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Listings for Orange County Animal Shelters, Animal Urgent Care Centers, Dog Parks & Beaches, Dog Friendly Beaches, Animal Rescue Groups & More!
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Information about cats: What makes them purr? Why do they sleep so much? Are they really just like their cousins in the wild? All of the information you need to cure your curiosity about our fascinating & furry friends. Kids & animals seem to be made for one another. We offer information just for kids and their parents to learn more about what can make that bond even stronger and more special.
If you patiently follow a systemic plan you can introduce an adult cat into a household with other grown cats. There seems to be a misconception that it is only possible to bring a kitten into a family where one or more adult cats reside. Not true!...In fact, you should follow the plan detailed below when bringing in a kitten. What is generally true is that it may be faster or easier to bring in a kitten. However, cats are individuals so their personality and prior living conditions must be considered along with their age and possibly gender. Here are some simple rules to follow that have consistently led to success:
1. The New Cat Must Be Kept Separate:
You may use a spare room, or even extra bathroom, with the door closed. Do not be tempted to even make the briefest of introductions because the first encounter is important and a hostile one could lengthen the process. Prepare this room with food, water, a clean litter box and a bed or blanket plus some kitty toys. Catnip can be helpful in relaxing the cat in a new environment.
The cat carrier which the new comer traveled in is an excellent way to introduce the rest of your cat family to the scent of the new cat. Leave it for the other cats to sniff and inspect. It will result in a variety of responses from hissing, growling, aggression to mild interest or indifference. Both the newcomer and your present cat family should have lots of reassuring attention from you during this process. If the newcomer appears stressed it will need to be approached with calm, frequent visits. Let the cat come to you when it's ready. I like to sit on the floor, extend my hand and talk softly and reassuringly. There
may be hissing and growling at the door for some time...cats on both sides of the door
are well aware of the presence of other felines. This will decrease and curiosity will take
the place of hostility. That signals time for the next step
2. A First Exposure:
The goal is to allow the cats to see one another without physical contact. The best way to do that is to purchase (or borrow) two mesh baby gates and stack one on top of the other in the newcomer's doorway. This works like a charm for older and less agile cats. Some cats, however, are very adept at climbing. In that case, jam the door with two hard rubber door stops on either side with the door cracked open a small amount. It is important to make sure it is not open far enough for either cat to fit through. Both of these methods allow the cats to touch noses and explore with their paws but prevent potential fights. I find that keeping the door closed during the night and in my absence is a good idea. At this point I also like to isolate my present cat(s) from time to time and give the new kitty access to the rest of the house. That's simple enough to do by just keeping the other cats in one of the other bedrooms, or any room that can be shut off. This second step can result in some renewed hissing and growling but usually subsides to meowing, sniffing and other attempts at communication. When this step is going well it is time to move along to the final step.
3. Face to Face Introduction:
This may happen in a few days but may take longer. This step should be supervised. There is often initially some yowling, growling, batting and lots of sniffing and following one another around. Initially this contact should be only a few minutes in duration and can gradually be increased. Rarely a fight might ensue...If it does, it is so important to keep your hands out of it. ...It usually sounds much worse that it is. The idea is to separate the cats as quickly as possible: water bottles and brooms are very handy for that.
To maintain a happy cat household it is important to furnish your feline friends with enough litter boxes, preferably in different areas of the house.. One per cat is ideal. It is also important to have food and water dishes in more than one area. Keeping the litter, food and water in the room where the newcomer originally resided for awhile longer will give it a place it feels safe and comfortable. Eventually it will be possible to regain your spare bedroom for guests.
Above all...be patient. I have introduced many cats to my group, which started at three cats and vacillates from five to six. Some took only a few days. For example, Mr. Kramer and Mindy, both senior citizens, had been in cages waiting for adoption and had socialized daily with other cats during their extended stay in the pet store. They quickly adapted to my feline brood, comfortable with the multi-cat environment. By contrast, Missy, my beautiful Himalayan, (naturally a shy breed) came to me when her elderly owner passed away. Always being an only cat it took her months to find her place. She spent the first few months in her cozy spot in the closet, coming out only at night or when I was in the room. Now (two years later) she has command of one of the cat trees and sleeps on the bed with four other cats every night.
Never have I had any serious cat fights nor injuries. Most of the time they are curled up together, grooming and purring. I am constantly amazed at how little work, and how much joy, it is to have a multiple cat household.
Nancy is a long-time cat owner who has given home to many cats. She has spent time as a volunteer and foster care provider for rescue groups. Before retiring, she spent 20+ years in education as a teacher of elementary aged children.
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