Hi there, I'm just starting the cat introduction process and could use some tips and/or reassurance. I adopted Hammond when he was three/four months old in November. Since then he's been an only cat, but as sweet as can be. He loves everyone (kids included) and is very flexible with change. I brought him to summer camp for three months where we lived in a tiny screened-in cabin and he hunted bugs and "lifeguarded" (his favorite cabin perch spot overlooked the lake). Not one complaint from him! I'd been thinking about getting a second cat for a while, and especially now that I'm in my first year of teaching and gone for upwards of ten hours per day. After many trips to browse at the SPCA, I brought home a new cat yesterday who is approximately 6 months old.
I did lot of research on cat introductions beforehand and have so far followed the steps of isolating the new cat (still working on a name for him), swapping scents, and associating food with any time spent around the door. At first Hammond was very curious about what was on the other side of my bedroom door. No hissing, trying to get in, etc. - just sitting on the other side. When I cracked opened the door at one point (the new cat had been here for a few hours), Hammond was right on the other side and the new cat was near the door too so I quickly shut it. I'm pretty sure they saw each other briefly. Hammond ran down the stairs and did not come back. That evening I put some wet food near the door for Hammond. He seemed a bit apprehensive and ended up hissing when he heard the cat's meow on the other side of the door. I know that this is totally normal (though it was only the second time I'd ever heard Hammond hiss..) but it felt like a step backwards because earlier that day he'd been very interested in the door. I'm worried that when they briefly saw each other (followed by the quick door closing) Hammond got spooked and now thinks there's some monster living upstairs! Should I wait a bit before putting food by the door again? Any tips for the meantime?
Also I'm totally stuck on naming this little tot. I'll post a picture and if a name comes to anyone, please let me know!
I did lot of research on cat introductions beforehand and have so far followed the steps of isolating the new cat (still working on a name for him), swapping scents, and associating food with any time spent around the door. At first Hammond was very curious about what was on the other side of my bedroom door. No hissing, trying to get in, etc. - just sitting on the other side. When I cracked opened the door at one point (the new cat had been here for a few hours), Hammond was right on the other side and the new cat was near the door too so I quickly shut it. I'm pretty sure they saw each other briefly. Hammond ran down the stairs and did not come back. That evening I put some wet food near the door for Hammond. He seemed a bit apprehensive and ended up hissing when he heard the cat's meow on the other side of the door. I know that this is totally normal (though it was only the second time I'd ever heard Hammond hiss..) but it felt like a step backwards because earlier that day he'd been very interested in the door. I'm worried that when they briefly saw each other (followed by the quick door closing) Hammond got spooked and now thinks there's some monster living upstairs! Should I wait a bit before putting food by the door again? Any tips for the meantime?
Also I'm totally stuck on naming this little tot. I'll post a picture and if a name comes to anyone, please let me know!