introduction from Indianapolis

[Patti]

I would strongly advise you to NOT just turn your boy loose with your parent's 18 year old cat, that is a recipe for disaster. In general it takes weeks to properly introduce two cats to each other, so if you don't have the ability to separate them, you may need to rethink how you are going to manage your trip. You may be one of those rare, lucky families where the cats just naturally hit it off, but I would not count on that...

 

[Alex]

I would strongly advise you to NOT just turn your boy loose with your parent's 18 year old cat, that is a recipe for disaster. In general it takes weeks to properly introduce two cats to each other, so if you don't have the ability to separate them, you may need to rethink how you are going to manage your trip. You may be one of those rare, lucky families where the cats just naturally hit it off, but I would not count on that...

Don't worry ... I'm going to be careful, and if they don't get along, we'll keep them in separate rooms.

 

[Alex]

... update on the introduction.

Cyro is being amazing, and what we've been doing is putting him in a cage and letting the resident cat approach, or keeping him in one of the bedrooms for a break. The resident cat will sneak close, look at him, then hiss. Then she'll retreat to a distance to stare. He just watches, and once-in-a-while asks to get out of the cage (he hasn't once acted aggressively towards her). Then, we'll shut her in another room and let him explore/wear off energy. She's purposely used his litter box, but the only thing he's interested in that's hers is her food and her toys. Looks like (unfortunately) they're not destined to be best buds.

 

[Carykd7kau]

Give it some time Alex. They don't always bond quickly. Cyro may be giving her the silent treatment until she shows some signs of friendliness towards him. She hisses. He thinks, "Not gonna cross her. I'm a lover ...not a fighter."

 

[Alex]

I think that is definitely true. She's friendly ... but, hasn't been around other cats (or dogs) for probably about 16-17 years (my parents got her from a shelter). Any ideas on how to make it go more smoothly? I think Cyro is definitely interested in interacting with her, and will even take her approach to the cage laying down, and just watch her (and doesn't hiss back when she hisses) ... just as I guessed she's the issue.

 

[Carykd7kau]

Only thing I can suggest is to let her repeat the cage approach as often as Cyro is willing to do it. You don't want to upset him. Or, it MAY end up he holds resentment for being put in the cage and being hissed at. ( but from what I have seen about him, probably not.)
I am facing a similar situation. But my girl has been a recluse all her life.
There are others here who are much better at Cat minds than I am. Patti and Witchy to mention just a couple.

 

[Alex]

Cyro doesn't mind the cage much, and he seems to find watching her entertaining ... he just dislikes the loss of freedom it provides.

 

[Rafiki]

She is used to being the only kitty.....you cannot expect her to welcome him instantly with open arms! She may accept him and start mothering him a few weeks down the road or they may simply coexist in the same house. It is just too soon to tell. The important thing is that you are taking the right approach in the introduction phase and not creating a hostile situation. Continue to expose them to things that have been scented when they are not in the same room. Be patient and hopefully you will be rewarded.

 

[Carykd7kau]

Well, I would think it would not be a good bonding practice to let him associate a loss of freedom with her. It all depends on his reactions.
Good Luck

 

[Eddies]

Girls are SO funny, she just needs time to figure out he won't hurt her & doesn't want what is HER possessions...best if he isn't eating out of her food dish or wash it when he is done...my boys used to let Eddie eat from their dishes then 1 morning Mojo decided Eddie was old enough to learn Dining Etiquette ...Eddie got close to Mojos bowl, Mojo growled...then Eddie flew across the room while Mojo continued to eat, Eddie tried Tiggers bowl & got the same response...Eddie now eats from his own bowl & no longer "roams" at feeding time. If I hadn't seen it I wouldn't have believed it because they let him do it from day 1 out of quarantine! They treat their beds & crates the same way but share the litter boxes just fine...lol.