Resident, Duncan, cat is 4 months old and has been with us for a little over two months. He's a handful - typical kitten but a little bitey. Nothing agressive, mostly just very rough play when he is bored. In general, he is a very affectionate cat. Since we're at work all day, last weekend we got cat #2, Barry, to keep him company and wear him out.
Barry was at the shelter for maybe 6 months. He was found in someone's yard and is maybe 10 months old. He was in the cat room with other cats and did well. But he's shy - at the shelter he would let you pet him, but he didn't enjoy it - he would neither "lean in" for more nor "lean out" to get away - he just sat their. But he was gorgeous so we took him home.
Barry's been in the downstairs bathroom since last Friday. He hid for a few days, then finally would come out and look at me after 3-4 days. Now he will come to me for treats, not right away but quick enough, and he will take treats out of my hand. He now initiates petting and loves it, but again, it takes a little time to get him there.
By now, both cats have noticed that there is another cat in the house. I think its time to introduce them through a baby gate. Duncan has been trying to get in for a couple of days. Barry shows no interest, fear, curiosity in the door, but Duncan's crying "alerts" him.
So tonight, with lots of treats and two hungry cats, we will let the boys see each other. My wife on one side of the gate and me on the other.
Any suggestions? Does it seem too soon? What is the normal trigger that says it is time to introduce the cats?
Barry was at the shelter for maybe 6 months. He was found in someone's yard and is maybe 10 months old. He was in the cat room with other cats and did well. But he's shy - at the shelter he would let you pet him, but he didn't enjoy it - he would neither "lean in" for more nor "lean out" to get away - he just sat their. But he was gorgeous so we took him home.
Barry's been in the downstairs bathroom since last Friday. He hid for a few days, then finally would come out and look at me after 3-4 days. Now he will come to me for treats, not right away but quick enough, and he will take treats out of my hand. He now initiates petting and loves it, but again, it takes a little time to get him there.
By now, both cats have noticed that there is another cat in the house. I think its time to introduce them through a baby gate. Duncan has been trying to get in for a couple of days. Barry shows no interest, fear, curiosity in the door, but Duncan's crying "alerts" him.
So tonight, with lots of treats and two hungry cats, we will let the boys see each other. My wife on one side of the gate and me on the other.
Any suggestions? Does it seem too soon? What is the normal trigger that says it is time to introduce the cats?