[mundavoo]

I opened my big mouth and told my inlaws that I would look after their cat for them for 6 months. They are moving and staying at a friend's house just for the winter and can't take him. "Dax" is their beloved companion and I wanted to help so I said we would , as they have no one else to turn to. He is a neutered 8 year old male with all his nails.

Here is the scenario: I have a 3 year old spayed female who has had a tendonectomy. I also have 2 kids and a dog. The dog and cat (Dax) are already acquainted as we shared a house (seperate areas)with my inlaws and their cat for a number of years. My dog is generally respectful of Dax after being scratched on different occasions. I am worried how this is going to go. I have done some research as to how to introduce them slowly etc. but have many factors to consider. Any one have and tried and true suggestions? Any help much appreciated!

 

[Anita]

Introducing new cat next week.

I now have 5 cats, soon to be 6. When I bring in a new animal I isolate that animal in a room by himself or herself. I am fortunate to have the room as my kids are grown and gone. I gradually let the other cats see the new one, and gradually let them get acquainted. When I am at work I keep the doors closed. At this time I have an older cat that is new to the house, her owner had to go away to a nursing home. She has settled in but does let the other cats know that this is her room. She is in my study and does not try to leave the room. if you have the room to isolate the animal, do so. If you do not have room, keep a crate handy so you can put the new cat in there if it becomes disturbed. Even a large cat carrier can work. I had to do this one time with one particularly angry cat whose owner had died of cancer. When he became disturbed he would get into the carrier, feeling secure. Eventually they will become acquainted, maybe not friends.

 

[mundavoo]

Thanks Anita for the reply. So far so good. It has been a week since I brought Dax home. Within a couple of days I let them out together after they got used to one anothers scent. My cat Luna was eating some canned food I gave her as a treat when Dax came out of the room. She hissed at him but kept eating! She still is hissing/growling at him on occasion. But they have sniffed noses a few times.

Dax is very good and turns away if she is upset at him. He is the one making most of the advances. They want to get closer to sniff one another, but just don't trust each other yet. They will play in front of one another but not together. I am hoping they will like each other more., who knows???!!! Cats sure are funny! It seems like Dax knows he is a guest and doesn't want to push things. Time will tell.