cat introductions

Question
Hello, We have a cat named Maggie. About 5, she was taken in as a kitten. Very skittish, and only trusts 2 people to approach her and sometimes this depends on her mood. About 16 weeks ago...her more domestic, house mate Jake passed away. He loved people more than other cats and as friendly as Maggie was with Jake, he made her life miserable.

We waited for about 12 weeks,,,,and then rescued a 1 yr old male...big....very very active...playful...not shy cat and he had a cat mate in his confines at the shelter.

We placed Sam the new cat, in his own room with boxes..toys etc. For about a week, we just let them sniff the door crack. Then while Maggie was outside...we let him explore the rest of house. Then we put up a screen...and let them see each other...Maggies hisses were pretty weak,..posturing we felt and they stopped. Sam didn't care or hiss himself. Then we let them wonder the house uninterrupted by us. Sam very interested in her...i believe figured out that he needed to let her initiate any play...as though he is respectful. Even the other day...they slept on same bed for hours. I even catch them during the night..nose kissing.

Then we let Sam have some time outside...by himself. He was very energetic and excited, running all over. He has been outside only a few times. Then then the other day, while sam was in the yard...he saw maggie outside for the first time. He approached her, and hissed and growled and postured unlike anything we have seen (puffed tail..whole 9 yrds). We separated them instantly feeling a fight was imminent. Back in the house sam was fine and maggie just stayed outside. I believe this set Maggie back some..she is sort of a little more shy around him than before. Any thoughts...what's sam doing?...should we revert back to confinement?  Let him really explore outside on his own before he sees maggie out? Ignore him in maggies presence...not play with him? Any comments are appreciated, THANKS

Answer
Barn,

Sometimes it is hard to know what goes on in a cat's mind, and somethimes only the knows why they behave in a certain manner.

Sam's behavior sounds like he did not recognize Maggie outside. He may also be setting the 'outside' pecking order , which Maggie would understand and may accept.

It may have to be trial and error to find out what is going on. I would try letting him outside first, then let Maggie out and see what he does. Or until they are completely used to each other, you may want to let one out at the time. I would be outside with them and if he behaves that way again, just stand by and see what happens being ready to intervene if it comes to blows. Cats have a language of their own by using growls, hisses, slaps, etc. That is how they communicate. So nothing may actually come of his behavior. I would try sitting outside holding Maggie and see what he does. And try to pet both of them at the same time so they both realize that the other cat is friend and not foe.

I would also try interactive play. Try pulling a string or a rope around and see if they will chase it. That would help them be together but focused on something else besides each other. Also try feeding them kitty treats when you first put them outside together. Something like tuna, or sardines in oil. That will help them associate each other with something pleasant.

Another thing you can try is feeding Sam a can of food before he goes outside. A full cat doesn't really feel like fighting.


These are just some thoughts that I have that may help work things out.

Let me know how they do.

Merry Christmas,

Tabbi