Blending adult kitties

Question
We had 5 cats. 2 females, and 2 long haired males that we adopted together, we had to put down our 12 year old male last week,he was very sick. We figured that he would want us to adopt an older cat from the Humane Society, so after looking I found 2 a 5 year old male and a year old female. They are both fixed as well as all of mine.

I brought them home yesterday and mixed them in. They all seemed to be fine, no hissing and Andy the new male is so laid back. and last night we made the mistake of leaving them all out last night and we didn't get much sleep, there was a lot of hissing but nothing that was really bad, we thought just adjustments.

The female has been going after one of the females, almost like hunting her down and won't let her come out from behind the couch but then other moments she is fine, the male who all day was laid back jumped one of my male cats and my husband said he started clawing the crap out him. Well he took off and hid, we have been keeping a close watch on all of them.

We are going to put the two new cats in a spare room tonight while we get some rest and when we go back to work on Monday.

Do you have any suggestions? My heart is telling me that is only one day but I don't feel like it is fair for the four I have already. I know they were both strays but they are so lovey dovey.

Thanks!

Answer

Dog crate for cat intr Lori,

The cats were nice at first because they were scared and insecure. As they get used to your new home their 'real personality' will come out. They are probably trying to establish a territory too.

You usually can't just put new cats together and have them get along. That rarely works.
I use a big dog crate for a new cat. It has room for litterbox, food and water, small cat carrier without the door for a bed and to get up on, and they still have room. That way they can get used to other cats around, and other cats can sniff and check them out safely. You can gradually let the cats out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. It is better for the new cats because they are not secluded in a room by themselves, and can get used to the people in the home, and their movements and noises. I got mine at Petco. I will attach picture of it.

I am attaching 2 links as a guide and to give you ideas on how to go about the introduction process:
(copy and paste, or type the whole links into your address bar)

http://www.messybeast.com/first-impressions.htm

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

Once they can be together without problems feed all the cats yummy cat treats (like tuna or pieces of raw steak) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Getting a pet laser light also helps bonding. The cats chase the little red 'bug' and tend to forget about the other cats being there.

Sometimes, especially with older cats, having new cats won't work out. The cats you already have may be happy the way things are without new cats ruining their peace and routines. You just have to take it slow and see how things work out. But your first priority is your original cat's happiness and peace of mind.

Have you tried Bach's Rescue Remedy? People swear by it for aggressive behavior, and other emotional, stressed, and physical behaviors. It is all natural, non-toxic and has NO side effects. You can get it at a health food store (people use it too) or on-line. I will give you some detailed information about it:

BACH'S RESCUE REMEDY is the most commonly used. Rescue Remedy can be used for any acute trauma, fear, or stress situations. It will not change the inherent temperament of an animal, but will help bring them into balance. It can be given by mouth, but it can also be sprayed on the skin or ears with a spray bottle and it will still have a beneficial effect.

For cats, only a few drops (2-4) are necessary. They need not be swallowed, but MUST contact the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, lips). You can also add a dropper full to the water dish, or a few drops on wet food (there is no effect of dilution). You can add a dropper full to a spray bottle filled with spring water and  use it to spray a room, carrier, car, around litter boxes or plants, or other problem areas. You can also put a few drops in your hand and pat the animal on the head and around the ears with it--the head is very sensitive to energy and will absorb the flower essences in this way.

There is no improper or wrong method of applying the Bach Remedies. It is not necessary to be precise in counting the number of drops in any of the dilution methods. For most behavioral problems 3 to 4 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks is sufficient, though some may animals may need drops or a dropper full added to their drinking water long-term.

More information about Bach's can be found on these websites:
(copy and paste, or type, the whole link into your address bar)

http://www.bachflower.com/Pets.htm

http://www.nelsonbach.com/BFE_for_pets.html

http://www.petsynergy.com/flower.html

http://www.oes.org/page1/Bach-Rescue-Remedy.html

That was nice of you to adopt the cats and give them a loving home. I hope it does work out for you...and for them. The key is time and patience, and lots of love!

Tabbi