Introducing a new cat - stressed!

gingin_2

Hi again Roguebrogue, it's stressful, isn't it!

I would leave them but keep a watchful eye from a distance and don't be too quick to jump in. I am no expert but went through it last year and you need to let them find their own natural pecking order.

I found my thread from last year - it's very similar! Now I can honestly say that my two get on brilliantly and really benefit from having each other.

This was my thread https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3090640=

I was a wreck at first, so stressed with it all but all it took was time and it worked out in the end - you'll be there very soon

the_pink_panther_2

Hi, perhaps try Feliway diffuser? It's supposed to calm cats, very good reviews. I've just bought one as my neutered male has suddenly started spraying in the house, have no idea why but he seems to have been better since I bought the stuff. Worth reading up about anyway...

gwhizz75

Having introduced a new cat to our household last September, I know how stressful it can be and I was absolutely freaking out when they weren't getting on and my first cat was hissing and lashing out at us whenever we went near him. I was convinced that we would have to re-home the new cat and that our first cat would never be the sweet, affectionate little kitty we had known and loved for 6 years.

It's been a tough few months with lots of ups and downs, but finally things seem to have settled down. There are still fights now and then but they now sleep together on the bed (not touching yet!), and generally we live in a peaceful household. With this in mind, my only advice would be to remember that it may take months for things to settle but don't give up hope and remember that you are in the very early stages of an introduction. Your first cat has lived on her own for years, and is used to having sole access to all resources (including you!) - now she has to learn that your new cat isn't going to take away all of those resources. Just take things slowly and let them go at their own pace, good luck!

Woody76

I would second the feliway. It is brilliant stuff. It comes in pump action spray and plug in diffuser. Can be expensive but it does work. The spray is cheaper and you can spray it on bedding or around the room. I used to spray my clothing and my hands before handling cats at work and this really helped to calm them down

Hope this helps. It seems like it isnt going to work and it does take time to integrate cats together but will be wonderful in the end if you take the time now

PM if you need any more help xx

roguebrogue

I've heard a lot about Feliway, but it is expensive and not gonna fit into my budget this month at all.

Alice comes to the kitchen with me all the time now. She still just sits and stares at Portia, occassionally growling, but I've found that if I talk to her in a calm voice she stops.

I think it's going well, it's just going to take time for Alice to realise Portia is here to stay.

I just can't wait till I can leave doors open and don't have to split my time between them, feeling guilty about the other one! hehe x

rising_from_the_ashes

Great to hear it's going well and that is great progress for such a short time!

roguebrogue

So there was hissing and swiping from both parties tonight, should I be worried?

rising_from_the_ashes

I wouldn't be too worried as they will grumble at each other until they've worked out who's boss.

As long as both have an escape route so they can get away if things "get a bit rough" but keep an eye on them.

gunsandbanjos

Portia and alice are both lovely. Hope they get on soon.

I got lucky with my 2 I think, they got on pretty well after the first few days. I'm sure they'll settle down.

roguebrogue

Just another update - I'm happy enough to leave all the doors open when I'm home now and there's no problems.
Had a mini-breakthrough when I came home this afternoon, I opened the kitchen door and Alice ran in, trotted up to Portia and they both sniffed each other's noses. Seems Alice is trying to be friends