Introducing adult cats.... any bright ideas?

[hightail]

With a week to work at it you should be able to do this if you are prepared to spend the time.

 

First thing - if they are living in different parts of the house then swap them round so they get used to the smell of the other cats. Spend a couple of days on this. Then you can start introducing them and it is a good idea to have a really yummy food available as you do it. It's one of the very few times I would agree with the use of tuna Make sure there are at least as many dishes as cats - it's a bit much to expect them to get too close at this stage.

 

If you can, get hold of a small bottle of Bach's Rescue Remedy. Tesco have it in the vitamins/supplements section. It comes in a bright yellow box, around the £6 mark. I have known it make a huge difference with this sort of problem - enough to save a much loved cat from being rehomed when there has been a falling out. One drop on the lips is all you need, it's not like trying to pill a cat. My head says it's all mumbo jumbo but I can't argue with the results I've witnessed over the years.

[hightail]

It is an anti-anxiety remedy It will help keep your cats calmer while you go through the reintroduction process.

[hightail]

There's no point spraying RR around. Feliway is a pheremone based product which costs a fortune. Some people swear by it and use it permanently. For me this is simply masking a problem rather than solving it.

 

Rescue remedy is one of the Bach's flower remedies range - think of it as akin to homeopathy. You need to use a drop on the lips or tongue just like any product that should be taken into the system. I suggested it's use as a short term aid to (hopefully) dealing with a behaviour issue. RR will calm the aggression in a seemingly dominant cat and the response in those who appear scared. Both responses are the result of anxiety and lowering the anxiety levels will help with re-introducing cats. The aim is to reach a point where there is no need to use anything.

[hightail]

Would add that if you are a fan of essential oils the obvious one to use is lavender if you are after a calm household. Works the same for humans and felines and is safe for your cats

[hightail]

I hate the water pistol idea. I understand that things like water jets or rattle bottles are used with dogs as a distraction or focussing aid but I cannot stress highly enough that cats aren't dogs. Anything that stresses a cat further is going to be counter productive and possibly have health implications.

[hightail]

I've used the water pistol idea quite succesfully in the past when one of mine wanted to poo in the indoor plants

 

That's a completely different thing altogether. If you use it when trying to introduce cats you are reinforcing the idea that sharing space with a new cat is an unpleasant experience.

Edited October 28, 2009 by hightail
quote added for clarity

[hightail]

ALL parts of lilies are horribly poisonous to cats. The pollen is the worst bit but even chewing a leaf is going to make a cat very ill. Cats v lilies = cats losing most of the time. This particlar case was very lucky

[hightail]

Even minor cat bites are highly likely to become infected

 

Cats rarely cause that much damage to each other. Don't assume that the 'growly phase' is going to turn into a teeth and claws battle. It's a warning sign with dogs but a far more complicated communication with cats.

[hightail]

It made me so paranoid that I don't have any flowers in the house

 

You don't have to go that far - long-stemmed roses are just fine

 

All bulbs are poisonous to cats in varing degrees so you won't go far wrong if you avoid any flower that starts out as a bulb.

[hightail]

I wish I had £1 for every time an owner has come to me for help after just leaving them to it. There's a world of difference between bringing a kitten in and introducing adults. Even with a kitten there is very good reason to minimise stress for all your cats during the introductory period.

[hightail]

I suppose it depends what you mean by stress. The stressors that matter for the health of a cat are not stress as we humans define it.

[hightail]

You're right. An obviously upset cat is not necessarily stressed and a calm, happy appearance is no guarantee of a lack of stress.

[hightail]

Just popping in to say I think you're wonderful. It could take up to a couple of months for his hormones to settle down so don't be worried if he still seems a touch pungent, it will stop.

[hightail]

Ugh.... I see what you mean!!..... I don't remember it being this strong with my other toms.... but they were neutered when they were still young, so that's probably why.

 

Yeah, it will stay pretty bad for a while. He's been the lad around town for a fair while so it's not even just down to age. Having been an 'active' boy his reproductive system is in full go mode and will take time to settle.

[hightail]

What a wonderful thing you've done for him - and how miserable you must be. Thinking of you.