getting along

Question
Help me please. 2 1/2+ months ago had to put down 1cat 10 and a dog 10+. I had 3 pets total mille the youngest is a foster kitten. She never had any problems with cat or dog. About 3wks ago I adopted a cat at the MSPCA he has been there for over a year. He is a LOVE BUG! However, mille is not accepting of him. I've kept them seperated, I rubbed towel for scent. Everything I could possibly do that your site suggested. What else can I do. Draco(new cat), runs under bed all the time, even if mille just stares at him. He is not aggressive and she seems to be. She's never been a cuddly cat. I want them so badly to get along. Also, I'm home 96% of the time(hanicapped). Can I bring them somewhere? Is there anyone I can hire? NEED HELP. I just want everyone including me to be happy. Just want a family and love them.

Answer

dog crate Irene,

It takes a LOT of time and patience. It is a slow process. Sometimes they never do get along but that is rare.

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, to hide in, and to get up on, and they still have room. That way Draco can get used to your other cat, and other cat can sniff and check him out safely. You can gradually let the cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. You can also switch and put Mille in the cage and let Draco out to play and pet. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

Once the cats can be together without fighting or freaking out, feed  the cats yummy cat treats periodically (like tuna, sardines (in oil) or pieces of raw steak, etc.) TOGETHER. That is so the cats will associate each other with something pleasant. Also getting a pet laser light (at PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is great for interaction between the cats. They can chase the 'little red bug' on the floor, ceilings, and walls, and they tend to forget about the other cat as they focus on the 'bug' which helps them get used to each other.

I hope this helps!