Aquainting to cats

Question
hello
We moved to this house in Mar. and Kinsey a 3 1/2 year old cat owned by the  neighbor across the street came to visit me.  THe neighbor rescued Kinsey but her 2 other older cats do not like her and she is now working out of state.  Kinsey has slowly become our cat.   She goes out but sleeps and is indoors alot.   2 weeks ago we got a 10 mo old Ragdoll, Rugger.  He started out in our bedroom for 3 days, at the advice of the breeder.  Then we let him explore the rest of the house for 2 days with Kinsey not around.  Then I introduced them.  Rugger went after her and she hissed and growled backing into a corner.  I tried it again the next day and it got a little worse so I separated them leaving her in the kitchen when she was inside.  Did this for 3 days then we re-introduced them.  Kinsey still backs herself in a corner or under a chair and he slowly tries to get close to her, rolling over and meowing like the kitten he is.  He seems to want to play.  I had heard that ragdolls care more about people than cats.  When we first had him he seemed to want to be with us but he seems a bit obsessed with her.  Last  night when she went out he purched himself on a kitchen chair near where she would re enter the house.  I am wondering if this rejection is changing his personality permanently.  It would be heartbreaking for me to make Kinsey stay out but we paid alot of money for a cat that would act like a dog which is why we got him.   Everyone says they will work it out and at least tolerate each other.  This is our 1st experience with cats we always had dogs
Thank you for your help

Answer
Kathy,

For the most part, you have done everything correctly.  I have 2 rules when dealing with how cats interact.  (1)  People do not understand the rules and (2) There should be no human interference.  In fact any human interference is counter productive and will elongate the adjustment period.

So, I would stop keeping them separated and let them work it out. Ignore their discussions and what appears to be threatening behavior.  Often this is how cats interact with each other.

The best thing to do with your ragdoll is to ignore him and wait until he approaches you and then pet him.  Most cats hate to be ignored and this is usually a good technique for getting your cat to interact more with you.  Make him think it is all on his terms.

Best regards... Norm.