My new adoptee....

Hello! I have just adopted a new kitten. Her name is Janis and the folks at the shelter think she is about 7 months old. My husband and I already have one cat, Elvis, who is a very territorial tom. Elvis is social and talkative, so we thought he would enjoy a sister. I just brought her home today and she is recovering from surgery (spayed). I'm hoping that I am doing the right thing. I am trying to introduce them slowly. I have Janis in a seperate room with the door closed.....Elvis, of course, is extremely curious and seems bothered. I hope this passes as he gets used to the fact that there is another cat in his house. I'll probably keep them apart for about a week. Any suggestions? _Mary P

Hi there! I have much experience in introducing new cats into a household with other cats. I have to say though, all of my experiences have been different. I think that in your situation you are doing it the right way since Elvis is so used to being the only "baby". Elvis is probably feeling threatened along with curious and bothered like you said. I think a week is good to keep them apart while Janis heals, but make sure every once in a while you let them sniff each other while you are there. There will probably be lots of hissing and batting of the paws at first, but thats ok. One cat will be the "high" cat, and when this is established, they should be fine together. I have had only one instance a couple of years ago, where I had a cat who just wanted to beat on my other cats. It is very rare, and in time I think Elvis will come to enjoy Janis's company. (I found the cat a really good home with no other cats.) Good luck with your new addition, and keep me posted on how it is going. I would love to know! Desirae

Oh thank you so much, Desirae! I had planned on swapping beds so they could smell each other. I didn't think about letting them actually meet briefly for a sniff and then separating again. I think after the bed swap, my next step will be letting them meet face to face briefly. I really hope it goes well! I'll keep you posted! -Mary P

Hi Mary, I agree. Keeping them separated for at least a week is the right thing to do, especially since Janis is still healing from her surgery. She'll need at least a couple of weeks before she really starts feeling "normal" again. I'd like to make a suggestion though, for when you allow them to meet face to face. Put Janis in a carrier, in the room where she's been staying. Allow Elvis to enter the room and sniff where she's been, her litter box, her carrier, etc. This will allow him to get to know her scent, without actually coming in direct contact with her, keeping both of them safe from harm should one get upset and lash out with teeth and/or claws. Do that every day, even a few times a day, and eventually you'll be able to let Janis out and they can actually meet face to face for real. I'd still supervise them closely for a few days to make sure neither gets too upset. Keep a close eye on litter box habits too. Sometimes the resident cat will resent the newcomer and show displeasure by inappropriate elimination elsewhere in the house. Make sure Elvis gets plenty of play time with you and also in the company of Janis, with her safely in her carrier for a while. This will reassure him that he's not being replaced, but rather he has a new playmate. One other thing, you mentioned that Janis is spayed now and that's a very good thing, but is Elvis neutered? If he's feeling territorial (you don't mention how old he is or how long you've had him) and he's not neutered, then that's the first order of business to ensure a happy transition for Janis. Allow him at least a couple of months, after he's been neutered, to allow for the hormones to dissipate and he's feeling less territorial. Hope this helps. I'm anxious to hear how things turn out for you and the kitties. Keep us posted. Beth

I have lots of cats and a dog. SO FAR I've had good luck with new animals in the family. The main thing is not to leave them alone together until you are sure they will be ok. Introduce them slowly and carefully but be prepared to separate them should the older animal react bad!Personally I feel the VERY MOST IMPORTANT thing you can do is to love and pay more attention to the older animal. (That is the one that has been with you the longest). Try to image how you might feel... "You are a cat that has been with your owner along time. Then the dingbat owner brings in a younger and cuter cat. You fear you will lose your home to this new intruder". OUCH! Make sure your older animal knows he/she has nothing to fear by this youngster. Lavish lots of extra attention on old one. So far it has worked great for me.