I’m going to record my experiences with introducing two cats in my household: one four or five month old kitten who has only lived outside and a six-year-old resident feline, Choco, who hasn’t lived with another cat since his shelter days when he was a kitten. He hisses at any cat he sees through the window.
The new kitten awaiting a name
Last night I brought the new kitten home, and my husband distracted the resident feline while I put the new kitten in his own room (which is a bathroom) with all the things he needs.
My husband had the idea that if Choco didn’t see us bring in the new cat, he’d just think it magically appeared! I’m not sure if it matters, but I think not knowing what’s in there is really making Choco curious.
So far, so good. Actually, the night went much better than I expected. I had thought Choco, who hates closed doors, would have yelled at the bathroom all night. Instead, he just sniffed outside the door and his tail fur got really big, what I call the “big tail.” Then he went about his business, but I could tell he knew something was up.
For the most part, both cats are acting normally at this point (day 1). They haven’t seen each other, but I have
The resident feline, Choco
introduced them to scents via wiping one cat with a towel and letting the other cat sniff it. The new kitten didn’t care, but Choco hissed at the towel!
I have no immediate plans to let them see each other. That will wait until after the new kitten has gotten a thorough vet check and Choco is more comfortable with the new cat’s scent. Right now, all I know for sure is that the new kitten is negative for FIV and leukemia. (My favorite vet is on vacation until Monday, so I’m taking him in then.)
Soon, I hope to get the two cats eating close to each other, separated by a closed door. Experts suggest this helps the cats associate the scents with a pleasant activity.
(Image via Peggy Rowland)
Post from: Blisstree