My cat got lost. I adopted a new one. My cat came back, and now they dont get along?

Question

My cat disappeared over 3 weeks ago. I went to the pound every other day for 3 weeks and still no sign of her. I felt bad for a kitten and adopted it and the same day i did that my old cat returns ( Im happy) but now they have been hissing at each other for days now. What can I do to help them get along. They wont even get within several feet of each other. Any advise?

Answer 1

Hi there...cats need time when being introduced to one another. It's best to keep them apart at first (usually a week is enough time) in order to feel they have control of their space and feel safe. Then switch them to each other's rooms/space so that each can smell the other cats presence. Later leave the door opene and observe them coming into the same room. If they begin to express aggression try distracting them with a toy or a food treat that isn't their normal meal food. This sometimes helps a cat to relax their aggression and focus on something that is more worthwhile. If one cat engages in the play and the other wants to as well, allow them to take turns by moving the toy in far apart directions so they don't feel they are overcrowding one another. Playing with an interactive toy over a lengthy time has shown to help cats become more tolerant of the adoptive feline friend. Have some patience as every cat relaxes sooner than others. This truly takes time and patience. Cats are naturally solitary animals so it takes time to introduce them to a new roommate.

Answer 2

First off I LOVE that icon you have, i have that pic too.
Well first things first- get them seperated. I know its unbearable to litsen to he whines and cries of the cats, but just do it. Wash everything but your old cats 'spots' like a blanket or something he'd cozy up with. Make the house anew. Let the new one have 98% of the territory in the house. Bring out the new one ( in a cage or carrier) and just let the sniffing begin. I wouldnt let them have to much time together for awhile, because the older cat knows hes been replaced ( in his head). And the older ones probably been thru some sort of mental trauma. Some cats when gone for that long get their feral side back to them, and hes probably going to need alot of your hard work to help him re-adjust, and what not. Youve really gotta let things take their time here. Dont let them both out to run and play, its obiously not working, and they are establishing a bad start. U need to help the older cat realy feel welcome home again, and let him know the place is still his, and not the new comer. Then once thats been done should you really 'introduce' the 2, assumg they are starting to get along thu the cages/carrier. If things don't work out, PLEASE return the kitten to a cat rescue shelter. They'll find him a good home. Good luck, feel free to contact me with anything.

Answer 3

it might just take time. they will adjust. my sister just adopted a grown cat. she had a 6 year old dog but thought, why not. I took the hamster. at first the same as you. dog would chase the cat til it would turn and hiss. now 2 months later and they are best friends. cat chases the dog and rides him like a pony. then cuddle up for a nice nap together. too cute!

take one cat and hold and caress then the other. your smell on each will help. please don't put your cats out. keep them inside because they usually die from cars, disease or people killing them. plus it is nasty digging in your garden and coming up with cat poo. worse smell in the world. dogs aren't allowed to wonder the streets, cat should not be either. kitties need love and tender care. they are a delicate creature with the most beautiful eyes. shame i am allergic or i would have a house full.

Answer 4

Get a dog. Just kidding. If the cats aren't hurting each other, then there isn't a problem, they may never get along. Is your old cat fixed? If the old cat is a male they generally don;t like kittens. Two females or two males might take awhile to get along.

Answer 5

Play with them together. Toss their toys so that they have to get near each other. The older cat needs to be "top cat" and teach the newcomer the rules. It just takes time. If you can't wait, take the kitten back to the pound and hope he gets new folks.

Answer 6

You said kitten. If your first cat is grown then it's just the older one letting the youngster know who's boss. They will probably learn to get along pretty soon after old cat sees she hasn't been replaced and new kitten feels more at home.

Answer 7

put the kitten in a small room by itself and allow them to meet by sniffing paws under the doors.. - no face to face visits for at least one week - the kitten will need a litter box of its own anyhow because the rule of thumb is one litter box per cat anyhow..

ok so for a week allow them this access.. then allow them to meet when you can supervise them - for another week keep the kitten in the room at night or when you are away.. it might be more than a week you will have to play it by ear when you think they are safe together.. your cat needs time to adjust to being home and to the new comer
the hardest thing will be feeding since kittens need kitten food and adults need adult food...
I am glad you cat came home and glad you were smart enough to look for her, and glad you rescued another -hope it all works out

Answer 8

You can't force cats to adjust any quicker than they are gonna do on their own. After 6 months I still have one cat who can't stand the 'new' cat and will attack without warning. I have however taught her to get in a kennel after she has attacked and I am at home. She'll get in the kennel and she knows she will be there awhile, but she will still attack him????????

Just show both of them that you love them both and don't favor one.

Whatever you do for one do for both and let them know you have room in your life for two special friends. Pray for the best. Good Luck!

Answer 9

It can take a while, one of my cats had a very hard time getting used to my other. She would hiss and be grumpy with us for bringing another one in, no their best buds and even groom each other.

Answer 10

Give it some time. They will eventually get used to each oter. In the mean time, keep an eye on them to make sure that they don't hurt each oter, especailly the adult kitty hurting the kitten. Good luck!.