OT Tips for inducing cats

[168135]

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A friend of mine currently has a young cat and they want to introduce a senior cat into their home. The friend lives in a small apartment, so separating one cat from the other in a different room is not an option.

I was wondering if you had any websites or tips that I can pass along.

Thank you 🙂

 

[nohika]

...I love your title. 😀

 

[168135]

Oh darn it!!!

New computer... not used to the keyboard!

It should be:

Tips for introducing cats

I made three spelling errors typing that out lol

 

[nohika]

Oh darn it!!!

New computer... not used to the keyboard!

It should be:

Tips for introducing cats

I made three spelling errors typing that out lol

No problem. 😛 I just got a good laugh out of it. Hopefully someone else wanders over here to answer your question.

 

[168135]

I got a good laugh out of it too.

If a mod sees this and can change the title, I'd appreciate it

In the meantime... I think I know another place where I can ask this question!

 

[Cautionary Tail]

Is there a bathroom they can use temporarily for separation purposes? In my experience, taking it slow is generally paramount when dealing with cats. Bribery doesn't hurt, either. 😉

I'm not the world's greatest resource on cat intros because all but one of ours have been "reformed ferals" that were socialized in a playpen (oversized crate with climbing room) in the living room... by the time they were ready for freedom, the resident cats were already accustomed to their presence and it was no big deal. The one non-feral's intro was a non-issue because everyone was pretty laid back. Two hisses and they were over it. Hopefully someone with more standard experiences can offer a primer. 🙂

Fingers crossed for a positive introduction!

 

[LMMS]

OMG! I'm cracking up!!!! You have no idea how ready I was to ask what type of crack pot you were working with and then ask why you just don't 'get yourself a fish tank with a lid and dump the kitty into it!' 🤣

OK, now, how 'young' are we talking and how 'senior' are we talking? Also, have either ever lived with other cats prior to this? Small apartments can be really hard for intros; but if the kitties are willing, then it should go smoothly...

The first thing they should do is keep the 'new' kitty in his/her carrier until the resident cat comes to have a sniff - if there's some hissing, they shouldn't be surprised; but if not, they'll have a better time going about things. Also, if they can keep the 'senior' in a bedroom during the day and let the young one have roam of the apartment during the day, it may be helpful.

Two litter boxes are a MUST at the start as are separate eating areas. However, depending upon how small of an apartment your friend has, the distance may not be enough to 'please' the felines.

If all else fails, I like CT's idea about the 'playpen' - those are always a great way to introduce kitties!!

Sorry I can't be of more help - without knowing the personalities of the cats in question, or the layout of the space, it's kind of tough to give good advice.

Best of luck to your friend and the kitties!!!!

 

[168135]

Thank for very much for the advice. I passed it along.

Not sure how big the apartment is. I haven't been there yet, but I'll be there for new years. It's a 2 bedroom. I don't know why they can't place the new cat in the second bedroom. They just moved a couple months ago... maybe it's filled with junk or maybe they don't want a cat to mess up their spare bedroom?

All I know about their current cat is that he's probably around ~6 months, maybe even younger, and extremely active and somewhat aggressive. My friend told me yesterday that he likes to hide under the bed and attack your feet when you walk by.

The new cat is 12 and pretty laid back. My friend lives with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend's dad is in poor health so they've agreed to take the cat. I'm not sure if the senior has lived with other cats in the past. I'm thinking he did.

That's all I know. In the meantime, I'll try to press the friend for some more information.

 

[thedogisgreen]

Don't have anything to add, but have to say I love your title. 😀

 

[Cautionary Tail]

All I know about their current cat is that he's probably around ~6 months, maybe even younger, and extremely active and somewhat aggressive. My friend told me yesterday that he likes to hide under the bed and attack your feet when you walk by.

If he's an extremely active and physical kitten, they might want to focus on extra playtime during the introductory process. Laser pointers, "Da Bird", the "Cat Dancer", teaser toys... whatever it is he goes for that will wear him out. When introducing our senior addition (who passed away a few years ago) to Tyson (who was a hyperactive bundle of PITA at the time), I would run Tyson until he was about to drop before letting them mingle (and a few times a day once they were together 24/7). It really helped keep him from overwhelming her. She was totally laid back and affectionate to a fault, and they ended up absolutely adoring each other.

 

[pumpkinsmom]

Here is a pretty thorough website that was recommended to me by shelter folks when I adopted a second cat and introduced him to an older cat:
http://www.hssv.org/docs/behavior/cat_cattocat.pdf

I did this form of slow introduction even though we were living in a small junior 1-BR apartment. Unless your cats are super laid back (especially the older one who's territory is being invaded) it's pretty much necessary to separate them at first, and get them used to each other's scent. But do plan carefully - If the older cat sleeps with you at night, you need to keep that comfort by not shutting him out of the bedroom at night.

Although our two cats could live together without killing each other, I must admit that they were never really best buddies. The older cat had lived alone for several years and apparently didn't really want to give up that privilege and attention. Make sure you continue to give the older cat plenty of attention and in some cases preference. He did things like pushing the young cat off of cat trees just to claim his territory. Also, I think the younger cat tended to annoy the older as he was often pestering him to play and had a much higher energy level. So anyway, just think about the personalities of the cats.