How do I separate a new cat from an old one in a 1 bedroom flat?

Question

I've had my current 2 year old cat for4 months now. He's fiv and is therefore kept indoors. He doesn't mind this but seems a bit lonely. When I adopted my current cat I discussed the idea of getting a second pet. However, i've been researching introducing a new cat and it involves a lot of separation. I live in a one bedroom flat that would be big enough for us all eventually, but as my cat currently has run of the whole house, I don't think he'd like being excluded from the bedroom for 10-21 days. Is there any solution? I'm worried that if my cat feels excluded he may get stressed. Also the reason that I think my cat might be a little lonley is that I work during the week. I'm worried about how long i'd have to take off to make this work.

Answer 1

i have an 8 year old cat and i got another one. What I did was put the new cat in a cat carrier so that they could smell each other but not get into a fight. I would take the other cat to feed it and let it drink water and use the litter box, then I would put it back. In about 3 days the hissing and spitting from both cats stopped. I gave them seperate bowls to eat and drink from.

They get along but, they do have an occasional spat. But for the most part they get along just fine.

As long as you feed the other cat and make sure it has water, you can leave it in the carrier. you may have to give it a bath if it messes in the carrier.

You don't have to take off from work if you do this on a Friday, Sat and Sun. Put the other cat in the bathroom when you leave for work on Monday and when you get home, see how they get along together.

Answer 2

they're more like guidelines and not really this must be so. If the cats end up having serious issues with each other then go back to the guidelines, but honestly, start by placing the new cat in an isolated area for the first couple of days or even day. don't necessarily take the cat out of the room, but leave the door open a crack. Curiosity will take effect and eventually they will meet. It will take a few weeks for them to adjust to each other, but eventually the hissing and spitting will be half hearted and a game of tag will ensue. DO however make sure that there is a place that your original cat can get to that the new one cannot. Just in case he needs a respite from the other kitty. I would also reccomend that you get a female kitten or a kitten at the very least, that way there isn't too much territorial rights and dominancy issues.

Answer 3

To have the most success with introducing them, put the kitten in the bedroom and the cat in the living room - make sure they both have food, water, toys, a place to sleep and a litter box. Keep them separate for a few days until the kitten is adjusted to its new surroundings - you will know this when it is eating, drinking, peeing and pooping regularly, plus if it comes out of hiding (or doesn't hide) when you enter the room. By the way, because cats have such a stronger sense of smell than humans do, both of them will know the other one is there immediately. Once the kitten is ready, the first thing to do is to switch them for about ten minutes - let the kitten explore and let your cat in the bedroom. You are getting them used to each other's scent. Do this a couple more times in the next couple of days. It's then time to meet in person - the best way is to have one person hold each cat while being in the same room. Don't let them touch - keep them about six-eight feet away from each other. Do this for five-ten minutes - make sure both people involved to not look at the cats. Assuming those visits go well, they can then meet in person, but supervised. If it goes well, let them be. You can expect a little hissing, especially from your six-year old, throughout this process, and that is ok. But if it esclates (ears turned back, growling, prolonged hissing), you'll have to go slower with this. Good luck.

Answer 4

First of all I applaud you for doing so much research on this and wanting this to go so well!
I have done this process several times. I have found that it doesn't take as long as they say. Consider your bathroom the extra room. Lock the new one in there, following the "rules" you have been reading.
If you are thinking of getting a kitten, that would be great. I always found that my older cats did best with a kitten ( I have males)Try the separation for just 2 days and then bring them together when you're home and only separate them when you're at work. I think you're going to find that will work well. You'll beable to tell how well their doing when their together with you. I don't think you'll need to miss any work. :)
Good luck to you. And bless you for wanting whats best for your cat. You're going to do great!

Answer 5

Make sure the current cat gets lots of attention to show him that he is still number 1 cat. I have never had any problem introducing a new cat. The resident cat knows all the places he can go to get away if he wants. If it appears that they really want to fight, you may have to separate them for a few days whenever you are gone. I have never had to wait more than a few days for the situation to settle itself.

Good luck.

Answer 6

Don't take any time off of work. Get the new one on your "Friday" and try not to stress. They will growl, hiss, bark(yes cats bark), and may even fight physically. That is how they establish the pecking order. Since you've stated your cat is a male, I would suggest getting a female. In the animal kingdom, the males are in charge and the females may grouse about it but they accept it. It will be harder on you than them:-).

Answer 7

I just introduced a kitten to my adult cat. It took about three days for them to meet face to face. Then another three days or so to trust them together enough to let them out and have run of the house.
If you don't want to lock up your cat in your bedroom. or visa versa, you might want to consider using a large kennel for the new cat, big enough for a small litter pan, food and water.

Answer 8

I just let my cats fight it out themselves once they came to an agreement as to which one was the leader they got on fine and I was in a one bedroom flat.

Answer 9

Cats will get along , they just need time to hiss, grawl and act like they do not like each other. If they see each other enough, both will learn there is nothing to be afraid of, they will start to play together, eat together and sleep together. They will get use to each other. Patience.

Answer 10

Velcro booties for one cat, and wooly ceiling paper.

Fact is, after about 72 hours they'll organise it between themselves. I bet they'll both eat in the same room at dinnertime !