new kitty -- loves people, terrified of cats

summermh

TCS Member
Thread starter
Adult Cat
Joined
Jun 7, 2001
Messages
147
Purraise
12
Location
Murfreesboro, TN
We recently adopted a stray, and she is an absolute love bug with people, so it never dawned on me she'd be so terrified of our other kitties. For almost 3 weeks now she's been in our master bath with food, water, and a litter box. If the bathroom door is open, she won't come out of the bathroom closet. While one of our kitties was aggressive towards her initially, he has calmed down tremendously and (supervised) is quite submissive when just a few feet away. However, she will not stop hissing. Although we make a point to go in and love on her, etc. it breaks my heart for her to be in the bathroom alone most of the time (although honestly she seems perfectly content). How long should we give it until it seems best for us to find her a home with no other cats? Is there anything we can do to increase her confidence? We'd love to keep her if possible. Thank you!
 

BonitaBaby

Emotional Support Cat "Owner"
Alpha Cat
Joined
Sep 15, 2014
Messages
654
Purraise
351
Location
California
Did you do scent swapping introductions to get her used to the other cats for a while before introducing them and vice versa? You could try that if you didn't. Swap items... Since she was living as a stray, she's got a good survival instinct for living in the wild where she'd be smartest to avoid other cats. Also, try Feliway spray or Comfort Zone with Feliway spray. If it works on her and your other cats, that should make them feel calmer and more comfortable so she can leave the master bathroom. Spray items, not your cats.
 

shadowsrescue

TCS Member
Veteran
Joined
Apr 27, 2011
Messages
7,027
Purraise
5,100
Location
Ohio
Here are some articles on cat to cat introductions.  It can take time for cats to be accepting of each other.  Follow the guidelines and it will help smooth over the process.  As mentioned above Feliway is great both in the plug in and spray.  I have also used Composure calming.  It comes in treat formula or liquid.  It helps the cats feel more calm instead of so territorial and nervous.

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/

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-cats
 
Top