Maggie/Sam

Question
Hello...i JUST wrote to you this afternoon about Maggie...and her new house mate Sam. If you remember..super. I am very interested in your opinion on this. We wonder if maybe we introduced Sam...all to comfortable and friendly....into Maggie's area to fast. We wonder this because it really is clear...Maggie has had a set back....growling when they roam together in the house. So i put Sam back in confinement...in his room behind the screen. And...what do we see...MAGGIE...staring at the screen..approaching it and watching him!....I can't help but wonder..maybe it was fine for him...but just to fast for her?  Also..we played with them...in the main house with laser pointers...they each had their own dot on seperate ends..and ofcourse he was ok..but so was Maggie.

Any opinions are appreciated. The lady of the house and me LOVE the cats...and my only wish is to do everything we can NOW...so that all of us...especially Sam and Maggie...become real playmates. Thanks

Answer

Dog Crate for Cats Barn,

As I suggested in the previous answer, play it by ear. If she is approaching the screen, then things are progressing nicely. Each cat has their own personality and temperament. She may just be taking longer to warm up to Sam.

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 cat out for short periods of time as they start getting used to each other. I got mine at Petco. I am attaching a picture of it.

Any new introduction is going to take time and patience. When 2 different personalities are involved there are no exact textbook type answers. It will work out. Make sure both cats are spayed and neutered. That makes a difference!

Tabbi