How to Introduce a New Cat to Our Cat Coco

[loriken214]

We adopted the most amazing kitty from the Houston SPCA, in February of this year, and we would love to adopt another kitty. Coco is 4 years old and is declawed in the front (her former family did this to her) and we are looking to adopt another adult female who is declawed in front so they will be compatable.

How should we introduce them at first? Coco''s profile said she was used to other cats, but we don''t want to stress her out. She tolerates our two dogs, but they are mostly separated and do not interact very much. They all prefer it that way.

The cats we''re looking at have all had experience with other cats so it looks like it may not be a problem, but any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Lori

 

[brazen_irish_hussy]

The most important thing you can do is give the new cat a room she can retreat to so she can feel safe. The room should have food, a box and a place to sleep. If possible, getting bedding or something the new cat has slept on and giving it to Coco will make her familiar with the smell and less threatening, same goes visa versa. Some people use feliway to soothe the cats but I have not tried it.

Just remember it may take time. Some cats are instant friends and for others it seems to take an eternity, but if my parents'' ca Dutch could adjust, any cat can.
Good luck and I demand pictures when you get a chance

 

[bee*]

It definitely can take a while for cats to get used to each other. The main thing is to do it slowly. Before you get your new cat, even if you can get a blanket or something like that with the scent of the new cat on it and introduce it to Coco so she gets used to the smell. If you have glass doors at all, then let them see each other through them first. Give separate litters and bowls and place them in separate locations so that each cat has their own space.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/23/2008 9:06:18 AM
Author: bee*
It definitely can take a while for cats to get used to each other. The main thing is to do it slowly. Before you get your new cat, even if you can get a blanket or something like that with the scent of the new cat on it and introduce it to Coco so she gets used to the smell. If you have glass doors at all, then let them see each other through them first. Give separate litters and bowls and place them in separate locations so that each cat has their own space.

Ditto Beestar and BIH. Time, patience and gradual introduction is what you need - plus nerves of steel to reassure yourself that all the wailing, hissing and hair standing on end is normal! They have to go through this to resolve the new pecking order, but you can help by taking it slowly and being patient. Intervene of course if there appears to be bloodshed, but remember much of the fuss is bluff and will resolve in time.

 

[loriken214]

Thank you SO much!!! I feel better already!

Still shopping for the digital camera and will post photos of the furbabies and jewels as soon as I get one.....

Lori

 

[MishB]

loriken, do a google search and you will get a lot of good information about this, the basics seem to be universally agreed on.

One thing I will add though is be patient and don''t lose hope. We''ve gone through this this year (both adopted shelter kitties) and I have cried buckets when they have fought, thinking they will never be able to tolerate each other. But things are slowly improving and I know now they will eventually get there, even if they never become good friends we will have a harmonious 2 cat household.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/24/2008 3:32:46 AM
Author: loriken214
Thank you SO much!!! I feel better already!

Still shopping for the digital camera and will post photos of the furbabies and jewels as soon as I get one.....

Lori

Glad to help! I have done this so many times over the years, and I have 5 cats living together relatively harmoniously together, and most of them were introduced as adults!