Introducing Cats

[Messalina]

I have a 3 year old male cat. I also have a new flatmate moving in with his 2 year female cat. The 2 cats have met for a couple of hours (much yowling from my cat) with no bloodshed. I would be grateful for any advice on how to help them get along.

[LoftyLottie]

My advice would be to let them sort it out for themselves. Has your cat got a place he can go and hide? That's all that will be necessary really. I doubt if they will fight. There will be lots of yowling and hissing and spitting and eventually they will either be friends or decide to live together and tolerate each other. They will both need somewhere to escape to. Just keep an eye on them. They both have their owners to turn to for love and affection and, despite what people think, cats do relate to people and get security from their owners.

The worst thing you can do is confine them to separate rooms, although it might be necessary for a few nights. I presume they are both neutered!! ;o)

[Messalina]

LoftyLottie, thanks for this - I was thinking along theses lines. And yes they've both been done - didn't fancy the patter of tiny paws!

[Panic Button]

Perhaps put them both in travellig boxes in the same room for a while, to get used to each other's smell without the chance to fight?

[LoftyLottie]

You are welcome Messalina. Panic Button has a good point, but I would just leave the newcomer in his box initially, but only for a short time to just let him adjust. I have introduced many cats to each other over the years and never had a fight yet - they're all talk and no action!!!

Good luck. You will probably just need patience.

[Messalina]

Thankyou, NOK! We did the cat basket thing last night. When both came face to face it was my (male) cat that made all the shout but everytime the female even looked at him he ran away & hid under the table.

[LoftyLottie]

Oooh NOK. I shall tell!! You are in big trouble!! ;o)

LOL Messalina. Looks as if she is going to be boss then. She's got it right!!

[Messalina]

Oh, I think shes definitely going to be wearing the trousers.