I am thinking of taking in a new cat who currently needs a new home, I already have two female cats and before I definately say that I will take on this other male cat (he's been done) I want to look at the possible complications it may cause and how I would go about introducing him to my own cats? Another concern I have is that he currently only lives just down the road so I am concerned he'll keep going back to his current owners
2006-09-28 01:12:46 · 11 answers · asked by Lou C 2 in Pets ➔ Cats
Here is what I have done successfully three times now. On the way home with the new cat, stop at a friends house and drop off the cat in a carrier with them. Wash your hands really well up to the elbows before leaving and spritz lightly with perfume. go on home.
Have the friend come over about a half hour later, bringing the cat carrier with them. Invite them in, and have a good 1-2 visit with new kitty on the floor in the carrier. ACT like nothing is amiss, no new to see here. Of course your cats will be all in shock!! but play it cool.
Then, the friend leaves and FORGETS the new cat. Imagine that!! You have not been blamed at all. Slightly open the door if all seems well, but pay no attention whatsoever to this new rude mooch!!
The most important thing is to ignore all howling growling and screeching unless then there is outright blood shed then you may accidentally drop a pan LOUDLY on the floor to break it up. The noises are always more alarming than what is actually occurring, so stay cool.
it has worked for me with kitten\adult, two females adults adn two male adults. you just haev to NOT FREAK.
2006-09-28 01:43:29 · answer #1 · answered by turtle girl 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is a very tricky situation and one that I have dealt with a few times. Vets say to keep them separated and gradually introduce them to one another over a period of time. Of course the cat that has been there is going to be a little resentful of the new occupant. It is hard to keep the new cat in solitary confinement. Once the new cat has established that his home is now with you I doubt that he/she will go back to the current owners. Food is a big drawing point for any cat, once you feed them they are pretty much yours for life. Good luck
2006-09-28 08:21:06 · answer #2 · answered by jhglittergirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, you'll need to keep him inside for about a month.
Keep him confined initially to one room away from the other cats. Give him time to smell the other cats and get use to it, and the same goes for your girls. The will probably investigate each other through the door (or under the door). Leave them like this for about a week and then slowly introduce him to the others, letting him feel his way. There will more than likely be a fight but it will settle down.
2006-09-28 08:17:51 · answer #3 · answered by sarah071267 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
introduce them one day at a time one cat at a time and understand cats have to adjust being in a different place with different people and animals when i moved it took one of my cats 2 weeks before he finally settled down and if you treat the new cat better than the previous owner he'll probally won't go back and if he did at least you would have an idea where he went
2006-09-28 08:32:10 · answer #4 · answered by barbara b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can be sure that if he remains an outdoor cat he will go back to the previous owner. Keep him in a pen for a couple of days where he can be exposed to your other cats. They will howl and hiss until they get use to his presence in the house. Eventually bring him out and hold him near you other cats, and then allow him to roam the house. Once he gets his scent in your home he will be less likely to expect his meal at his former home.
2006-09-28 08:18:36 · answer #5 · answered by twoshotjudy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them all be together in your house make sure theres lots of water and food , and the cats will work it out on there own, the ones you have now will let the new one know who's boss and as soon as that is settled they will be good , and that should only take maybe one day! they will get use to each other and probably even like each other!!!
2006-09-28 08:25:22 · answer #6 · answered by Pompin Jo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you give him a few days he'll just end up getting along with your two females and if you worried about him going down the street to his previous owners keep him inside for a month or two
2006-09-28 08:20:55 · answer #7 · answered by violent_j8205 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Uh, there is no good way to tell your girls there is a new fellow moving in. Just bring the fellow in, show him the litter box and turn him loose. They will introduce themselves. Still love on your girls, but give your new fellow some attention too, in front of them. This helps them understand that he now belongs there too. Don't let him outside for at least 2 weeks. Then he will know this is his new home. Good luck with this and I hope it works out for all of you. Remember, it will take a couple of weeks for everything to settle down, but it will settle down.
2006-09-28 08:53:24 · answer #8 · answered by Barbara W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sarah is totally right... they will be sniffing under that door at each other all the time! if you dont, they will fight constantly! we had that happen with our two cats... they still hate each other. I wish we would have done it slower.
2006-09-28 08:20:32 · answer #9 · answered by whaaatthe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it takes time, they fight at first, but they will get it out of their system.
2006-09-28 09:26:25 · answer #10 · answered by Hero-Of-Ages 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋