Introducing a cat in another home

[bcsnqhs]

I rescued my Bengal from ex last week. The slime was going to take her to Humane Society because his trashy girlfriend has asthma. I brought cat back to my apartment(which doesn't allow cats) and now boyfriend mentions she can come spend weekend at his place to see how she gets along since he has a house. He has a cat too,which we think is a male Bengal(he's not sure). But anyways does anyone have good tips of less stress introducing a cat in a home with another cat?

Sue

[DadSaidNotTo]

Keep the new cat closed in one room or area at first. Let them get used to each others' scent first. Switch rooms or areas if you can; that helps them get familiar with the other cat's scent. Having one in a carrier or kennel can help avoid fights when they first meet face-to-face.

[bcsnqhs]

Yeah that does make sense,,maybe bring her in in carrier and put in spare bedroom with stuff.She'll be noisy in carrier during travel and into house(she usually is) but what if male is out and about and I arrive. Still throw her in spare room at time when he decides to come in? Does make sense, I just wondered what if I just let her loose in house and Hunter(male) is outside exploring and comes in and sees her.

[Somersetfarms]

Hey Sue, do yourself and us a favor and leave your ex behind on the old board.
Here's a new start and a fresh new board to start a fresh new life.

[ss]

Are the cats neutered?? I hope so. The advice here is good- cats are not like dogs in their territory and social interactions. A weekend visit is not a good indicator of how things will turn out. More disruption in their lives is about all. I'd keep her in the carrier or lock her in the spare room-they will sniff thru the door and they will know each other is around. It takes a pretty long itme for cats to accept each other so be patient. Also- if Hunter is unneutered he might start to spray with a new cat around.

the comments about the ex can stay in your head.

[Ajinx]

I would definitely limit your new cat to one room at a time...start small. Cats are very peculiar with transfers and often will exhibit stress by deciding not to use their little box. I'd start with a bathroom for the weekend or even a bedroom if necessary for a couple days - then move gradually into opening up the house for the cat. Make sure there are multiple litter boxes available to both cats. - don't force them to share.

[Luna]

Somersetfarms said:

Hey Sue, do yourself and us a favor and leave your ex behind on the old board.
Here's a new start and a fresh new board to start a fresh new life.

Wonderful suggestion.

[Sarge]

We are currently going through the EXACT same thing. I have 2 cats (one is 2 and the other is 11). Just rescued a 10 year old cat from abuse and neglect. He was quarantined in my office for a week (food, litter, water) and I work in here so he was with me about 8 hours a day. The door was shut. The other animals knew their was an "intruder" in the office and made a ruckus but that is half of the battle. Once vet checked and 100% OK, I took the new cat and put him in the bathroom for an hour and then opened up the office so that all of the animals could smell and get to know him. Also take a small wash cloth and rub it on the new cats face. Then take the wash cloth and rub it on your existing cat. Then do the same thing with the existing cat (rub it on old cat etc). This transfers each others smells to them. Finally PATIENCE. Cats are not like dogs. They are quite territorial. Dont just throw them together. For the first week of him being out of quarantine follow him around every time he gets up and be prepared for some hissing and growling. Eventually everyone will settle down. We are on week 3 and it gets a tiny bit better every day.

Remember: Put the new cat in to its own room for about a week (food, water, litter), week 2 remove cat and let other cat in to room to sniff and smell, then I would suggest opening the room up and putting up a baby gate so they can hiss and do whatever without causing injury.

It sounds like a long time but you will not be doing your cat(s) any favors but rushing this introduction process. Especially YOUR cat since he has been moved around a lot lately. NICE AND STEADY WINS THIS RACE.

[DadSaidNotTo]

"I would suggest opening the room up and putting up a baby gate so they can hiss and do whatever without causing injury"

I don't know about Sue's cats, but every cat I've had could hop over a baby gate with minimal effort. I wouldn't count on that to prevent a fight.

[Sarge]

Baby gate would be used with you in the room. Most cats wont hop the gate if there is a strange cat on the other side. Its only used for a bit so they can sniff, swat, hiss and growl and you dont have to physically tear them apart. Never leave 2 cats that are unfamiliar with each other alone or to "work it out". It will not be pleasant and you will more than likely have a vet bill on your hands.

[dreamer]

that all sounds good. just wanted to say....Oh I LOVE Bengels ! The marble is just so....wow huh!

[bcsnqhs]

Actually it all has turned out easier then I thought. Fri.night we kept her locked up in spare bedroom and Sat. Morning I heard the male at her door,purring,cooing at her. Of course Sat. we let the male out and let her out of bedroom to roam house. Whenever male came in and she saw him it was hissy but that's it. He stayed back. Sunday he decided he was going to be man of the house and hissed at her. Kinda like each setting rules. But there has been no fights and they are getting closer. Oh yes,both are declawed and spayed/neutered.

Sue

[Ajinx]

bcsnqhs said:

Actually it all has turned out easier then I thought. Fri.night we kept her locked up in spare bedroom and Sat. Morning I heard the male at her door,purring,cooing at her. Of course Sat. we let the male out and let her out of bedroom to roam house. Whenever male came in and she saw him it was hissy but that's it. He stayed back. Sunday he decided he was going to be man of the house and hissed at her. Kinda like each setting rules. But there has been no fights and they are getting closer. Oh yes,both are declawed and spayed/neutered.

Sue

Just watch for any side effects- they might kind of get a long for a while, but cat's have ways of letting you know that they're not adjusting and it usually revolves around not using the litterbox.