introducing 2 older cats

Question
i am looking after a friends older Siamese male for the next month. i already have a domestic medium hair male, who is around 11 months old. what is the best way to go about helping the new cat to settle in and also to prevent any fighting??

Answer
Hello Elise

There is not a magic way of doing it. You will have hissing, growling, and slaps as they get used to each other. That is normal. And it takes awhile. If there is serious fur flying and bloodshed, then you will have to keep them separated. But that doesn't usually happen.

After your friends cat feels comfortable, have the 2 cats interact. Feeding them together helps and playing with them with a pet laser light or dragging a string around is good too.

Though, with the Siamese being older, he may not be interested in making 'friends' or playing with a young 'whipper-snapper'. Your success depends a lot on the personalities of the cats. Don't be surprised if you don't even SEE the Siamese for a week. Just let him be. The new place, another cat, a new care-giver...all that will be confusing. Keep the younger cat from bugging him and keep food and water close where he wants to be.

I am including a couple of links to articles about cat to cat introductions. You may pick up some hints to help you. No two cats are the same and no two cats will re-act the same but you should find some happy medium....by the time your friend comes back! (smile)

If you can't click on the links then copy the whole link into your address bar.

http://www.littlebigcat.com/index.php?action=library&act=show&item=cattocatintro...

and

http://www.catclinicofroswell.net/faq/detaile27a.html?faqid=9

I hoped this info helps.

Carol