female cat/male cat getting along

Question
My boyfriend got a Calico female cat, she is a stray. I have a male Tabby. We brought them together in his house 5 days ago, and all the female is snarl and hiss at the male cat. They are both fixed. Her more recently than him. How do we get them to like each other? So that when I come to visit for a few days I don't have to leave my male Tabby at home alone? PLEASE HELP ASAP!!!!

Answer
Peggy,

You need a socialisation period where the visiting cat is put in a room for 2-3 weeks and bedding is alternated so that the cats can get used to the smell of each other slowly. Cats don't like change very much so to upset their routines for a few days here and there is not something that I would recommend. If you and your boyfriend would like your cats to get to know and like each other then maybe you should look at the possibility of having your boyfriend and his cat spend a few days at your house and vice versa. Over time the cats will eventually learn to tolerate each other, but unless you are planning a permanent move together I wouldn't suggest the trauma of socialisation and introductions and the stress of moving back and forth every few days. It is a tough situation to know what the right answers are, maybe your tabby would be happier at home if you got him a friend and properly introduced the two over time, then he wouldn't be alone when you went to visit your boyfriend and as long as you went home daily to check on the food and water situation I think that things might work out better that way. Also, if you do decide to get another cat to keep your tabby company when you are away from home a suggestion that I give people to prevent problems is one litter box per cat plus one. That should avoid house soiling issues due to fear or a dominant cat being possessive. Multiple food dishes and pet beds are probably a good idea in my experience. Hopefully you guys will be able to find a solution that works for both of the people and all of the cats in this situation. If you have any further questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me again. I will do the best that I can to address everyone's needs and best interests.