Introducing Cats to each other?

[Jenn]

I have 2 cats that I HOPE I can bring with me as I move back into my parents house. They have a cat that is not that friendly....I have a very limited time to get them acquainted. My idea is to bring them over in a carrier, let them sniff each other, leave bedding with the 2 cats scent on them and take a towel that I rubbed over my parents cat that I can bring back home with me so they can get each other scents. How often should I do this? I don't have the 14 days that they always suggest.

 

[Marissa]

The cats WILL get along with patience. Its not going to happen over night but I promise you that it will happen. Trading the scents is a good start. When you move in, you are going to want to keep your cats isolated in your room so your parents cat and you cats can sniff through the door. Do the scents thing as much as possible. After letting them meet through the door for a while (you'll have to judge the length of time by your cats and your parents cats), you can make the initial meeting. Make sure it is supervised and that you have plenty of distractions like toys, treats and even dinner. Make sure that you give each cat positive reinforcement. When you see stare downs, distract the cats by the toys or by just petting them. After a few minutes isolate your cats again and do short meetings every day until everything is going smoothly. I would also suggest setting a couple of scratching posts and safe areas for the cat so they will have an opportunity to go be alone if they want to. If you have any questions about the socialization process feel free to email me. good luck and stay positive!!!! =D

 

[Sleepy Puppy]

Get a wire fence, like one of those toddler gate things but much smaller spaces. Sit on the side of the cat who is ALREADY in the house, to reassure it. Chances are this cat will continue being the cat of the house, if you 'changed teams', it was confuse and aggravate the cat.

So sit on that side of the gate, they might size each other up, sniff, etc. A good idea is to also play with both of them with string, so they can bond. Dangle in front of cat 1, then over the fence to cat 2.

Do this for naw, say, 1-2 hours. When you think they are settled, remove the gate and see how they go.

 

[Lace]

Your idea is great to start with. However, it can sometimes take quite some time for cats to accept new cats. I moved in with a friend 6 months ago, and we both own a cat, one male and one female of about the same age. They've only just now begun to tolerate each other, but they definitely don't like each other. Just give it time, and be careful not to leave these cats alone together! Cats can be very territorial, and a fight could break out. Also, if these cats are not "fixed", you should see to it that they all are. If cats feel threatened, they may begin "spraying", which is a very unpleasant thing that even female cats will sometimes do.

Good luck!