Introducing a new old cat to the household

[Xargle]

My brother in law died last month and we've taken in his cat, she is probably about ten years old. We already have two cats, a brother and sister 3 years old, who we've had since kittens. Our female has another 'home' with the old lady a couple of doors down the street, but usually we see her at the weekend and evenings (when we're home from work) - she and I haven't always seen eye to eye but recently she likes me more than she used to, which is nice, however things are strained again with the new cat. The male used to very affectionate, but even before we got the new old cat he had started to ignore me and would only come home to eat and then leave immediately. I thought this was to do with the light nights (we live adjacent to a park and he likes to hunt). Last week I found out that a little girl (and her mother) in the next street are evil cat stealers - I mean - my male cat has started sleeping and playing at their house and the little girl swears they don't feed him, but I'm not so sure. This is long so thank you for staying with me... So since we've been trying to introduce my bother-in-laws cat to our house we've barley seen our two cats. I know it's mostly about territory - and I've tried to give them distinctive areas of the house for their own but the new cat seems to be dominant and my cats seem very scared of her and won't come in the house, particularly our boy. I realise it's also about jealousy and I make sure give my cats lots of attention, but as they get affection elsewhere they aren't that interested. Can anyone suggest ways that I can try to have a harmonious three cat home? Thanks in advance for any suggestion - even funny ones! Xargle

[tartanwiz]

An old cat can adapt to a new home - I've seen it happen myself when a friend adopted an older cat. As for the territory thing, the cats will in time come to understand each others' limitations, bounds and spatial territory. It should work out OK, but be prepared for a bit of catty squabbling and jealousy to begin with.

[lowrie333]

Hi Xargle, I have been through exactly this about a year ago. We adopted a cat that the owners no longer wanted. The new cat had 'issues' and the reason we adopted him was because one of my other cats had recently been run over and my Burmese was pining for a friend. So i ended up with my Burmese, the adopted cat and a new kitten that nobody else wanted. With my cats it was horrific at first, i couldnt let the Burmese in with us if we had the adopted cat out of his room (we had to keep him confined for the first few months because of the 'issues'!). The cat fights were endless, the kitten didn't know what was going on, the house was nearly destroyed and from the amount of wounds i had on myself you would have thought i had some tiger in the house instead. I tried everything, every piece of advise i found was followed to the letter. I nearly gave up, but then we went on holiday and the cats had to go to the cattery and have pens next to each other. When we got back peace was restored - they eat together, even slept together a few months later. They still have their occasional quibbles, but apart from that they get on fine. The only piece of advice i can really offer is to just keep trying and be patient - very patient. The cats will find their own level and heirarchy, and things will go back to normal - ish. Your old cats will come back when they know that the new cat isnt an enemy and once it gets colder at night! Just keep giving them all love and attention, and occasionally their favorite foods. Hope you have a harmonious three cat home soon.