Advice on keeping established cat happy while introducing a new cat.

[Rene S]

Originally Posted by Orbit0088

During the introduction while the two cats were in the same room they were mostly indifferent. Zoey was perched on our window (partly because it's her favorite spot, but also because she's still scared of the new cat) and Kit Kat was in another area playing with a toy. After a while, maybe an hour or so, Zoey felt brave enough to come down from the window. As soon as she was on the ground Kit Kat pounced on her and Zoey made a scream that seemed like it was straight out of a horror movie. She ran away and Kit Kat didn't pursue, but it's clear to see that there's a great deal a fear.

This is actually a good scenario. Learn to ignore the sounds--it usually sounds worse than it is.


When they're out together, try engaging Kit Kat with a wand toy. See if you can get Zoey interested in what's going on too and see if she'll play a little. Toss them each a treat now and then (together = good things are coming).

[mshelen]

Each cat is unique, and it might take 3 weeks to accept a new member of your family. I came across a few posts saying that it even took 3 months to start living in harmony. You might also consider buying a pheromone-based Feliway that is recommended by vets to reduce stress in multi-cat or multi-pet households. Hope this helps

[Orbit0088]

Thanks for all the kind words and advice!!!

So I thought I'd give an update. We got a pheromone diffuser and started giving them face to face's more often and more frequently.

Kit Kat (the new addition) has started to seek out Zoey (our established cat) with playful/aggressive behavior. When we let Kit Kat out to roam in the house by herself she'll go to places Zoey frequents.

In their face to face interactions Kit Kat will hunt Zoey, staying low to the ground, running up and pouncing, and Zoey still sits in one corner and tries her best to make herself small. If Zoey runs, Kit Kat will chase her (sometimes even into her hiding spots).

Kit Kat doesn't seem to be taking any cues from Zoey, and instead seems to be turning into a bully