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- Dec 9, 2021
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We brought our new, 2 yr old cat home last week. She’s a female. Our existing cat is about 7ish and also a female. Both cats are quite confident and friendly in nature.
We had read all the advice re keeping them separate, but on the second day the new cat slipped by us, found our existing cat under the bed and then chased her up the stairs. No physical damage was done – think the encounter only lasted a couple of minutes – but there was some yowling and existing cat’s fur went all puffy. We separated them quickly and they have been separated for a week
Existing cat went and hid under the bed for about half an hour after the incident, but then came out and sat with us and ate her food etc.
This was a week ago and I’m anxious that their first encounter was like that. I understand these things take time and am fully prepared for that, but I don’t want this negative encounter to ruin any chance of them at least tolerating each other. Would really appreciate some advice / guidance from you lovely people.
Positive behaviour I’ve noticed
Both cats are eating fine, using trays fine and coming for strokes / playing. Existing cat still sometimes goes under the bed for five or so minutes but then will come out again and carry on her day. The last couple of days she hasn’t hidden at all
Existing cat not hissing outside the door and can walk past it.
I did some scent swapping yday – rubbed a sock on the new cat and brought her blanket / scratch post down. Existing cat sniffed these on her own terms and didn’t react
New cat has been exploring shared areas of the house alone and existing cat doesn’t seem to have reacted. Also when she’s being stroked and hears the new cat meowing she still stays for strokes and doesn’t immediately leave to investigate
Things I’m a bit worried about
When I stroke the existing cat after I’ve stroked the new cat / actively present my hand to her, she hisses. This is a bit confusing as when she approaches things on her own she seems to be fine. I’d appreciate people’s thoughts on this.
When we pass her in the narrow corridor between our bedroom and the new cat’s bedroom, she hisses at us. Same on the stairs
Sometimes when she’s sitting near the door, her tail is swishing even though she’s not hissing. She’s never there for long.
Thanks in advance for your help, really appreciate it as am quite anxious about the situation
We had read all the advice re keeping them separate, but on the second day the new cat slipped by us, found our existing cat under the bed and then chased her up the stairs. No physical damage was done – think the encounter only lasted a couple of minutes – but there was some yowling and existing cat’s fur went all puffy. We separated them quickly and they have been separated for a week
Existing cat went and hid under the bed for about half an hour after the incident, but then came out and sat with us and ate her food etc.
This was a week ago and I’m anxious that their first encounter was like that. I understand these things take time and am fully prepared for that, but I don’t want this negative encounter to ruin any chance of them at least tolerating each other. Would really appreciate some advice / guidance from you lovely people.
Positive behaviour I’ve noticed
Both cats are eating fine, using trays fine and coming for strokes / playing. Existing cat still sometimes goes under the bed for five or so minutes but then will come out again and carry on her day. The last couple of days she hasn’t hidden at all
Existing cat not hissing outside the door and can walk past it.
I did some scent swapping yday – rubbed a sock on the new cat and brought her blanket / scratch post down. Existing cat sniffed these on her own terms and didn’t react
New cat has been exploring shared areas of the house alone and existing cat doesn’t seem to have reacted. Also when she’s being stroked and hears the new cat meowing she still stays for strokes and doesn’t immediately leave to investigate
Things I’m a bit worried about
When I stroke the existing cat after I’ve stroked the new cat / actively present my hand to her, she hisses. This is a bit confusing as when she approaches things on her own she seems to be fine. I’d appreciate people’s thoughts on this.
When we pass her in the narrow corridor between our bedroom and the new cat’s bedroom, she hisses at us. Same on the stairs
Sometimes when she’s sitting near the door, her tail is swishing even though she’s not hissing. She’s never there for long.
Thanks in advance for your help, really appreciate it as am quite anxious about the situation