- Joined
- Mar 15, 2016
- Messages
- 4
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I took in a stray (vets says he's around 3 and likely was not outside for more than a couple weeks) at the end of January and am hoping to make him a part of our family, we already have 3 cats (a 5 yr old female, 9 yr old female & 9yr old male). I've been trying to do the intro by the book; he has his own room, I've done scent swapping, site swapping, bought 3 baby gates so I could stack them (he's climber) and allow the resident cats to safely check him out. I also have the Feliway diffuser and spray. My other cats actually seem fine with him when I allow them together (with play and treats) but all he wants to do is pounce on 2 of them immediately which makes them run off. He goes straight for a tackle and bites the backs of their necks. My 5yr old female now slinks around him but will sit in the same room without hissing. The male sometimes stands his ground briefly then runs after hissing (not in a come chase me way but trying to make a getaway). It does just seem like play to me, the newbie will flop on the floor in front of the male inviting play, when that doesn't happen he pounces as the other walks away. Distracting him with a toy doesn't work nor does attempting to tire him out with play before the meeting. I praise him when he does play appropriately and try to break up the over aggressive play by making a noise or using a water bottle (he hasn't seen me use it). The noise method bothers me because it freaks the other cat out too and I'm worried about creating even more of a negative association.
I'm not sure how to progress. I'm hopeful because he was attacking hands nonstop but that has gotten much better by just not allowing it. If he tries it I stop petting or walk away after a firm no and praise him when he calmly accepts petting. He just wants to play nonstop with anything and everything. I mean he is pent up in a room half the day and all night so who can blame him. He does get 2-3 20 minute (at least) play sessions daily in an attempt to tire him out but it hasn't happened yet.
I realize it could take much longer than the 7 weeks I've been at it so far but I'm worrying that I've hit a plateau and it won't get better. I will re-home him if it's the right thing to do but obviously I'm committed to making this work. I guess I'm wondering if at some point I do just need to let them hash it out themselves, maybe he'll calm if he's out of his room, or should i continue taking it slow?
Any advice or similar success stories would be helpful. Thanks.
I'm not sure how to progress. I'm hopeful because he was attacking hands nonstop but that has gotten much better by just not allowing it. If he tries it I stop petting or walk away after a firm no and praise him when he calmly accepts petting. He just wants to play nonstop with anything and everything. I mean he is pent up in a room half the day and all night so who can blame him. He does get 2-3 20 minute (at least) play sessions daily in an attempt to tire him out but it hasn't happened yet.
I realize it could take much longer than the 7 weeks I've been at it so far but I'm worrying that I've hit a plateau and it won't get better. I will re-home him if it's the right thing to do but obviously I'm committed to making this work. I guess I'm wondering if at some point I do just need to let them hash it out themselves, maybe he'll calm if he's out of his room, or should i continue taking it slow?
Any advice or similar success stories would be helpful. Thanks.