Cooper is home and he's amazingly sweet and affectionate.
The bad news is Newman got a look at him when I opened the door to exit Cooper's "safe" room and he immediately started to intensely hiss and growl. Since then he initially avoided the door as if he wanted to block Cooper out and pretend he wasn't in there until the last time I went in to visit with Cooper. When I exited this last time he's been lingering nearer the door still hissing and growling.
I'm trying to reassure Newman but we're not off to a good start. I gave him some of his favorite treats near the door, petting him, telling him he's good...he ate his treats and growled the whole time.
I'm worried that Cooper may have a loooong time ahead of him before he can come out.
I figure I shouldn't try any intros until Newman shows non-hissing, non-growling interest at the door? Any tips on where we go from here are welcomed!
Awww Newman doesn't realise it's his new brother behind the door! As far as I know, Newman's behaviour is quite common and should subside with time. It's good he's still eating his treats, even tho he's not happy with Cooper. I'd definitely leave introductions until he's at least stopped hissing and growling. The only suggestion I have is to swap blankets/toys between the boys so they get used to each other's smell. When do we get to see pics??
I thought I'd leave Cooper's room open for Newman to sniff around tomorrow morning when Cooper goes to the vet. I hope he starts to come around before too long.
I don't think I can post pictures until Thurs. when I'm back at work...I don't know how from my phone.
No reason to worry at this point. Many residents need to assert their positions (and most newcomers are quite willing to let them be number one). You just do not want things to get out of hand. Keep them apart for now and then let Newman in the safe room alone to sniff around. Your plan is fine. Once you get to being in each other's presence, you can watch Cooper's reaction to gauge how serious Newman's display really is. If he freezes or slowly backs away, then he feels at risk. However, still keep him protected from a too aggressive response.
Can you e-mail pics from your phone? If so, you can e-mail pics to me and I'll be happy to post them for you. I'll PM you my e-mail address in case you want to try that.
Thanks, Jan. Do I wait on any face to face until Newman seems both interested and not-hissing by the door no matter how long it takes? I have a feeling he may stop hissing and growling at the door in a day or two but he might never get to playing under the door (?)
Well, I read that you should do the introductions by smell for some days, until they are totally comfortable with that, before introduce them, and the first times should be with something between, like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZXosgI7H...r_embedded
I wish that they become good friends soon!
You will have a feel of how quick to move and as long as you protect against a real skirmish by holding Cooper or blocking Newman, then it will be easy to just go back a step and then move forward again. Some cats will display until they actually have a face to face and are convinced the newcomer understands. There is no rush and there is no real risk in trading bedding or exploring spaces with the other absent. You will tell from day to day how fast things seem to be progressing and when you can hold Cooper in Newman's presence and see how he responds. (By the way, do not be surprised if Newman is hissy with you also. It is not unusual with multiple resident cats that the one asserting dominance will get upset with the others also - and the people.)
I'm seeing big progress this morning! Newman seems curious now instead of angry and afraid. He ate well this morning (he'd been eating less since Cooper arrived Sunday) and he wants to go in the safe room. Now he sits at the door without hissing or growling and when I come out, he'll purr when I pet him.
They can't meet until Cooper finishes his ear mite medicine this weekend but I'm feeling a lot better about it now and glad Newman is returning to normal.
That's great! I hope the face-to-face introduction goes smoothly