Integrating a cat into the household

[CatWoman]

This is Cat-trina:



I'm picking her up this weekend.

She was rescued by DUers Mr. and Mrs. Ulysses.

My cats are gonna freak - I know that much.

How do I introduce them to each other?

I took in Trinity and Streak when they were kittens, but this is a grown cat.

HELP!!!!!

[MissMillie]

1. She's beautiful

separate rooms at first... then put her in the carrier in the same room as the other cats for a little while...

They'll all get used to each other.

[barb162]

2. check this and other sites

http://cats.about.com/cs/catmanagement101/a/introducecats.htm

slowly is the operative word

[Mizmoon]

3. What a beautiful cat

I would keep her in a separate bedroom for two days and let them get to know each other under the door first.

[Ratty]

14. That's just what I heard

The cats will bat at each other under the door for a few days and bond.

[ronnykmarshall]

4. She's beautiful!

I'd say let her have her own room of a while. And slowly let her meet the others.

[KyndCulture]

5. What a doll baby!!!!

I'm a calico mommy... they have such strong personalities... I'd definately recommend keeping her isolated unless you are watching close for the first week. My calico babies are very skittish by nature. I'm sure she is a bit traumatized too so that's gonna be a toughy too.

Best of luck, CW! Now you know we gotta see some pics when you get her!!

[Arugula Latte]

6. Oh she's so beautiful!!!

Look at that gorgeous tail. I love her markings.

I've had good luck introducing new kittens to established kitties. However, I don't know about an older kitty. I'd say make sure she has her own safe space and let the kitties get to know each other slowly.

[flamingyouth]

7. She's beautiful! Congrats!

What are you going to name her?

People say to give new cats their own room, but I usually just let them find a comfortable place for them to hide and then provide food & water and a box nearby. :hi:

[CatWoman]

8. Mrs. Uly named her Cat-trina

it's so cute, I have to keep that name :hi:

[flamingyouth]

9. Oh - I just noticed the name above her pic

Didn't see that before. Cute name for her. :D

[SoCalDem]

10. First....cut everyone's claws

Then I would isolate Catrina and allow the others to get used to her scent for a bit.. She will probably assume a subordinant position with the other cats, and other than posturing, they'll all probably get along fine:)

She's a beauty :)

[bertha katzenengel]

11. She's wonderful, CW. Here's what I've learned.

1. Keep her in a separate room for a few days. Ideally your bedroom if you can close the door. If not, a room in which you can sit and spend time with her frequently. In her bed or the spot where she usually sleeps, put a t-shirt or other soft item of your own clothing (that you don't mind using for this purpose). In Streak's & Male's & Female's bed(s) or usual spot(s), put other similar item(s). Every day, switch them. All the household mammals' smells will be mixed up together. Everybody gets to smell Cat-trina and she gets to smell everyone else.

2. After a few days, start going into the room with Cat-trina a few times a day (well, as often as possible) and induce the other kids into "playing paws" with her under the door. Use a feather toy or thin stick or something to get the other kids to shove their paws under the door, and draw Cat-trina into the game. They'll get used to playing with each other this way.

3. Gradually let Cat-trina have the run of the house while you're there. Supervise when she's w/ the other cats.

4. I don't know how many cat boxes you keep, but I advise one per cat.

It will be just fine. This is wonderful news and I wish you the best of luck! Can't wait for you to get Cat-trina!

[Lindacooks]

12. Here's advice from an animal behaviorist.

We paid a doctor from the U of M to help us figure out how to get our two cats, who had been best friends, back together again after one had surgery and the other decided they were now enemies.

First of all, introduce them slowly - put a door between them for a few days so they get used to each other's scents. Then enrich the environment - make sure they have access to their favorite foods, toys, etc.

When you first bring them together, be very calm, and praise the established cats profusely. If they hiss, that's okay. Don't let them attack - if that happens, separate them.

Now what you have to do is make them earn their time with you. This may sound heartless, but it really works. When you're with the established cats, totally ignore them. Don't look in their eyes, don't pet them. If they jump into your lap, put them down as if you were putting down a book. During this time, a 24 hour period, don't feed them - make sure they have lots of clean water. Also make sure they don't hear or see you giving attention to the new cat.

Then, bring them together with the new cat and feed them their favorite food, pet them, talk to them, and generally fawn over them. When anybody hisses or gets upset, separate them again, for 8-12 hours this time, then bring them together with food, praise, etc.

When we did this it took 24 hours and just one separation.

[MissMarple]

13. You're going to need at least one other litter box, if not two.

Well, that's what they recommend. I have no idea where you are supposed to put them. Three cats=four boxes. :shrug:

[CatWoman]

15. I already have four litter boxes

before Trin died, each cat had its own (tho the idiots would use each other's) -- so that's not a problem (well, for my back it is :D )

I never put Trin's box away -- :cry:

At least now it will be used again.

I never put her carrier away, either :cry:

[MissMarple]

18. Ohh.......honey.

:hug: It's so hard to lose them.

[Cathyclysmic]

16. She looks like a sweetheart

[Zuni]

17. what a beautiful cat

I hope all goes well. Knowing cats, it is gonna be ugly for a while though

[LynneSin]

19. For at least a week give her her own room with litter box & food

and keep her separated from the other 3 cats.

Believe me, your current brood will spend the week sniffing out what's in that other room. In a week or 2 they'll initiate her as one of their own.

Congratulations hun on the additional to a beautiful new cat!!

[CatWoman]

20. Thanks, Lynne

CatTrina is less than a year old, and Streak really needs a new playmate.

She runs me crazy with the constant whining.

Male and Female are nearly 8 years old - they don't have time for "teenagers" :D