shampoo out. By the end, the entire floor was wet and the poor little guy was traumatized under the tub . Who would have thought bathing a super laid back kitten would be that crazy? I suppose this is why people generally don't wash their cats!!!!!

I don't think I'll be repeating this with Jinx! She's very clean and pretty much smells delicious. It's weird how good she smells---ever since she was a baby she has almost a sweet smelling odor-- is it weird that I smell my cat when we cuddle?

He did smell kinda bad-- so maybe I was reacting to something on him instead of the little guy himself? We shall see! Bath accomplished! PHEW! Hopefully the symptoms will disappear. Maybe Jinx will react better to him since he won't be as stinky? The would be AWESOME!

 

[oranges]

So a not so great update: It's been a week and they have been interacting through a baby gate for the past few days. Just when it started to look a bit playful, Jinx jumped over the gate into Ranger's room. Instead of making a big deal of it, we just decided to watch and see what happened. Well, she freaked out. She started snarling and growling and he thought she was playing when she clearly was NOT. It got a bit ugly, but no one got hurt. We had to trap Ranger and take him into a separate room while I got Jinx sorted out. She was so upset that she kept running away from me and wouldn't even let me touch her. Finally I lured her down stairs by jingling her favorite toy, but even then she just ran right by me. It was a terrible night
I was starting to feel better when it looked like they were playing through the gate, but now I'm wondering if Jinx is just one of those cats who truly is better off alone. I really want her to love having a kitty companion, but some cats just don't like other cats. She is a people cat--hasn't met a single person that she doesn't like! Ranger is a wonderful kitten, and I know he will find a home. Even if this doesn't work, he is with a rescue organization and he will be in a loving foster home until he gets adopted. I'm still going to keep trying, but if this persists, I'm going to have to give him back. I don't want to live in a house with two bickering cats, I'd rather have one happy cat. SIGH.

 

[LAJennifer]

Any update Oranges? Please don't give up - a week is not long at all. However, these things take time. Jinx is young and she WILL come around eventually. The new scent is what she is reacting to. Once she gets used to his scent, she will calm down. Also, once he gets big enough to "hit her back" you will notice a shift in the better direction. Good luck.

 

[Missy]

Any update Oranges? Please don't give up - a week is not long at all. However, these things take time. Jinx is young and she WILL come around eventually. The new scent is what she is reacting to. Once she gets used to his scent, she will calm down. Also, once he gets big enough to "hit her back" you will notice a shift in the better direction. Good luck.

I agree with Jennifer- a week is really not long enough to know for sure. In time Jinx will get used to having another around. It's like the only child who resents the new sibling for a bit and then gradually accepts and loves the new arrival. Plus, as Jennifer points out as soon as the new kitty learns to stand up for himself things will improve. Continuing to send happy kitty dust your way!

 

[oranges]

Why, as a matter of fact, I do have an update
Jinx and Ranger seem to be getting along pretty well! Things improved dramatically over the last two days when I finally let them just be around one another 24/7 and duke it out. Now they play together and hang out near one another. Hopefully they'll end up being good friends. The only thing that might be problematic is that when they "play", she bites him on his face and neck like a lion that took down its prey and he makes this horrible little noise. So I've been squirting her with the water bottle when I see it happen. Is that normal behavior?
We're taking him to the vet today for a check up and some shots before we fully commit. I want to get his health checked before I sign the papers. He had diarrhea for the past few days and has WAY more eye boogers and ear crud and nose crud than Jinx, so I want to make sure that he is a healthy boy.
I'm excited. I think that it will work out in time and feel 1000X better about the situation. Thank you PSers for your support! It was a rough adjustment period--- hopefully it's on the upswing now!

 

[yssie]

That's a super update oranges!! I guess Jinx is finally getting used to having another cat around I'm sorry Ranger's feeling a bit icky, hopefully it's just kitten stuff and the vet can sort it out quickly!

Garett does the grab-the-neck-from-behind thing to Gretta, and she squeaks so pitifully - I don't know if it's normal or not but I hate it! The other two wouldn't put up with that and he obviously knows it. We squirt him too, and I just cross my fingers that they all play nicely when we're gone... in the four years we've had them they've never actually damaged each other and they get along fine when they're not fighting so I guess it's just us owners being overprotective

I'm so glad you're feeling better and things are looking up!!

 

[Missy]

Happy news Oranges!! That's what I have always done with my new kitties- let them all work it out amongst themselves (with a few interventions when necessary). It seems animals have an easier time dealing with differences than humans if you KWIM! Best of luck for continued success!!!!

 

[oranges]

Thank you Yssie and Missy for the well wishes. I'm just super happy that they are getting along so well
I took Ranger to the vet yesterday and he's healthy. They just gave him some medication to help regulate his digestive system.

I'm so happy to have been able to give a home to another cat.

 

[LAJennifer]

Thank you Yssie and Missy for the well wishes. I'm just super happy that they are getting along so well
I took Ranger to the vet yesterday and he's healthy. They just gave him some medication to help regulate his digestive system.

I'm so happy to have been able to give a home to another cat.

This is wonderful news, Oranges! It won't be long until those two are inseparable. So glad Ranger is happy and healthy. Congrats on your new bundle of joy!

 

[oranges]

Thank you Yssie and Missy for the well wishes. I'm just super happy that they are getting along so well
I took Ranger to the vet yesterday and he's healthy. They just gave him some medication to help regulate his digestive system.

I'm so happy to have been able to give a home to another cat.

This is wonderful news, Oranges! It won't be long until those two are inseparable. So glad Ranger is happy and healthy. Congrats on your new bundle of joy!

Thank you