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INTRODUCING A SIAMESE CAT TO OTHERS

16:13:24

Question
HI COULD YOU PLEASE HELP WITH INTRODUCING MY NEW SIAMESE 1YR OLD TO MY OTHER CATS.  I HAVE JUST GOT HER AND I HAVE PUT HER IN A PEN IN THE LIVING ROOM SO THE OTHER CATS CAN SMELL BUT NOT TOUCH, THE PROBLEM IS SHE IS CONSTANTLY GROWLING AND EVERY NOW AND AGAIN SHE LIFTS HER TAIL AND BACKS INTO THE PEN AS IF SCARED BUT ALSO QUITE IRRATIONAL.  I UNDERSTAND THERE WILL BE SOME HISSING AND GROWLING BUT THIS NEW GIRL IS GROWLING FOR THE UK.  I WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY HELP THAT YOU CAN OFFER. OH AND SHE WAS USED TO LIVING WITH ANOTHER CAT.  MANY THANKS AND KIND REGARDS JO  

Answer
Jo,

Here is a technique that usually makes for an easier introduction of a new cat to a household with already existing pets:

Start out your new cat in one room with a litter pan and water dish. Ideally, the one room should be a bedroom with yourself or another human resident. This accomplishes a couple of things. Your new cat will not be overwhelmed by its new surroundings and get "lost", and thusly will have no problem finding the litter pan (often kittens or rescue cats have been confined and are somewhat daunted by wide open spaces!). You will feed the new cat in this room and keep the established pets out. It allows the new cat to bond with you or another human being and also build up some self assurance in its new surroundings since it will not have to compete for food or attention right away. Finally, it allows the new cat and the established pets to sniff each other under the door and get familiar with each others' scents.

After 5-7 days of being in its one room, it is time to let them meet each other. Be prepared for some posturing, some spitting and hissing, and the like. IGNORE IT! After a while, they should begin chasing each other about and still have the occasional hiss or spit as they get acustomed to each other. Cats tend to make a whole lot of noise and even loosen up some fur. Rarely will two cats hurt each other.

Once they are introduced, there are a couple of things you must remember. Do not separate them again, they will get along! Do not interfere in their "discussions" as they need to sort it out amongst themselves!

It does not hurt to give the established pets treats and extra attention after the new cat is introduced (yes, cats do get jealous!).

A couple of things you may have to do are to feed them on separate dishes. Provide more than one litter pan in different areas of the household (as cats can be very territorial about litter pans).

All, in all, this method seems to have had great success in the past and makes for a fairly smooth introduction. Please remember that they may make up immediately, or it may take a few weeks.

Best regards... Norm.