[Kellz625]

I just got a kitten from work. One of the vets found them, they were strays, but have come around nicely. Anyway, they were in need of homes and Dave agreed that we could get another cat. He's home now, and Sage is being decent, she's not attacking him or anything, but she wants nothing to do with him, which I know is common. She hisses if he gets too close and observes him from her cat post which is on a "breakfast bar" type of counter that is in between the kitchen and computer room that he can not reach. I know eventually they will get along fine, Sage is only a little over a year old, so she is young enough to adjust. But any tips on making her feel more comfortable? I gave her treats and a can of wet food all to herself to make her feel like she's still loved (which she is). I know I can't hurry the process of them getting to know each other, but I just would like some tips, stories, opinions, etc. THANKS!!!

(PS - Wanted to add that the kittens have been there at the vet under observation for almost 2 weeks now and have been tested for FIV, FELV, and worms. Shots come next week, yay, the fun part :roll:, lol, they are 8 weeks old)

 

[Ianthe]

Good to have you!! Congratulations on your baby. You will find TONS of great information here!!! I've been pretty lucky, I've never had any major problems with introductions. My most recent one was great. Ashley was about 6 when I brought Gaylord home (he was just a baby). After a few hissy fits on her part, they grew close. 2 years later, they are joined at the hip I'm sure it will be great, good luck!!!!!!

Best Friends:
http://www.catforum.com/photos/data/500 ... 63-med.JPG

 

[adavis333]

Surfboard was only about 5 months old when we brought Zoë home. She was TINY...maybe only 4-5 weeks. He HATED her at first. He never tried to hurt her though. Mainly he just pouted and made clear he wasn't happy with us. For a week or two we kept her in the bathroom when we were gone to be on the safe-side. We made sure he didn't feel like he was being pushed to the side. He always got his way and it was her that we secluded when necessary. Within a week they were best friends. He was so gentle with her. He's still such a push over. Whatever Zoë wants, she gets...his food included.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[adavis333]

Here are the pics from their first day together. So cute!

 

[Ianthe]

They are SO CUTE!!!!!!!! And thanks, adavis, for your message about Boris

 

[Kellz625]

Wow, these 2 won't get that close yet. Sage has just finally come on to the floor and she growls at him and hisses still. And he thinks he's tough and hisses back. *sigh* Hopefully they will grow out of it. I guess her coming down to the floor is progress though right? :?

 

[Ioana]

Try Dr Jean's link - it will help tremendously

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?a ... roductions

And remember the keys are practice and patience.
Don't forget about play therapy on the long run as well - play with both kitties on a regualr basis giving them equal time, affection and - treats of course in order to praise their getting along. They will associate happiness with being together.
Put a drop of vanilla on the back of both of your kitties necks right away. That will make them smell pleasantly alike. The smell is vital in their getting along. The vanilla trick will help also later in time when you will take a kitty to the vet and upon your return he or she won't get along with thier mate.
Best of luck and let us know as the relationship is improving

 

[Kellz625]

Well, no improvement really, I tried holding the kitten on one side of me and petting Sage who was on the other side of me and Sage scratched me. I think I'm going to put her softpaws back on her to be safe. She tries to scratch everything when the kitten is around, even the dog. So I don't want anyone getting scratched badly. I hope things improve, we have this kitten as a "trial run" right now and if Sage is too distraught we'll have to give him back to the vet. Although I know it can take long, I don't see one good sign, how long does it normally take for 2 cats to get along?

PS - Does anyone think Feliway would help?

 

[Ioana]

You have to re-introduce them. Follow the steps in the link from Dr Jean's site. Try the vanilla trick as well -
you have to keep them in separate rooms for now or the animosity will just grow stronger - read up and good luck

 

[Kellz625]

I don't really have any rooms to seperate them. The only room I can close off is the bathroom, which is where the kitten stays at night. Sage has been very curious about him recently. She was even on the floor following him, but not getting too close, and this morning she let me pet her without growling and even lifted her bum like normal when I pet her. It may be only a little step, but that's still good to me.