We have a female cat, 4 years old. We've introduced a 1 year old female. What to do?

Question

The 4 year old is not in need of a lot of attention or affection. She is an outdoor/indoor pet. The newest member is very affectionate and loves attention. It's been 1 week and they can't stand each other. I'm hoping this relationship gets better as time goes on. Any suggestions on what to do? Do you think they will eventually come to terms with each other? And if they don't, then what? We live in a very small house. Thanks.

Answer 1

well, i have brought many outside animals(cats) into an already established home. a week is not too long of a time - they may need a lot more to get used to the fact that they share an area - especially with the 4 year old. she is set in her ways - the alpha cat who got all of the attention and now she has to share her area. that alone would set any cat off. does she have a special treat? i would say when she tends to be exceptionally jealous - give her this treat (whatever it may be) to show her that she is still the alpha.this will give her some one on one attention which she will need during the transition. i know it is tough - but letting them fight a little bit is good for them too - just enough to allow one to show the other who is going to be boss. believe me, i have had to do it and it does work. oh - you can also take two warm wash cloths...wipe both cats down with seperate cloths (just enough to get their scent on it) and then switch, let the 1 year old have the older cats wash cloth and visa versa....not to wash them with it, just for them to smell it. this allows them to get used to each others scents. there are alot of things to try - but being patient is the best for them. it can be a pain, but in the long run it will be soooooooooo rewarding as i am sure you know. good luck - i hope some of this helps.

Answer 2

Hi there...cats sometimes may have a more difficult time making friends as they are territorial by nature. It has to be done gradually in order to help them learn that the other kitty is a friend. Anyhow, here's the advice of how to introduce cats/kittens.

"Slowly" and "Patiently" are the operative words

Although sometimes cats will get along swimmingly in just a couple of hours, you should not be surprised to have a battle on your hands if you try to introduce your new cat too quickly. The time you spend on this all-important process will be saved exponentially by not having to break up conflicts every day. Also, the first couple of weeks can set the tone for the relationship for a long time to come, so "getting it right" the first time will save a lot of hassles later on.

The Steps to Take

Set up a comfortable "safe room" for New Cat. Put her food, water, litter box (not near the food), scratching post, toys, and bed or other sleeping mat there.

Expect a great deal of "hissy-spitty" behavior through the closed door from both cats.

This is natural and normal; they are just starting to explore their "pecking order."

Scent is very important for cats. Let each of them smell the other indirectly, by rubbing a towel on one and letting the other smell it. They will soon accept the scent as a normal part of the house.

Once or twice, switch roles. Put New Cat in the normal living quarters, and let your resident cat sniff out the new cat's Safe Room.

After a day or so, let the two cats sniff each other through a baby-gate or through a barely-opened door. Gauge the rate at which they seem to be acclimating to each other.

When you think they're ready, let them mingle under your supervision. Ignore hissing and growling, but you may have to intervene if a physical battle breaks out. Again, take this step slowly, depending on how quickly they get along. If they do seem to tolerate each other, even begrudgingly, praise both of them profusely.

Make their first activities together enjoyable ones so they will learn to associate pleasure with the presence of the other cat. Feeding (with their own separate dishes), playing, and petting. Keep up with the praise.

If things start going badly, separate them again, and then start where you left off. If one cat seems to consistently be the aggressor, give her some "time out," then try again a little bit later.

The introduction can take from two hours to six months, so don't be discouraged if your cats don't seem to get along well at first. Often the case is that they will eventually be "best buddies."

Factors to Consider

1 - If you are thinking of getting a kitten to keep an older cat company, you might want to consider two kittens. They will be able to keep each other company while the older cat learns to love them.

2- If you already have more than one cat, use the "alpha cat" for preliminary introductions. Once he/she accepts the newcomer, the other resident cats will quickly fall in line.

3- Lots of snuggle-time and attention is indicated for all cats concerned during this period. Remember, the prime goal is to get them to associate pleasure with the presence of each other.
If possible, ask a friend to deliver the new cat to your home, in her cage. You can act nonchalant, as if it's no big deal, then later let your resident cat(s) think it's their idea to welcome the newcomer.

Answer 3

Keep them separate and let them put their scents in separate rooms, then switch them and let them smell the other on the objects in the room. Wipe one with a towel, then wipe the other, then back to the first in order to share their scents. Give them separate food bowls for now. Make sure you give them equal treats, food, and toys. You will need at least two litter boxes because they won't want to share. AT the very least they will learn to tolerate one another.

Answer 4

well since you had the first cat first shes used to being the only one in the house so she may never like the cat unless they get to no each other but that may or may not happin

Answer 5

yeah you should just forget it cats are going to e cats so just let them do with they do