Topic: intros....how quick? (Read 8450 times)

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #46 on:** September 05, 2008, 16:35:47 PM »

Oh wow, your situation is very similar to mine. My two resident cats, Hunter and Haney, I adopted from a rescue shelter. I've had Hunter since he was 11 weeks old and he is the best well balanced cat since I have had him since he was a kitten. Hunter will be one year old the 17th of this month. Haney I also adopted from the same shelter but I got him as an adult cat at one year and four months old. I've only had Haney since May of this year. Haney however has lived most of his life in a cage between two different shelters. He had been adopted out once before but was returned because he is aggressive and bites. When I saw him, he just melted my heart and I just had to give him a second chance. He seemed to be very loving to me, but the shelter warned me about him over and over again about how aggressive he can be at times. There was something about him that made me think he would be fine with me. Just like you, I too live alone and my household is very quite. I've had Haney now almost 4 months and he is a wonderful boy now. At first it took a long time to get him to even let me pet him. He would bite me and scratch me up badly but I persevered and now he is so loving and gets a long so well with Hunter. Indy came from my son's house and had been banned from indoor living since she had urinating issues. Indy has been living strictly outdoors now for 3 years! She is 3 1/2 years old. Being kept indoors has also been very hard on her too since she is not used to it. Also, Haney has taken the role of being Top Cat here and now considers this his turf so now his aggression issues are re-surfacing, but not toward me, only toward Indy. I just hope it passes soon. I do feel sorry for Haney in so many ways because he never got to enjoy being a kitten or even being a cat until now. He has lived in a cage nearly all his life. It's really sad how some people treat cats.

Sorry for hijacking this thread.

tiga · « **Reply #45 on:** September 05, 2008, 15:57:07 PM »

Hi HunterHarelys mum

Riley and Digby are about 18 months to 2 years and I have had them since Feb. They were rescued from a flat where they were with 21 other cats in pretty gross circumstances. They are maybe brothers but don't really know. They are indoor cats and are now very relaxed and are really coming on trust wise. They weren't abused, but were neglected and very timid.

Poppy the new girl is about 4 and has been kept in 1 room for about 3 years and was terrorised by 2 dogs. The fosterer seems to think she was abused as she is really scared of men. She has been in foster care for six months and is very scared of people, but fine with other cats. She just needs a quiet home and I live on my own so she should be fine in time.

The two boys are obviously used to lots of cats so I am hopeful all will be well. I have read your posts and I have tied the door shut to avoid any accidental confrontations until I am ready to do it. My boys can open the door if they really want! Hope things go well with you.

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #44 on:** September 05, 2008, 15:21:00 PM »

tiga that is funny the way the cats will sniff each others beds. They do seem to stake claim to their own stuff don't they? Is Poppy a kitten or adult cat? How old are your other two cats? I'm just curious because I am in the process of cat intros here at my house too, 12 days now. One of my cats is getting on just fine with the new cat but the other one is not liking her being here one bit and just wants to get at her to attack her. It is a slow process. Good luck to you.

Tiggy's Mum · « **Reply #43 on:** September 05, 2008, 10:57:04 AM »

Sounds like a step in the right direction

Am loving the vision of Riley staking his claim to the previously ignored bed

tiga · « **Reply #42 on:** September 05, 2008, 09:36:29 AM »

Last night Poppy was a bit more confident with me. She was up and out, rubbing around my legs and investigating her new room. She was rolling about a lot and showing her tummy but her fosterer warned me that she doesn't like being touched on her tummy. She came to me for some strokes so slowly., slowly does it.

I swapped over a cat bed she had slept in and my boys had a good sniff. Then Riley spent a good hour sitting in it as if to say 'I don't know who has been in this bed, but it is MY bed!' Quite funny as it is one he has never really been bothered with before. They know a cat is in the spare room and have been sniffing the door.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #41 on:** September 05, 2008, 00:01:34 AM »

Let Poppy do things as she wants, dont force her to do anything.........slowly slowly with Poppy I think

tiga · « **Reply #40 on:** September 04, 2008, 09:43:23 AM »

Well Poppy arrived last night and is very scared. She is so wary that I haven't even tried to stroke her. She went straight from the fosterer's carry case to the cat igloo bed. We let my boys sniff her carry case but apart from that I don't think they even realised she was in the house. They definitely weren't hanging around the door of the spare room.

I went in and lay on the bed for a bit and talked to her and could hear the boys chasing up and down the stairs so they aren't bothered yet.

This morning I went in and she had eaten her food and done a wee and poo so is obviously ok. She was in one of my cat carriers this morning and I sat with her for a bit and talked to her. I think the boys are a bit more curious this morning. I have tied the door shut this morning because they are butter for opening the doors.

I think it is going to take more time for her to feel confident with me than with the boys to be honest. But I knew she was very timid so am expecting it to be slow going. She just needs to go slowly. I am going to leave her in the spare room till the weekend. Then I'll shut the boys in one of the other rooms and open her door so she can have a bit of a wander.

nicchick · « **Reply #39 on:** September 04, 2008, 08:56:54 AM »

Quote from: HunterHarleyMum on September 03, 2008, 16:09:00 PM

nicchick, Congratulation on your success with the intros! I agree with furbabystar (Michelle) and would now stop the separation. They seem to be doing extremely well now. Just watch them closely so Kookie does not hurt her leg any further. If you don't mind my asking, how did she injure her leg in the first place? I hope it was nothing too serious.

Ah well, she managed to fall out the bathroom window at the breeders house - she has no idea how she managed it. Kookie was playing with her brother so probably being very naughty! She managed to break her back leg unfortunately but that was 4.5 weeks ago now and its healing well. If she has been running around for a long time she will limp a teeny bit, but it doesnt seem to bother her. She is going to see my vet next week so will get him to check it as well, although she was given the all clear byt her previous vet.

We are stil seperating them at night and when we arent home, at least for the next few days as I want to be sure. When we are home they get to play

nikkix

Happy Moggy · « **Reply #38 on:** September 03, 2008, 21:59:08 PM »

Well done nicchick. Sounds like you've cracked it.

On the subject of separation vs let-them-get-on-with-it, there's no right answer in my opinion.

The first thing you have to take into consideration is personality. You know your cats, and most people can make a reasonable guess at the personality of the new cat. So if either cat is shy or takes longer to make friends, take things at a more gentle pace.

If they are both the sort that looks for a crowd to join in, can start a conversation with anybody, and has a bright extroverted personality, then why not let them get on with it.

The other thing to consider is space. No matter what the personality, if you force them into the same small space which at least one cat believes is theirs and theirs alone, there will be trouble. If they are outdoor cats and can disappear for a bit of "me time" there is less potential for bother.

Use your judgement. If we didn't have it we would keep hamsters, not cats!

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #37 on:** September 03, 2008, 18:21:19 PM »

I vote for the nice room too. In fact it sounds so nice, I wouldn't mind coming for a visit! lol

tiga · « **Reply #36 on:** September 03, 2008, 16:58:06 PM »

Yes, I am thinking I want her to feel comfy and then she can come out when she's ready. I wouldn't want to spend 24/7 in a bathroom if I didn't have to! I can always close the door to that room once she is okay to be integrated and that will encourage to be in the rest of the house with us.

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #35 on:** September 03, 2008, 16:47:43 PM »

I would go for nice

tiga · « **Reply #34 on:** September 03, 2008, 16:39:45 PM »

Yes, I think slow and separate will be the way to go. I am just debating between two options of where to keep her separate:

Spare room : Lots of space, comfy, nice window to look out of, BUT she is used to living in one room and may not want to come out if it is too nice in there.

OR spare bathroom: Smaller, no nice view of outside, not as light and airy, but she will be less likely to want to stay in there forever once she can come out.

Background: She was kept in one room for 3 years (in former 'home) and has only just been coming out in the fosters in the last few months even though the door was open.

Any thoughts on which alternative is best? Bathroom or bedroom

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #33 on:** September 03, 2008, 16:09:00 PM »

nicchick, Congratulation on your success with the intros! I agree with furbabystar (Michelle) and would now stop the separation. They seem to be doing extremely well now. Just watch them closely so Kookie does not hurt her leg any further. If you don't mind my asking, how did she injure her leg in the first place? I hope it was nothing too serious.

tiga I agree with the others in that it would be best to go slow and do separate, at least in the beginning. I think it really depends a great deal too if you are introducing a kitten or an adult cat into your mix.

I think Gill really hit the spot here....

Quote

However if you start fast and it goes wrong , its almost impossible for them to forget and may never work.

I think starting out slow is much better and will help your cats to become friends. Good luck!

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #32 on:** September 03, 2008, 15:25:28 PM »

Start it slow and separate, if things are going well like with nics cats, then you can always speed it up.

However if you start fast and it goes wrong , its almost impossible for them to forget and may never work.

I suspect when you have avery large number of cats , ironically introductions are easier as long as the incoming cat is not scared.

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #31 on:** September 03, 2008, 14:00:00 PM »

Quote from: tiga on September 03, 2008, 13:30:44 PM

My new girl is arriving tonight and I had it all planned out with separation but now wonder if I should just let them get on with it. I think i will still keep here separate for a few days and then see how they go meeting through a screen door. If they seem calm, then maybe let the be together on the weekend and let them get on with it. Poppy, my new girl, is very timid and shy so I think I will err on the side of caution as I don't want her scared. Although my boys are pretty chilled out.

It's very exciting but I'm nervous at the same time!

Do it how you think best !

Sometimes seperation is the best.....other times it has made things worse (been cases on here)
I have been lucky that the way i do it has always worked...I have 11 cats and have had 16 over the years.

But you are sooooo excited, I love it when a new one is due to join us
Good luck, I am sure which ever way you do it will be right for you xxxx

nicchick · « **Reply #30 on:** September 03, 2008, 13:47:56 PM »

Quote from: tiga on September 03, 2008, 13:30:44 PM

My new girl is arriving tonight and I had it all planned out with separation but now wonder if I should just let them get on with it. I think i will still keep here separate for a few days and then see how they go meeting through a screen door. If they seem calm, then maybe let the be together on the weekend and let them get on with it. Poppy, my new girl, is very timid and shy so I think I will err on the side of caution as I don't want her scared. Although my boys are pretty chilled out.

It's very exciting but I'm nervous at the same time!

Hi I do think the seperation thingy is the best way to go - if they are happy like my two are then you can move quick. The worst thing you can do is force a meeting though. Cant remember if I said or not but the first few hours of Kookie being in our house, despite the fact she was shut in a different room simba was really upset and scared and even hissed at me..... I think if I had just "let them get on with it" Simba (resident cat) would still be hiding under our bed.

good luck with it though you must be very excited!
nikkix

So i would say take it slow.

tiga · « **Reply #29 on:** September 03, 2008, 13:30:44 PM »

My new girl is arriving tonight and I had it all planned out with separation but now wonder if I should just let them get on with it. I think i will still keep here separate for a few days and then see how they go meeting through a screen door. If they seem calm, then maybe let the be together on the weekend and let them get on with it. Poppy, my new girl, is very timid and shy so I think I will err on the side of caution as I don't want her scared. Although my boys are pretty chilled out.

It's very exciting but I'm nervous at the same time!

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #28 on:** September 03, 2008, 12:03:34 PM »

Quote from: Lynds on September 03, 2008, 11:50:59 AM

Quote from: HunterHarleyMum on September 02, 2008, 19:47:26 PM
Well well well, aren't you sounding just like a proud mummy! That is so good that they are taking to each other so nicely. I wish my Haney and Indy would do that. These two are still not tolerate of each other at all, and today is day 10.

Ditto - I'm on day 17...

Oh i do feel for you both.

I have never had any problems with intro's......although i have never done the separation, I have just let them get on with it.....So i dont know if its the way i do it that works or just that my lot are more laid back ?

Lynds · « **Reply #27 on:** September 03, 2008, 11:50:59 AM »

Quote from: HunterHarleyMum on September 02, 2008, 19:47:26 PM

Well well well, aren't you sounding just like a proud mummy! That is so good that they are taking to each other so nicely. I wish my Haney and Indy would do that. These two are still not tolerate of each other at all, and today is day 10.

Ditto - I'm on day 17...

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #26 on:** September 03, 2008, 11:30:55 AM »

I would say you have done it !!!!!!

personally i would stop the separation now and let them get on with it

nicchick · « **Reply #25 on:** September 03, 2008, 09:20:15 AM »

As you may guess I am just a little bit happy!!
Simba and Kookie spent 2 hours last night running round the house together, playing, chasing, swatting, wrestling, hiding, seeking, chatting......

I had to seperate them after 2 hours cos Kookie had been running around so much she was limping a little on her poorly leg, and everytime she was able she was running off to find simba. After we had put kookie to bed in the dining room simba was so pleased with himself and obviously very happy. I think they might love each other just a little bit.......

nikkix

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #24 on:** September 02, 2008, 19:47:26 PM »

Well well well, aren't you sounding just like a proud mummy! That is so good that they are taking to each other so nicely. I wish my Haney and Indy would do that. These two are still not tolerate of each other at all, and today is day 10.

Happy Moggy · « **Reply #23 on:** September 02, 2008, 18:16:50 PM »

Simba's trying to act cool, show off a bit. Kookie's playing hard to get. Secretly, both of them get butterflies in their stomachs when they meet. They really fancy each other!

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #22 on:** September 02, 2008, 17:39:28 PM »

good one Gill!

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #21 on:** September 02, 2008, 17:36:46 PM »

sounds ghreat.........franta says get offf the keyboardcos i wanna write something,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,54'4555555555555555555555555555

thank you franta

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #20 on:** September 02, 2008, 17:19:24 PM »

Oh that is fantastic! Good Job!!!!

It won't be long now. Soon in a few short weeks I bet those two cats of yours are going to be living in harmony. I think the slow go it the best way. Let them keep playing and interacting through the glass door, that way they will be come friends. I'm happy for you.

nicchick · « **Reply #19 on:** September 02, 2008, 09:09:30 AM »

Well.......

we did two quick 5 minute meetings last night (one in dining room and one in living room). Only short but would rather go slowly!
The first one in the dining room (where kookie is based) simba was more interested in sampling kookies biscuits and checking his climbing frame was okay! He got within about a foot of her a couple of times and sniffed her. To be honest I think it wasnt so much that he wasnt interested, just that he didnt want to get too close the first time!

The second meeting was in the living room and kookie was just sat in my lap. Simba strolled in and was like "oh your here hello" sniffed noses he wandered off for a bit, came back wandered off, came back etc. So lots of nose sniffing! Kookie seemed happy to stay sat in my lap.

Yay! Another positive thing is they are spending more and more time together playing through the gap in the glass doors.

OOoh Im keeping my fingers crossed - will do some more meetings tonight :-)

nikkix

Happy Moggy · « **Reply #18 on:** September 02, 2008, 00:14:46 AM »

Me too! You have me hooked on this one. Could there be feline love at the end??

Sounds like you are doing really well. Don't forget to keep us posted.

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #17 on:** September 01, 2008, 22:13:25 PM »

Ooh that sounds promising too. I think that is a great idea. So when do you plan to perform this actual meeting? I can't wait to hear how it goes.

nicchick · « **Reply #16 on:** September 01, 2008, 15:49:45 PM »

ah actually just thought....... kookie LOVES her food so I could maybe feed her some nice yummy wet food when we let them meet and then she will totally ignore him lol

Simba wont try and eat it cos he hates wet food and it doesnt matter if simba isnt eating cos he wont be the problem

nikkix

nicchick · « **Reply #15 on:** September 01, 2008, 15:47:32 PM »

ah unfortunately my resident cat simba is not at all driven by food so in that situation he really wouldnt eat so it wouldnt work, even if I was waving his favourite treat of ham at him!

Normally I wouldnt hold a kitten when introducing but really Kookie is soooo confident with everything, plus she came from a house with lots of maine coons anyway. As soons as she is within reach of Simba I know she will pounce on him to play and as she is boistrous it would probably end up with simba hiding under our bed. I can always stand up if she tenses, but she isnt scared of ANYTHING.....!

Im glad for the reassurance

nikkix

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #14 on:** September 01, 2008, 15:27:20 PM »

Every thing seems to be going excellent. As you know, I'm going through this same thing, but my cats are all adults so it's going to take more time. My vet recommended it would be a good idea to feed them together in the same room, but in separate corners. He said that way they learn associate getting good food when in the presence of each other. So you could always give that a try too rather then holding one cat in your lap? Either way would be fine I think, just as long as the cat you are holding does not feel "trap" by your holding her/him. Personally, I will not hold my cats for fear of them feeling trapped or cornered. That alone could trigger fright or aggression. I think it is best to just let them come into the same room and then just watch over them. Have a large towel or blanket handy just in case you need to intervene by tossing it over any cat who is being aggressive. I would also limit these interactions to 10 minutes at a time for a few days and I bet it will be smooth sailing after that.

Good Luck!

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #13 on:** September 01, 2008, 12:39:07 PM »

This sounds great.......go for it I reckon

nicchick · « **Reply #12 on:** September 01, 2008, 11:09:31 AM »

Okay, well simba is totally back to his usual self

running round like a loon and chatting away.

Now the glass doors are open a couple of inches and they are both chattering, rolling on their backs, batting/slapping paws and sniffing. Simba does sometimes jump back though when Kookie is in a particularly bouncy mood - i think he finds her irratic movements a bit worrying, but he doesnt run away, just jumps back a little and he always goes back for paw swatting. He is spending a lot of time with her at the moment. Alhtough sometimes I think the paw swatting can get a bit rough, but they both seem happy whilst doing it and I think I may be worrying too much!

Now even though they only met on friday I think its going pretty well I would like to try a face to face introduction this evening - what is the best way to do this? Kookie is totally not bothered by Simba, so i think I may sit on the floor and keep hold of her and allow simba to come to her. Is that the best method? Simba can get worried easily so need it to be gentle on him. I think if I didnt hold her she would straight away pounce on him for some play wrestling which I think would scare simba to begin with. Is there an amount of time the meeting should last, say 10 minutes?

thanks, Ive never introduced cats before!

nikkix

nicchick · « **Reply #11 on:** August 31, 2008, 09:54:50 AM »

Maine Coons are usually easy going with other cats, its part of their laid back nature. I really cant imagine me not having a maine coon around the house now, he is so gentle and affectionate (but not a lap cat) and he has such a funny, cheeky nature!

The new kitten is an australian mist, which are also supposed to be easy going with other cats.

Good new this morning - simba is certainly back to his usual self i.e. won't shut up this morning so things are good I think! I will do some more of the opening the door a crack and see how that goes.

nikkix

HaneyHarperIndyMum (Val) · « **Reply #10 on:** August 30, 2008, 23:36:49 PM »

Oh boy! Sounds like you are really making good progress. One of my cats, Hunter, is a Maine Coon too. I've had him since he was a kitten. He is the sweetest boy. Very gentle. I don't know if it a Maine Coon's normal behavior or not but my boy is very submissive. I think you are very lucky to have such a sweet cat too.

Good Luck!

Oh as you may have guessed, it's my other cat that has me worried about the intros to my third cat. Haney is top cat and has some aggression issues.

nicchick · « **Reply #9 on:** August 30, 2008, 23:28:08 PM »

thanks for the reassurance....

I dare not hope its going too well just in case it all back fires on me and ends up with simba hiding in the bedroom - he is such a sensitive little chap. Mind you, he is a maine coon and she is not, so the size difference is pretty big

Im about to head off and take some piccies so will hopefully post them tommorrow. I will update tommorrow

nikkix

Gill (sneakiefeline) · « **Reply #8 on:** August 30, 2008, 23:21:44 PM »

Yes it sounds like its going well

That rolling on the back is a sign of submissiveness, ummmmmm usually LOL.

In my Sasas case its a sign of I dare you to come close and I will get you

Looks like you could have a normal household quite soon

nicchick · « **Reply #7 on:** August 30, 2008, 23:15:54 PM »

Well everything seems to be going okay so far, no hissing other than the once at me

Simba (resident cat - 2.5 yrs old) seems to be doing okay. I have removed the newspaper from the glass doors and he is good - quieter than usual but still chattering away. He keeps going back to look through the glass at Kookie (kitten - 4 months old). He is also meowing at her, but in his friendly chatty way. Though he is still a little wary if that makes sense, but his ears are very much pointing forward.

She is not fazed (sp?) by him in the slightest, and given half a chance would start playing with him!

I opened the doors a crack earlier (whilst holding the kitten) and they put their paws through and at one point simba even rolled on his back with his paws in the air in a playful gesture.

I have been swapping rooms etc to mingle their smells.

I will do a little more of the opening the doors a crack tomorrow, and I will take it slowly!

But I think everything seems to be going okay so far - what do you guys think? I have never introduced cats before. I do think its not bad as its only been about 30 hours since we bought her home? Oh, and I do have feliway plugged in.

nikkiX

Author Topic: intros....how quick? (Read 8450 times)