Foster cat wreaking havoc

[brokenheart]

I took in a cat from a bodega that was closing and just going to abandon her. Two people had said they would take her. Now one is renegging and the other is out. of the country.

My other cats are 16. She's 3. She has become increasingly aggressive with M, which is surprising because M is not usually one to take any s---t from anyone; on the other hand, he's pretty angelic.

I feel bad for saying this, but I don't want his last years to be ruined by her. If necessary I would take her to the ASPCA rather than let her keep torturing him. (Tonight she opened up a gash on his nose.) Is that terrible of me?

 

[shadowsrescue]

How did you go about introducing the cats?  Cats often do not do well when they are just thrown together and you hope for the best.  Cats are so very territorial and when a new cat arrives the household will be in a disarray.  It takes time and patience and a good plan.  I will post some articles and a video on cat to cat introductions.

Has this cat been to the vet for a clean bill of health before attempting introductions?  That is step one and very important.  You do not want your other cats exposed to illness or disease.  You also want to be sure that the cat is spayed. 

Remember the new kitty is frightened too.  This is a new home, with new scents and new humans and other cats.  Have you thought of trying a feliway diffuser or two?

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

 

[brokenheart]

Thanks, Shadows, this is the third or fourth time I've introduced a new cat into a home with one or two cats already. I always let the newbie have a room to themself for up to a week, then let them mingle. The other times it went much better. Could that be because they were all boys?

 

[mani]

 
Thanks, Shadows, this is the third or fourth time I've introduced a new cat into a home with one or two cats already. I always let the newbie have a room to themself for up to a week, then let them mingle. The other times it went much better. Could that be because they were all boys?

  I think you've been really lucky to have it all work out for 'up to a week'.  Sometimes it takes much longer.  Honestly, patience is the key here.

Just follow the steps carefully .