1. The new (9-month-old, neutered) cat is currently in a room in th basement; our (one-year-old, very recently neutered) current cat doesn't have the right to go in the basement so far. Can we let him go in the basement and let the cats talk through the door? (Kiwi arrived just yesterday, is it too soon?)
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2007-01-19 01:20:18 · 6 answers · asked by wbd! 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
One day is not enough time for the cats to get used to each other.
The best and safest way to introduce cats is to take it VERY SLOWLY.
It's fine to let the cats talk through the door.
This is the way we've always introduced new cats to our home and we've never had any problems.
Keep the new cat in a room with toys, food, water, litter box and a blanket to sleep on away from the resident cat.
Make sure you spend plently of time with each cat.
Everyday let the new cat out into the house with the older cat for a little while...first day one hour, second day two hours and so on.
But never leave them unattended...like don't leave the house or anything.
Also take two towels and rub each cat with one.
Give the towel you rubbed cat "A" with to cat "B"...give Cat "B's" towel to cat "A", that way they get used to the smell of each other.
Also put a drop of vanilla between the shoulder blades of both cats and at the base of each cats tail...that way they smell alike.
My Vet is the one who told me how to do this and it's worked everytime...we have four cats.
Good luck.
2007-01-19 02:35:46 · answer #1 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One of the classic techniques for handling this is to briefly "exchange" the placement of the cats - maybe for one, two days. The new cat comes up from the basement to explore the house and he will get acquainted with the "smell" of the resident cat. When you do that the resident cat goes to the basement by himself for an hour or so to pick up the smell of the new cat. Just for an hour or so at a time.
You can email me if you have other questions.
2007-01-19 02:03:40 · answer #2 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The two of them will, eventually work out their differences. It may take time. They need to establish their hierarchy. Each cat is different.
I have three and it took about 2.5 years for the older one and the adopted one to actually be together on the same bed. Not cuddled up, but about 2 feet away, that's a good sign.
The adopted one would chase the other one and he would cower but the adopted one would drop on his side in a submissive position to say, I want to play, not hurt.
They will eventually work out their differences. I've heard it said to rub the senses together so they know that the kitty is there to stay.
Kiwi, what a cute name. Really like that.
Perhaps you could consult a cat website for further assistance if you encounter problems.
Best of luck.
2007-01-19 01:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by kidlet_animal_luv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
One day is too soon. You need to give the new cat time to adjust to his new environment before introducing them, and then the introduction should be gradual - please read this article:
http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintroductions
I know it's hard to wait, but it's well worth the effort of taking things slowly to ensure that the introduction is done properly, so they'll get along well after they're introduced and not have problems later.
Good luck!
2007-01-19 01:38:57 · answer #4 · answered by Bess2002 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on your cats. All my cats always met face to face right off the bat and some got along right away and with some it took time.
2007-01-19 01:25:50 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see why you didn't let them be together right off the bat. I did with my cats. They were fine.
2007-01-19 01:29:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋