I have 5 cats at home now, the 5th one being a recent addition- a persian cat, the type I've waited for, for a very long time. But it's a male, and so are 3 of my other cats, so the persian is extremely territorial. And it hisses and bites the other cats when they come close to where it is. Can I handle all 5, by somehow keeping the persian and the others in separated quarters of the house? Should I send the persian because it doesn't get along even though I've longed to have a persian since I was a little kid? Or should I send away some of the old cats to accomodate the new one?
2006-09-03 14:00:16 · 12 answers · asked by Shifani 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
I love the old cats much more than the new one because I've had them for a longer time, and the persian's been in my home for just a few weeks. So this is why I can't just chose which one I like better, the old or the new.
2006-09-03 14:06:43 · update #1
When I say 'send the cat away' I don't mean to just throw them on the streets or whatever- I mean sending them to be adopted by one of my friends who also loves cats.
2006-09-03 14:11:44 · update #2
Are all your cats spayed and neutered? That makes it easier for them all to get along.
If you didn't do a gradual introduction, then separate the newest addition now back to a small area like a bathroom. Wait at least a week to see if everyone calms back to normal. If not, then return the newest addition to its source.
Statistically speaking, you are guaranteed irreconciliable differences between two or more members of your household as you move into the 5-7 range. To avoid the worst problems, stay below those numbers.
When you do add to your household, plan a gradual introduction:
http://www.geocities.com/nyc_sr/introduction.html
2006-09-04 03:27:14 · answer #1 · answered by catlady 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have adopted 5 cats. You can't just "get rid of" them. They are your family now. Separate the new-comer with a gate somehow. I had a similar problem once and I put up a screened door between the kitchen and the laundry room and kept the newcomer in the laundry. He could see the others, but not get to them. When I was home I'd let him out a little each day. Eventually, he learned to live with the others. They were never great friends, but they did peacefully co-exist. Oh, and if the newcomer isn't neutered...take it to the vet and get the job done. He will be sweeter and mark territory less if you do.
2006-09-03 21:08:57 · answer #2 · answered by Wiser1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you've only had the persian for a few weeks, I'd give it a little more time. Don't force interaction between him and the other cats, let them work things out on their own. At most, maybe they'll get to a point where they'll at least tolerate each other....then you won't have to get rid of any of them. But if it comes down to getting rid of any, I'd say the persian. I'd never let a new cat usurp my resident cats' status in my home.
2006-09-03 21:33:48 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this may solve your problem! Three years ago I adopted a male stray who quickly "took over" the household, attempting to beat up my first male cat and one of my females at every opportunity. My vet suggested a depo-provera injection, and the difference was apparent within two days! It affects the part of their brain that controls aggression. Here's the best part---they only need the injection three times a year. The only side effect seems to have been a bit of a weight gain on my kitty's part, but my household is peaceful and everyone's happy :)
2006-09-03 21:58:26 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you should get rid of any of your cats, they all have a place to call home. It just takes time for them to get used to a newcomer. We have a cat my husband found as a stray, and our first cat (older male) hated the kitten (female). It took a while, but now they are best buddies, and play together all the time. We did keep them separated at first, and let them slowly get used to each other. Good luck!
2006-09-03 21:08:04 · answer #5 · answered by Starscape 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
how long have you had the persian? sometimes cats just takes a few weeks or a month or more to get used to eachother. try using a water bottle on the stream option and squirt them when they start fighting. neutering helps alot, removing the testes takes away the source of testosterone which makes them territorial and horny.
2006-09-03 21:05:53 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Give them time to get used to each other. My cats reacted in the same way when they were first introduced to the cats already at home. In about a month or so they will be one happy family of kitties.
2006-09-03 22:01:43 · answer #7 · answered by beelziesluv@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would keep all them for at least a month or so longer to see if they all will get along it may take time for them to get to know each other....i have alot of cats and they hiss at each other but they also love each other i take strays in all the time so just give it time and see. hope i helped ya
2006-09-03 22:20:17 · answer #8 · answered by shasha3098 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will take time and patience, but as the others have pointed out, you can teach them to coexist peacefully.
You can keep your newcomer persian as well as your 5 loyal, loving buddies. :-)
2006-09-03 21:33:08 · answer #9 · answered by Ragdoll Kitty 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eventually all the cats will learn to coexist. Don't get rid of any of them, they will probably meet a very fateful demise. They will never truly be friends, but they will coexist. Just give it time.
2006-09-03 21:06:32 · answer #10 · answered by *Larry P. he's for me* 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋