Seperating

Question
Hey, my roommate has 2 cats and I have 1. We've all been living here for about 2 years, so the cats are obviously very used to eachother and being together. My roommate and I are each moving out in December and I was wondering what we could do to make it easier for our cats. I'm really concerned about mine, Buddy, because he will be going from 2 friends all the time, to being alone while I'm gone. I will be allowed to get other pets if I want, but in the beginning he was so mean to both of these. I'm willing to do whatever is best for him and I love animals anyways and always fall in love with some at the humane society. Thanks, Mel

Answer
Melinda,

Cats do suffer from separation anxiety, but, fortunately, most get over it fairly quickly.  However, were you to get a buddy for Buddy <I am sorry, I could not resist>, I would consider getting a kitten (the kitten should be at least 4 months old and have had all of its shots and, ideally, be neutered or spayed when you get it).

You will have to see how Buddy is in the new place after a month or two.  If he seems to be adjusting well, he may not need a companion.

If you choose to do this, here is a pretty good way to introduce the new kitten to Buddy:


Start out your new cat or kitten 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 or
kitten 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 or kitten in this room and keep Buddy out. It allows the new cat or kitten 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 or kitten and Buddy to sniff each other under the door and get familiar with each others' scents.

After 3-5 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 Buddy treats and extra attention
after the new cat or kitten 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.


I hope things work out for you and Buddy!!!!!

Best regards... Norm.