How To Introduce A New Cat into a Household that already has a cat (or two or three)
By Christine Crowley, 21st Feb 2012 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutGuidesPetsCats
I've tried this method and it works! I introduced a tabby cat, who I rescued from being taken to the SPCA, into my household of two Siamese cats, my husband and me.
It's easy and, for the most part, it worked just fine.
How To Introduce A New Cat into a Household that already has a cat (or two or three)
I was perfectly happy with my two Siamese cats. They ran the household and I knew it. They were, and are, my buddies. Sleep with me, follow me everywhere - and I do mean everywhere. There's not a moment they are out of my sight. But then one day .....
I was sitting outside on my garden bench outside my townhouse. A heard a very loud m e o w. Poor Pumpkin was in a trap - not a cage but a trap. I could not believe it. He belonged to a neighbor who passed away and her husband didn't want the cat at all. My neighbor who died kept him outside except for the coldest nights in winter. She got him a cat "teepee" and blankets to keep him warm. Everyone in the neighborhood knew Pumpkin. He would visit and beg for food - and, of course, we fed him.
Anyway, I ran down to the trap and the man from the SPCA was walking towards his truck. I grabbed the trap and said - You can't take this cat - he has a name, he has a home, he has lots of home. He got on his cell phone and called his manager who called our condo manger who came driving down quickly. She said I could have him if I kept him inside. OK I said, without thinking too clearly.
I put Pumpkin in the guest room, with a litter box,food and water. The poor cat collapsed and slept for three days, I swear. The Siamese knew something was up and smelled at the guest room door but I would not let them in. After a week or so, I let Pumpkin out of the guest room and put the Siamese kitties into the guest room to smell Pumpkin. I did this for two or three days - not letting them meet face-to-face. Finally I opened the door for them to meet face to face. OK - I said. Here come the fireworks! But, you know, it wasn't as bad as one would think. Sure there were a few little spits and spats but no major battles. Pumpkin knew he was low cat on the totem pole and rolled over and put his tummy in the air. Pumpkin is older than the Siamese but he knew he was a new-comer.
It's been two years now since Pumpkin came to live with us and there is not a day when I'm unhappy about giving Pumpkin a home. He is a very sweet tabby cat and smart as a whip. He ventures outside only for an hour or so a day and asks to come back inside. He knows when he has it made!
So, if you want to introduce a cat to your cats, try this method. It truly works. Happy cat - ing!
Comments
21st Feb 2012 (#)
We have 6 cats. One we moved here with, one was left by his owner, and four who have shown up over time - wild - we got them fixed and introduced them slowly too - it is much better this way.
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21st Feb 2012 (#)
Wow! Six. And you introduced them slowly! good for you. They are in "cat heaven"
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22nd Feb 2012 (#)
That is such a lovely story. We had our son's cat come to live with us a few years ago, against our wishes. Said we'd give it a go, but if our cat objected the new one would have to go. You know what, I think cats can sense when another is in need. Those two became close friends
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22nd Feb 2012 (#)
N i c e. Yes, cats do sense when another is in need. glad it worked out for the kitties!
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22nd Feb 2012 (#)
very useful and interesting, thanks for sharing!
^_^
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22nd Feb 2012 (#)
sounds gre8
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23rd Feb 2012 (#)
Lovely story, thanks christine...:))
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