Hello.
I've adopted a second cat (Cat 2) - similar temperament and age to my existing cat (Cat 1). However, although I've followed expert advice they're not complying (unsurprisingly - they're cats after all).
The advice to put their food either side of a door or stairgate just isn't working. You can't force cats to eat together. But at least they're now used to each other's scent.
Cat 2 is in the spare room at the moment and when I can keep Cat 1 in the garden she's able to come out and freely wander around the house. Cat to isn't yet microchipped to my address so can't go outside yet.
But when Cat 1 comes back indoors, Cat 2 needs to go back into her room.
There's been one altercation when them when Cat 2 slipped out of her bedroom, went outside but when she tried to re-enter the house Cat 1 chased her off. She came back but Cat 1 had to go to my mum's (where she gets totally spoilt and loves it) for a couple of nights to give Cat 2 space.
For context: I've got a small cottage with a couple of decent sized double bedrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen and 2 bathrooms, and a garden.
Any ideas as to how to give the cats their safe space to get to know each other while keeping them both safe?
I'm going to call a couple of reputable cat shelters for advice too.
Thanks