introducing a new cat

[farewellfigure]

Hello

My niece is arriving tomorrow with a 3yr old spayed female cat that she can no longer keep (very sad). We have a 12yr old spayed female cat. Some people advise us to keep the new cat in the spare room and swap food bowls, toys over etc to let them get used to each other for THREE WEEKS!!! Others say to introduce them straight away and let them get on with it. Any advise from you guys? Thanks

I had a 5 year old male (neutered) cat when I took in a stray (female) kitten and he hated her at first sight.
I kept them in separate rooms when I was out and at night as he used to jump on her and bite and I was actually scared he would kill her. I let them socialise when I was there and only separated them when I felt he was being too rough.
I'm afraid to say it took almost a year before they got to like each other and now 3 years on they are good friends.

You can get plug in things from the vet that release fumes that relax and calm the cats down, then you can slowly lower the dose until you can take it away and they are fine. Also we were advised by the vey to put a small amount of 'Rescue 'Remedy' in their water, this also de-stresses them and is herbal so no nasty chemicals either and completely safe.

We introduced a new cat a couple of days ago but just let them all get on with it instead of slowly introducing. They are all fine with each other now.

The best you can hope for is they will tolerate each other, but at first sight they will usually hate each other.

1. buy feliway and spray it everywhere or plug ina diffuser.

2. make a new 'pathway' so both cats can get to food / water/ litter tray / door without having to cross the path of the other - you can do this with bookshelves or furniture. When a cat crosses another's terretory they like to be high up which is why they always walk along the to of fences.

3. do have a hide away for both cats where they can get away from each other.

4. try feeding them at the same time and gradually move food bowls together

5. get an old towel to 'stroke' both cats with so their smells get mixed up

Good luck