Cats not adjusting to each other, need big time help!

[Badriya]

Hello! Please, any suggestions will be appreciated.
The situation: have a 3 year old female domestic who was previously brought in as a kitten with a now deceased 10 year old boy domestic. She seemed sad and I brought in a girl f4 kitten. They did alright, the domestic was a little overwhelmed but then calmed down. After this we brought in a 9 month old f3 neutered boy (long story) and now all he'll has broken loose. We did the quarantine and tried to get them introduced but apparently failed. My sweet domestic got so stressed out and eventually decided to live on my bedroom cabinet. She would come down for NOTHING. The boy hasn't been overly aggressive from what I can tell, although he is certainly trying to show dominance, and now the domestic will have nothing to do with even the kitten anymore. I now have her in quarantine where she can eat and drink and potty in peace. I visit her but I know this is not a sustainable way for her to have a happy life. I need to get her integrated into my home and I need some help.
Thank you so so so much for any ideas.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

www.thecatcoach.com is the BEST way to make sure you get this right.

Otherwise, I would start introductions again. You don't say how quickly you introduced the F3 boy? Basically, it is a series of steps and anytime one step doesn't go well you step back and do it more slowly again. I think you are going to have to work on increasing your domestic girl's confidence again....

 

[Badriya]

I was thinking the same thing, I have no problem reintroducing but feel lost as to how. I am going to check out that site THANK YOU!!!!

 

[dice]

Whenever introducing a new member to an established fur family, slow and easy is the best approach, imho.!!! When I introduced my F2 twins to a family of 2 F3 5 year olds and a 9 year old domestic, I took 2-3 months before letting the twins out of quarantine, and letting full integration happen.!!!

My domestic is still not thrilled with the twins, and often purrfers to go outside, but when sleep time comes, we are all in bed together. Usually.

Was fortunate that I had a spare master bedroom fur the twins, so would spend as much time as possible with them, while not neglecting the others.

Don't force the issue, take time, and things will usually work themselves out. Heck, this is the third introduction of kittens that my domestic has had to come to terms with. She still is not thrilled with the expansion of the family, but has accepted each and every one.!!!