My older housecat Lissy is still not very happy about having Hershey around. When I let them together she still growls and hisses at him and tries to slap him whenever he get's to close. My question to you all is " Would it help if we board Lissy for a few days and then bring her back home " Could we trick her into thinking that Hershey was there first or would she try to take over the house again as soon as she came back home ? Just an idea for now. It has been one week now and we let them together every evening for a good half hour but no improvement yet. Any suggestions are appreciated.....
Cats are social and territorial and introductions can take a while. Usually 2 weeks to 4 weeks on average. The newcomer should have his santuary room where he feels safe. Through the door and brief introduction periods they will get used to each other's scents. Maybe try having the new kitten check out the house while the resident cat checks out his santuary room. Keep them separate but let them get used to the scent of the other cat. After doing this for a few days to a week or so, now they can physically meet. Exposure should be brief, positive, and a safe distance. Maybe give a treat to the resident cat just after the brief meeting if all goes well. This would serve as positive reward and a reason to like each other. Make each session longer and eventually they will be together.
It may take time and let the cats set the pace. Work on the senses one at a time. Scent, Sight, and touch. They will be friends or coexist in peace. It takes time.
Oh so there is hope...LOL...Gail, my female has come around rather quickly....she tolerates Cash, but doesn't want him touching her...such as thinking her tail is a toy....but she isn't aggressive towards him....but my male...well....we have been letting them get together for a short time...then a little longer....Pnut...he hisses...and growls....and doesn't want him to come to close....but sits and watches....he came into Cash's quarentine area today....checked everything out....ate some of his food...LOL..wanted to go into his litter box so he could mark it...but I didn't allow that one....then he slowwwwwwwly moved out...I think he is going to take some time for sure....but you have given me hope....and I hope Birgit too....
Megailee Wrote:Cats are social and territorial and introductions can take a while. Usually 2 weeks to 4 weeks on average. The newcomer should have his santuary room where he feels safe. Through the door and brief introduction periods they will get used to each other's scents. Maybe try having the new kitten check out the house while the resident cat checks out his santuary room. Keep them separate but let them get used to the scent of the other cat. After doing this for a few days to a week or so, now they can physically meet. Exposure should be brief, positive, and a safe distance. Maybe give a treat to the resident cat just after the brief meeting if all goes well. This would serve as positive reward and a reason to like each other. Make each session longer and eventually they will be together.
It may take time and let the cats set the pace. Work on the senses one at a time. Scent, Sight, and touch. They will be friends or coexist in peace. It takes time.
Thanks Gail, as always, you give good advice. I've tried some of your suggestions already, and will practice the others. I'm not giving up quite so easily. Hopefully I will have good news to report in a couple of weeks.
I agree with Megailee these things take time I know we all want our household occupants to get along LOL animals and humans
but in reality this does not always happen straight away
from my personal experience it normally take about 3 to 4 weeks to get good positive interaction wishing you all the best