Making Two New Rescue Cats (who are strangers) Comfortable

[Lexjo]

I've just taken in two rescue cats, both from multicat households (20+ cats and 40+ cats - so must have been insane for them).

One is ten years old, an overgroomer and has a sore patch on her back. She suffers from anxiety and gets bored easily. She has been comfort eating too (according to the rescue centre)

The other is four years old and is very quiet and shy.

How can I make them welcome in my home and comfortable with each other? I'm using Feleway Friends. I hope that will help.

How can I make sure they use their own litter trays?

What should I do about feeding?

I've taken them home from the centre today and have given them the run of downstairs. The older one has hissed at the younger one but no violence. The younger one has spent the afternoon hiding under the coffee table, but not cowering. Both have eaten dinner (fed in separate rooms)

Do I just let them get on with it? Would you give them their own rooms for the first few days?

Any advice welcome!

Thank you

I would give separate spaces for a week or so if possible. Let them get over the stress of change and investigate smaller spaces before opening everything up. Regular smaller meals may reassure them and let them come to you, sitting nearby and ignoring cats often gets them approaching you rather than rushing in or trying to touch them.

Since they've already seen each other, I'd just let them get on with it. They are both used to being around cats.
I don't think you can do much about using their own litter trays. As long as they are using one. It'll have to be enough. They might be happy to share anyway. Mine share. Spare trays went unused.

I would let them crack on. Make sure they know they have plenty of comfy hiding places. Keep a decent distance between litter trays too.

You can also do things to help encourage friendship once they feel a bit more settled. I like to make any new interactions a positive experience, so when I had time I put them in a room together with lots of toys and treats. It’s worth just sitting with them and playing, stroking, giving treats

The rescue you adopted from should have advised on this as they know the cats - presumably they thought these two would be a good pairing even though they hadn't met before?

You can't make them use different litter trays; my cats have always shared all the trays in the home by choice (but you should ideally have a tray per cat + one extra).

It's a good sign they're eating, it often takes new cats a good 24-48 hours to feel safe enough to eat, drink and use the litter tray in a new location.

I have separated them like some of you have said. One of them is fine, but the older one is moody. When they see each other I've opened doors and let them walk to each other, Hazel (the younger one) is ok but Bess (the 10 year old) hisses and growls (but doesn't attack.) she is an overgroomer and is wearing a collar so I don't want to stress her out even more.

Both eating and Bess has used the litter tray. Yet to see any poo from Hazel.

I have Feliway plugged in.