Conference misery::feline

    When we first got Rico for Tiki, Tiki would bat Rico all over the
    place.  Tiki was 4 years old and 25 lbs., Rico just about a month old. 
    Rico would go up to cuddle, and *BAP*!  One time Tiki just walked down
    the hall behind Rico, batting Rico's butt side to side - step, step,
    *BAP*, step, step, *BAP*, etc.  In time, they became closer than litter
    mates.
    
    Rico, never being aggressive, just ran and hid whenever Alexandra came
    to snuggle to him.  Rico was 5 years old, and missing Tiki horribly.  
    Now they snuggle all the time!
    
    Give them time.
    
    K.C.

    Just give Sprinkles time...right now, she has no idea why you brought
    this foreign, weird smelling, dumb kitten into HER house.  It might
    help if you give Sprinkles some extra TLC, even to the point of
    ignoring the kitten, or referring to the kitten as Sprinkle's kitten. 
    It's real hard to ignore a kitten, but Sprinkles needs to know that you
    still love her best of all!  In time, they'll be best friends.
    
    Besides, when you were a teenager, did you want to hang around with a
    toddler in diapers  ;^)??
    
    Mary
    

    Sprinkles is a bit insecure about the new addition.  Give her/him (??)
    extra attention, and give the kitten almost none--at first anyway.  The
    kitten will have to go to Sprinkles for attention, and eventually
    they'll become friends. 

    As you add more and more cats to your household, the older cats get to
    the point of just saying "Oh, another new one to break in.  Ho hum."
    ;-)

    Paul

    The same thing happened when we first brought Thor home. He was only
    5 1/2 weeks old and Pandora hated him. She was constantly bopping him
    off the head. Finally I got tired of this behavior and sat down with
    the two of them with a squirt gun. Everytime Pandora tried to attack
    the Thor I would squirt her. After an hour she learned to accept him.
    Then she decided he needed mothering.
    
                                             Alice

    
        I gave them both a bath so they smelled the same.  It worked for
    me!

    Do they get adjusted if it works the other way around?? I have
    a 4 month old kitten and was thinking of adopting a full grown
    cat from a shelter.  Would this relationship work??

    give them time - they will work it out. Kittens can be really
    annoying to an older cat - one wants to play- one wants to sleep.
    I wouldn't worry at all. The older one is just telling the youngster
    where to get off. I've introduced cats to kittens and kittens to cats.
    They'll be okay - the older one knows it is a kitten. If anything 
    were going to happen - it would have happened by now.
    
    Pat
    

    I'm giving Sprinkles extra attention, and the kitten just sits
    there and meows.  I like the bath idea.  I think I'll do that
    this weekend.  I'm just afraid Sprinkles will run away.  Does this
    happen often?
    
    The one good thing about Sprinkles batting the kitten, it certainly
    keeps the thing quiet for a while!!!!
    
    Thanks for the help.  
    
    BTW: These are both females

    I'm looking for some advice...  I have one indoor 7-year-old nuetered
    male cat, Linus, who I totally adore.  I would love so much to get
    another cat, for him for a friend, for me because I love cats so much
    and there are so many that need a home, and also I just moved into a
    nice big 2-bedroom apt. so I have the room now.  It's just that in the
    past I've been told that Linus is too old to adjust to another cat and
    he might hurt it or not be happy about it.  I did bring an adult female
    cat into my home about 4 years ago, and ended up giving her away
    because it just wasn't working out at all...of course, I lived in a
    renovated barn, which had no doors that I could separate the cats from
    each other at all.  I've read many notes in here about separating the
    cats in different rooms for a week or so, so they can smell each other,
    and that sounds like a good idea.  I'd like to do this when I was on
    vacation next month.  So my questions are:
    
    1.  Should I get a female or male cat?
    2.  I'm thinking that a cat 1 1/2 or 2 years old might be good...I
    don't want a kitten because Li is 20 lbs. and has large teeth and claws
    and I wouldn't want him to hurt it playing.  Does this sound right?
    
    FYI...Linus is a very happy cat right now...I don't know if I should
    really do this or not.  I just feel guilty because I'm not there a lot
    of the time...he may be perfectly happy...  I wish he could tell me
    what he'd like!!
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li

    Well Di, if you ask those types of questions in here, you are going to
    get all biased answers of YES, GET ANOTHER CAT!!!  :^)  

    I really don't think your 20 pounder cat would hurt a small kitten. 
    Cats seem to know their limits.  I've seen Great Dane dogs and tiny
    kittens get along just fine so sometimes almost anything goes.... 

    We did new introductions about 5 months ago and did what you aren't
    supposed to do.  We just combined everyone in the same room and let
    them all take turns swiping at each other.  (kids, don't try this at
    home now!)  The first few days were a bit touchy but after a while they
    all settled in.  You have to keep in mind that your 7 year old is in
    charge of the household and will be bothered by anyone invading his
    space so you'll need some time to work things out.  Getting another cat
    during your vacation time sounds like a good plan.
    
    If you care to know about people's statistics in what works and what
    doesn't.  What didn't work for us were two older cats being joined in
    the same house (a 9 and a 7 year old).  What did work was the same 9
    year old (only now she's 10 or 11) and two 1 1/2 year olds.  Gee, maybe
    you should get TWO kittens. :^)

    Di and Li.....
    
    This is real difficult decision because it is my opinion that
    each case is totally different.
    
    I have 9 cats...so we have gone through many introductions.  There are
    times I worry about introducing my Barkley to a new cat...but yet they
    get along fine.  But...maybe the next introductions don't work that
    great.   I think it depends on both cats that are being introduced.
    
    I would suggest that you work with your local animal shelter who
    in most cases will let you adopt a cat on a temporary basis to see
    if it works.   Just remember they will not be best buddies right
    away...and it does take time.   As long as they are only growling/
    spitting and swatting each other....time will make them friends.
    If your in the Lunenburg area...give the Pat Brody shelter a call 
    at 508-582-4539 because I'm sure she will work something out with you.
    
    And last but not least...give it a try.   There is nothing like seeing
    furfaces cleaning and sleeping with each other!!!!!!!
    
     Sandy
    
    

On vacation?  You mean at home with them or away so they can get along without
you?  I would introduce the new kitty ONLY if you were going to be home.
Otherwise, Linus might think you've abandoned him.  Give another kitty a try,
but try not to interfere too much--cats have their own rules for this kind of
stuff and we can't figure out what they are.  Just let him know you still
love him best of all and that this new cat needs him and a new home, too...

Good luck!
Mary

    This was my plan....
    
    I was going to get the cat on a weekend and leave it in my large bedroom for
    5-7 days, then when I was on vacation (I stay home by the pool), I was
    going to let them meet, and I'd be around for 2 weeks with them.  I'm
    so nervous about this...but it would be super if I could work something
    out with someone that I could bring the poor thing back if it didn't
    work.  That would make me feel much better about doing this.  What do
    you think?
    
    Di

    Tiki was 4 years old and 25 lbs. when I got Rico, who was undersized
    and underaged (if he was 6 weeks old, I'd have been surprised!).  They
    eventually became closer than littermates (a lot of people thought that
    they WERE littermates, although it was obvious that Rico was purebred
    Burmese, and Tiki wasn't).
    
    Rico was 5 years old when we got Alexandra.  It took longer (Rico was
    still in mourning over Tiki), but now they are very close.
    
    Definitely, get a "friend"...and BE there to help them get used to each
    other.
    
    K.C.

    Well,
    
    I called Priscilla at the Pat Brody shelter, and she has a year old
    female that has just been spayed named Misty.  She's part Siamese and
    an affectionate little talker.  She also has short hair, which is good
    because I'm allergic to animals...  I'm going to the shelter on Sunday
    to meet her.  Wish me luck...I hope so much that Linus likes his new
    friend.  In case it doesn't work out, Priscilla will take her back. 
    But, I'm going to try so hard to get them to like each other.  I won't
    be taking her until my vacation, though...it's going to be hard to
    wait!!  I'm so exicted...I want another cat so bad.  If I owned my own
    home, I know I'd have a lot more...
    
    Any suggestions about getting them acquainted would be nice...  I was
    thinking of leaving her in my bedroom for a few days.  Does that sound
    like a good idea.  Any other advice?
    
    Thanx,
    
    Di & Li

    The only advice I can really give is, let them take it at their own
    speed.  Some take longer to adapt than others.  (Tiki & Rico were
    almost spontaneous; Rico & Alex took longer).
    
    And if it seems like they're fighting, chances are they are playing. 
    Let them be unless you KNOW they are actually fighting.
    
    Good luck!  :^)
    
    K.C.

    
    I'm so happy your going to try this....hopefully Linus will love
    his new friend.  I'm trying to figure out which kitty is Misty...
    but I'm having a hard time because there are so many cats at the
    shelter right now!!!!
    
    I always like to confine a new kitty for a day or two for a couple
    of reasons.  The first is just to monitor their health, stools etc,
    the second is so I can spend time with the new kitty without other
    furfaces trying to get my attention, and third this will give
    the kitty a "comfort zone" she can consider her territory.  She
    will run back to her comfort zone if she gets uncomfortable with
    your kitty.
    
    And the suggestion to "give it time" is the best advise ever!!
    You probably will hear growling/spitting/hissing...so don't
    let that bother you.
    
    Keep us posted.....and fingers are crossed this works out.  
    
     Sandy

    Priscilla said that Misty was almost 1 and was just spayed.  She's part
    Siamese but is black/grey tiger short-hair.  She's a talker and so is
    Linus...this should be fun!!  I love talkers...  I hope she's more of a
    lap cat than Li, though.  Li never likes to sit with people or anything
    like that, but he loves attention and loves to play all the time.  He's
    very kitten-like for his 7 years...that's why I thought a little
    younger than him would be good because they could play together.  
    
    Diana

    I think keeping the new girl in a spare room for a few days is a good
    idea.  Whenever I do newcomer introductions, that is what I do.  It's
    hard, because you'll want to be on both sides of the door, but it seems
    to be less stressful for everybody but me that way.  Both of them will
    be able to smell each other under the door, and they'll know
    something's going on.  Sometimes I let them play with a piece of string 
    under the door.  Then when I do introductions, it's supervised, for
    short periods at first if I feel it necessary. 
    
    Now when I introduce a newcomer, my three hardly bother with the new cat - 
    they just want to get the newcomer's food ;-).
    
    One caution - if Li is used to sleeping with you, and you put Misty in
    your bedroom, Li might get his nose out of joint if he's shut out from
    you at night.  So if you have a spare bedroom, that would be a better
    option.  Be sure to make Li feel like you're not giving Misty more
    attention than him - Li needs to feel that you think he is still top
    cat.
    
    Good luck, and as previously stated, time is the great healer. 
    Sometimes at our shelter, people bring cats back after only trying a
    couple of days.  As many noters have said before, it can take weeks to
    months for things to settle down.  But every introduction I've ever
    attempted has been well worth the time and effort.
    
    Good Luck!
    
    Sue B. + Smokey, Spike & Trouble

    On the subject of adding cats -- did anyone watch America's Funniest
    Home Video's last night? I know it was a repeat, but they had some
    really cute things on about cats. ESPECIALLY the one who won the
    $10,000. They were trying to introduce a new cat to their present one,
    and the present one went BERZERK! It came after the woman holding the
    new cat, and THEN started chasing the other woman into the bedroom, and
    finally, chased the person operating the camera out of the room! What
    an upset cat! THey had the cat on the show, and it seemed pretty calm.
    They've nick named her "Devil Cat". Hmmm, I don't know if I'd want
    him.... ;^)
    
    Cheryl

    I read in one of the Cat Fancy issues once that if you rub something
    with your resident cat(s)'s scent (like a towel or bedding) over the
    body of the new cat/kitten, then the new addition has a familiar scent
    on it.  I think it was in an article from a shelter or perhaps the
    humane society.
    
    Pat & Clan
    

    Hi again,
    
    I went to the shelter last night to meet Misty.  I couldn't believe all
    the beautiful cats there.  Priscilla is such a great person.  She had
    the most positive attitude about finding all those babies homes.  I'm
    glad there's people like her to take care of them.  Anyway, when I went
    in to meet Misty, there was another year old female cat sitting with
    her, named Scatterbug.  You guessed it, she stole my heart.  Although
    Misty is incredibly beautiful with the prettiest heart-shaped head and
    silky short fur, she was also extremely independent and non-chalant
    about her visitors.  Actually, Misty was exactly like Linus...I'm not
    real sure they would have ever cared about getting along.  Well,
    Scatterbug is an all grey Russian Blue with a patch of white on her
    bib, and she was sooooooo sweet and just laid there and purred away.  I
    know she'll love to cuddle up, and I really want a love kitty so bad. 
    I was a bit concerned that she might be too timid for Linus, but a
    couple of cats started to bug her a bit before we left, and she
    certainly knows how to stand her ground.  I do feel so badly about
    having to choose one over the other...they were both so beautiful.  So,
    I rubbed a towel over Scatterbug (oh, I'm naming her Lula) and brought
    it home for Li to sniff, which he has been doing.  I'm getting her July
    17th and can't wait...  I'll let you all know how it goes...  Also, I
    have another friend that might take a kitty from the shelter, and
    another who is committing to send money once a month for a donation to
    the shelter.  I wish I could do more...
    
    Thanx for the advice...
    
    Di & Li & Lula
    

    Oh Di...don't feel bad about Misty...she'll find the perfect owner
    soon and in the mean time we'll give her plenty of love.  I have
    always said "that you can't pick out a cat...the right cat will 
    pick you."   
    
    I know who Scatterbug is...and she is a real sweatheart!!  Fingers
    are all crossed that Linus will love his new girlfriend.  Please
    keep us posted on the introductions.......
    
    Priscilla is one in a million......and how she keeps going is
    beyond me!!!!!  The shelter would have closed if it wasn't for
    her and her positive attitude!!  WE CAN DO IT...is her motto!!
    
    I bet you can't wait for that day to come!!!!!
    
    Sandy

    
    We added one of cj's found kittens (from the adoption note) to our 
    formerly single-cat household Saturday morning! 
    
    I did warn Fargas beforehand that he was getting a new little brother, but 
    I think he just didn't believe me because you should have seen the look of 
    sheer consternation on his face when Othello & I came in the door.  
    Othello went straight for Farg and kissed him - Fargas took a step back, 
    bapped him across the head, and stalked away...with Othello prancing after 
    him.  This went on for a few hours.  Snuggle, bap, storm off, repeat.  
    Then Othello decided that whatever Farg did, he had to do it too.  With the
    same item.  At the same time.  So he butts in and takes over...food,
    laps, toys...and Farg again looks irritated...and turns to either Tim
    or me with a baleful look, as if to say, "Why did you bring this *thing* 
    here??" And there were a few tussles that we kept a close eye on.
    
    However, Sunday afternoon I noticed them sleeping in a patch of sun in 
    the vestibule with their arms around each other...too cute.
    
    **Deb               

    I have agreed to look after four cats for a couple of weeks whilst
    their owner moves house. All are females.
    
    I already have two cats, one male and the other female - both two years
    old. They are both used to other cats visiting from time to time, but
    usually one at a time.
    
    Can anyone advise me on the best way (and least upsetting!) of
    introducing them all? Should I just let them get on with it, and let
    them sort themselves out, or should I go slowly with them - one at a
    time? 
    Also, would you recommend allowing the cats out? I understand that they
    are used to going out, but I am a little worried that they might get
    lost. 
    
    Your advice would be most gratefully received!
    

    I would recommend keeping the visiting cats isolated from your own.  No
    sense in stressing everyone out and risking them all becoming sick from
    stress.  Especially since the visiting cats will only be there for a
    a couple of weeks.
    
    I also would keep the visiting cats indoors.  They will not be familiar
    with your neighborhood and can become lost.
    
    Jo

    
>    I also would keep the visiting cats indoors.  They will not be familiar
>    with your neighborhood and can become lost.
    
please let me emphasize this....and also keep your cats indoors during the
visit...their frustration at having other cats around ( they can smell
the visitors no matter what you do) may make your cats reluctant to
return home if allowed out.  They may have taken well to having one other
cat around, but the smells generated by 4 visitors at once may make them
feel "crowded out" - and that may make them wander away permanently.  As 
the visit is only for a few weeks, yours will adjust much better if they 
are around to get lots of cuddle and play attention from you to reassure 
them that they aren't being replaced.

re:isolating your visitors

it is fine to put them a cat box or two, fresh food, and water in a
room of your home.  Cats are prone to hide and stay in one spot
when uprooted from familiar surroundings, so these cats won't feel
crowded - in fact, having their mates around them will help them adjust.
You do want to avoid them trying to find their way home, however - which
they will try if allowed out.  They'd catch what they think is a
familiar scent on the air ....and they'll be gone in a flash.

    
    Add me to the list of
    just_adopted_a_kitten_from_the_Pat_Brody_Shelter....
    
    I stopped in Thurs evening to look over the kittens (naively
    thinking I was safe since I didnt have a cat carrier with me :-)
    warning, Priscilla has cardboard ones)
    
    Now I am introducing Clancey, a 9 1/2 week old kitten to my other
    2 who are 2 yrs old.  Things are getting somewhat better between
    him and my indoor-only female, Cino, but my male cat is staying outside
    except for meals and rain.  This morning he was really snarling and
    spitting at the kitten...   a friend told me to be there all the
    time when they are together because he might hurt Clancey.  He's
    never been a fighter... but he sure is unhappy.  My question is,
    do I actually have to be in the same room when they are together
    or will I hear a fight coming?  This is getting a bit tiring 
    having to follow the kitten around when he goes into the room
    Buco is in...    Is my friend exagerating... do cats hurt kittens,
    or is it all show?
    
    I keep them separate during the day while I'm gone, thats no problem..
    its when I am there, how close do I need to watch them???
    
    		ellen

    Generally, and adult cat will not hurt a kitten.  I would think that
    you could let them roam from room to room without having to follow them
    around.  They do need space to get to know each other on their own
    terms.  A certain amount of hissing and spitting, and maybe even some
    swatting, is to be expected.  I just try to stay out of the squabbles
    and let the cats work out their own pecking order.
    
    These things take time, so just be patient.
    
    Jo

    Hi gang! I need some help.....
    
    As some of you know, I moved to a great place a little over a month
    ago. It's quiet, wooded, I can keep my horse there too. I can't say
    enough about the place! But my housemate has 3 cats and a dog. My
    problem is only one of the cats.
    
    Reilly looks so similar to my cat Brandy that I've confused to two at a
    quick glance. Even Escoh gets confused and growls at Brandy sometimes.
    But they've been commiserating together. The other two and the dog 
    aren't really a problem. I kept Brandy and Escoh in my room for the 
    first couple of weeks. They really didn't mind and hid behind the bed, 
    under the chair or couch and only came out to suck up a meal or use the 
    box. They weren't even into exploring the house for the longest time. 
    They'd zip back in our room as soon as I put them on the floor. They now 
    sleep with me like before and hang ouut in the windows. They've even gone 
    outside and come home.
    
    After the initial adjustment I figured I'd just leave my door open
    while I was home to see what would happen and to make introductions.
    Well Reilly has his nose bent waaaaaaayy out of shape. He's taken to
    growling, hissing and swatting not only my cats but anyone who comes
    within range. He's cornered Brandy several times for hours on end, he's
    gone after Escoh (but she will take a stand if need be).
    
    You see Brandy is a big wimp. I think he was abused when I originally
    got him and he'd rather hide over the least little thing. He had come
    such a long way in the 5 yrs we've been together. He was missing the
    Thurs evening before the holiday and I finally found him the next day.
    When I went in the laundry room, Reilly came strolling out and gave me
    a swat on the ankle as he went by. Both he and Brandy had been closed
    in by accident. Brandy was wedged next to the oil tank. Needless to say
    he was greasy, smelly and miserable. On top of that he had to endure a
    B-A-T-H!! On the upside he did tolerate me using the blow dryer on
    him!! (he even let me play with his hair style!! ;^)
    
    Well the other morning I was awakened at 4:45 by this scream. Woke me
    right up out of a comatose sleep. Somehow my door was opened and Reilly
    was chasing Brandy through the house. By the time I found them, Reilly
    had Brandy cornered between the piano and the back wall. I didn't try
    to separate them...what can I say, I'm a coward. Reilly was yowling and
    Brandy was growling. It was strange Reilly would yowl first then Brandy
    would growl but not simultaneously. Brandy was also in a submissive
    posture while Reilly was dominant. By the time I went downstairs to put
    on some more clothes, they'd disappeared.
    
    When I got home yesterday, Brandy was hiding in my shower. I picked him
    up and we cuddled for a long time. Later he curled up in the sink while
    I showered (he never did that!). I guess my concern is over Reilly.
    Will he ever settle down? I'm confident Brandy & Escoh are adjusting
    though I'm bummed that they're still having to hide. The other two cats
    Tat & Cleo are wonderful and so's Charlie the dog. It's Reilly that is
    being a terror. I can't even go to the bathroom without him slipping
    into our room and hiding under the chair or some other place. I don't
    know he's there until S-W-A-T/CHOMP on my bare foot/ankle. It also
    doesn't help that Cheyenne (my horse is bumming out bigtime since my
    housemate sold her horse). Between all the screaming (horse & cats) I'm
    feeling torn in two. 
    
    Oh yeah, I'm sure you're wondering why hasn't the housemate said/done
    anything? She's been on vacation for the past 2 weeks.
    
    Maybe I should've put this into the whine note.....   any advice would
    be appreciated.
    
    Thanks,
    Roslyn
    
    P.S.  I tend to leave my cats in my room with the door closed when I'm
    not home. But I do open the door when I am. Should I just let the cats
    continue to growl/hiss at each other? I've never seen any of them get
    into a real fight just an occasional swat, lots of hissing, growling
    and chasing.  --heavy sigh--

    I've never had to introduce a new cat into an already established
    household, but from what I've read here in Feline, it sometimes takes
    months before the cats become "comfortable" with each other.
    
    Best,
    -M-

    It sounds pretty normal, and since they aren't really hurting each
    other, I think you just have to let them sort it out.  It does take a
    long time sometimes.
    

    
    If it is any consolation, I have had a new feral (Sophie) in my house
    for five months now.  She STILL chases all my other 5 cats around,
    tormenting them and establishing her dominance (which has already
    been established, but how can I tell her, right?) ... :-)  The others
    have learned to at least hiss and swat back when cornered, or have
    learned to give Sophie a wide berth when she enters a room.  All is not
    what it used to be, but there is some semblance of normalcy in our
    house again.....you just have to get used to the occasional "yeow,
    hiss, bang, boom" that comes from the other room as Sophie and some
    unlucky victim fall to fighting.  :-)  There's really not much else
    you can do in the face of felines establishing their hierarchy, though
    I have heard that there IS such a thing as kitty valium....  hmmmm, now
    there's a thought.... :-)))))
    
    Nancy

    Roslyn,
    
    I'm having a similar problem with two of my cats, Onyx and Carrie.
    The hierarchy has been in a state of adjustment at my house for a
    little over a year.  So far Amelia and Bailey have remained in top
    cat and 2nd cat status for the most part.  Onyx seems to have moved
    into the 3rd cat spot where Carrie used to be.  I find that Onyx is now
    terrorizing Carrie.  She is the only one he has been able to assert
    dominance over so he picks on her constantly.  Periodically he
    challenges Amelia or Bailey only to be swatted and put in his place
    very quickly.  You should see how fast he drops and assumes submissive
    posture when this happens.  Then when that is over he runs over to
    Carrie and grabs her by the neck to show that he is at least dominant
    over her.
    
    Poor Carrie, she growls and hisses and cowers and he just chases her
    all over the house.  The poor cat never has a moment's peace.  It has
    been so bad that Carrie has begun overgrooming her stomach as what I
    believe is a nervous response to the harrassment (this happened with
    Amelia when Carrie first came into the house too).
    
    So, what I've been trying to do is focus on Carrie.  Make sure she has
    lots of attention and that when it is possible if I see him coming,
    I get her out of the way before he gets to her.  He is doing something
    that is a natural behavior so I feel bad about this next thing but, when 
    he has gotten to the point that he has been harrassing her contanstantly 
    for some length of time when I am home and I've had to rescue her a few 
    times already, I begin using the water bottle to break them up.  I try 
    to only squirt him but sometimes she gets in the way.  I give him a
    firm "NO" when I squirt him.  I think it is working a little bit.  He
    usually stops after about the 2nd squirt and things are quiet for a
    while.
    
    As for you breaking up a fight between Bailey and Reilly (did I get the
    right names?) I wouldn't recommend getting in the middle of a cat fight
    unless you do it with a water bottle, especially since only one of them
    is your cat and you do not know what Reilly will do.  It seems he is
    showing some agression towards you too.  You need to break him of this
    as quickly as possible.  Perhaps the water bottle (aka the CATtitude
    Adjustment Tool) will work for this as well.
    
    Well, I don't feel like I've given you much to go on.  All I can say is
    perhaps things will settle down in time.  Once the hierarchy gets
    worked out, things should calm down.  I don't want you to be
    disallusioned though.  Onyx has been in the house a year and is still
    challenging things (maybe because he's the only male in a house full of
    females, I don't know for sure).  Continuing to keep them separated while 
    you're gone may take some pressure off and give Bailey a breather. 
    Then when you're around to supervise they can work out their
    differences.  Keep the water bottle handy in case you have to break
    things up.
    
    Jan

re: stopping the cat fights for dominance

it is quite alright for you to express your annoyance at the behavior if
it is continuous.  I recommend using chilled water in the squirt bottle.
It works immediately.  And, the aggressor cat thinks long and hard about
repeats.  I keep my C.A.T. in the refrigerator now so if I need it, it
is well chilled.  It isn't dangerous and it has the desired effect almost
immediately.  I recently had a week or so when Sam was terrorizing Hana,
so out came the cold water a few times.  Sam has now decided that he
has better things to do.

    
    Well, I did find some literature on this, and for what it's worth,
    here is the recommedation for dealing with two cats who are not
    getting along.
    
    1.  Our cat chases other cats and it's not playing.  How should we
    	interpret that?
    
    	A territorially aggressive cat defends a specific area -- the
    	yard, your entire house, or a specific section of it.  The cat
    	typically chases intruders off the property or relentlessly
    	pursues them throughout the house..  If you have a territorial
    	cat, you may not be able to keep another cat in your home.  
    	Fortunately not all aggression between cats IS territorial.
    	Very often, when a cat is aggressive towards another cat, it
    	is afraid.  This problem is treatable.  See below.
    
    	(they go on to say that some usually friendly compatible cats
    	fight too....but anyway, here is how you try to stop the
    	aggression)
    
    	When one cat sees another cat alarmed and "puffed up" it may
    	think IT is under attack and immediately becomes defensive
    	and aggressive.  The best defense is a good offense, so to
    	speak.  Thereafter, the cats may persist in threatening one
    	another, each thinking the other will attack.  In a defensive
    	mode, the cat's ears are flattened back, its hair "puffs up",
    	and often, there is a lot of hissing and spitting.  
    
    	DO NOT let the cats fight it out, as this only makes the problem
    	worse.  Instead, separate them so that they cannot see each other 
    	until they are calm.  Then gradually expose them to each other
        without letting them become frightened.  This can be accomplished
    	by allowing them to see each other for gradually longer periods of
    	time across a room and then bringing them progressively closer
    	together.  Another way is to let them play with each other's paws
    	under a closed door.  Then place a partition in the doorway with
    	a narrow 1/4 inch slot, that you gradually widen, allowing them
    	to see more and more of each other.  Remember, it is important 
    	that the cats not become frightened.  Be patient...this process
    	may take from several weeks to several months.
    
    
    So that's the scoop.  I know that when Sophie persists in attacking
    one or more of my other cats, I often put her in the spare room for
    a few hours to half a day to let her calm down and realize that
    everytime she exhibits unacceptable behavior, she will be isolated.
    It works 3/4's of the time (success = she comes out of the room and
    behaves nicely) and the other 1/4 times she is still a brute.
    
    Nancy

    Thank you all for the advice, empathy, et al.  What I find ironic is
    the night I wrote for some help, I happened to be spritzing my plants
    when Reilly came in and began harrassing me and my cats. So I
    defensively spritzed him to then though "Wow, I shoulda had a V8! Why
    didn't I grab the C.A.T. earlier!!??!?" ;^> So I've kept the C.A.T. in
    my room and whenever Reilly comes in and starts a rumble, I let him
    have it. But if he just wants to visit, he can. I haven't seen him
    harrassing my kitties for a couple of days. Maybe.....
    
    Thanks again!
    Roslyn

    Wanted to let everyone know that I picked up my new cat, Lula, at the
    Brody Shelter on the 17th.  When I got her home, my friend and I put
    her in my room, where she stayed for several days.  Linus kept hissing
    at her through the door, and I was very worried that I may never let
    them meet at all.  But, towards the middle of the week, Lu started
    hissing back, and Li just avoided the door...so strange.  I then opened
    the door a ways and put a fan and screen up so that they could look at
    each other.  Li was so curious, but Lu kept growling at him.  He's
    about 5 times her size too...I never realized just how big he was until
    I got her.  Anyway, I let her out at the end of the week, and Linus was
    the biggest sweetheart to her...I couldn't believe it at all.  He
    chirped and bobbed his head and got down low so he didn't tower over
    her...what a gentleman he was.  I was so proud of him.  The problem is
    that Lu really doesn't want anything much to do with him.  But...they
    don't fight really or do any hissy stuff.  Lu will sneak attack poor Li
    if he wanders too close to her, but that's not so bad.  They have been
    doing the nose-touchy thing which is really cute, but mostly they stay
    a little ways away from each other.  Li seems to like to be around her
    and know where she is, so he's always keeping an eye out.  I'm hoping
    she warms up to him soon.  All in all, I'm pretty happy about the whole
    thing.  I was expecting a lot more trouble...but not so.
    
    Lula seems to be a pretty high-strung cat...she's always twitching her
    tail, like she's nervous.  She's already spoiled and sleeps with me
    every night, which I love.  Li never really liked to sleep with me, so
    this is nice.  I took her to the vet for a check up, and she's going to
    need to go back and have her teeth cleaned...she has pretty bad teeth
    for such a young cat.  I've been trying to clean them myself every day,
    she really doesn't like me handling her at all...but I've been pretty
    successful with that.  But, forget about cutting her nails...  Oh well,
    Linus won't go for that either.  I try to be firm and have the squirt
    bottle ready, but it doesn't seem to matter...they just go nuts like
    you're trying to kill them or something.
    
    So, I'm pretty happy about the whole thing...and I think Linus is in
    love with her.  I'm just waiting for the day I come home to see them
    lying side by side sleeping together...that would make me so happy.
    
    Thanks for the advice...it worked so well,
    
    Di & Li & Lu

Hi Everyone,

I have a spoiled rotten brat cat, Kitty, who we love very much......
She is 11 years old and has never lived with another cat.  Yesterday my
husband and I went to the pet store to buy Kitty's favorite cat food
and there were 2 little homeless kittens there.  The pet store was giving them
away...  Well, they were so cute and you could tell they needed to go to
the vet for a checkup...they looked a little sickly.  We just looked at
them and kept saying "Kitty will kill us if we bring these 2 home".
She has 100 percent of our attention all the time and if we got 2
little kittens, she would be very jealous...I think she would just freak...

We didn't take them....the guy at the pet store said they get kittens in
all the time that need homes and these 2 would probably be taken by the
end of the day..

Has anyone had experience bringing kittens to live with and older spoiled cat.

Thanks,
-Doreen

    I think it truly depends on the cat...sometimes it works and
    other times it don't.   This is something you just have to try!
    
    We had one spoiled rotten cat (Taffy) who was six years old
    and had lived with my Mom as an only cat all his life.  We
    then took Taffy in after my Mom passed away...and after a year
    we decided we would get him a playmate.   At that time...we
    weren't sure how he would except his new friend....but we
    doubted he would enjoy the company that much.
    
    Well we were completely wrong...we walked home with an 8 week
    old kitten (Tamba) and Taffy fell in love.   He was Tamba's
    protector....and they were always seen sleeping together,
    hugging and got along beautiful!!!   The difference in
    sizes was just amazing...but Taffy treated this kitten
    so special. 
    
    I suggest that if/when you do want to adopt another kitten...
    ask the folks if you can take the kitten on a trial basis
    so if it don't work out...you can return the kitten to the
    owner.   Some shelters lets you do this...the one I work for
    has a policy that if it don't work out or you aren't happy
    with the new cat/kitten...we request you sign an agreement that
    you will return the cat/kitten to the shelter.
    
    Good luck...and believe me you might be totally surprised that
    your Kitty will accept a new friend.
    Sandy
                                        

         When we brought Midnight home as a three-week old stray, we were
    really worried about Bigfoot (then 12); we figured Loki (then 9) would
    be okay.
    
         Well, Bigfoot took her under his wing, so to speak.  They are
    inseparable.  It only took him a few minutes to accept her.
    
         Loki has finally accepted her too, although it took him two years! 
    However, there were extenuating circumstances; Loki is diabetic but was
    on-and-off diabetic for the first year of Midnight's life.  Now that he
    is stable, he is finally playing with her 8-) .
    
         So I'd say go for it.  Get an agreement like Sandy says, then try
    it.  It may be instantaneous, or it may take a little while, but I
    think it will work out well 8-) !
    
    					- Andrea

    >  Has anyone had experience bringing kittens to live with 
    >    and older spoiled cat.
    
    When I read that I had to chuckle, - boy have you come to the right
    place!   Actually , I have had a lot of luck bringing in new cats, and
    kittens, but I do have one word of advice.  Do NOT allow a new cat (of
    any age) near your current cat(s) until the new one has been to the
    vet, expecially if the new one looks sickly!  As many here can attest, 
    the new one can pass many interesting things to your cat.  Also be sure
    your cat is up-to-date on shots.  
    
    That said - go for it - watching a new kitten draw out an older cat is
    a blast.  
    
    Linda

    Hi, I can finally put in my 2 cents in the feline file. I have a 4 year
    old angora named Puffy. About a month ago, we adopted an 8 week old
    kitten named mittens (double pawed). They hiss at each other a little
    and they are not sleeping together yet, but Puffy is very gentle with
    the new kitty. I think in a few months when mittens is a little older,
    I will see them playing and sleeping curled up with one another. Good
    luck with your kitty/kittens.
    
    Bye, 
    
    Debbie

We have an 18-year-old Angora (see earlier note on kidney disease) that was 
an only cat up until approx. 5 years ago.  

My wife had been enticing a kitten to hang around our home by leaving food 
and milk out (even though it probably belonged to womeone else) and, one day 
(after a rare snow) he somehow ended up in our garage (she swears she didn't 
do it :-)  At any rate, Toby became a member of the family.

Toby was but a kitten and Tabatha, being a well established (and strictly) 
indoor cat did not take too kindly to having him invade on her territory.  
Being that she was quite a bit larger than he, there were many times she 
let it be known who was boss.  Of course, we tried to tell her he would
grow up some day but she wouldn't listen :-(.

Now that she's old and feable (so to speak), she can no longer defend herself
to the degree we'd like and he often has his way with her (in play perhaps
but she has difficulty tolerating it).  It's disconcerting to see them fight
but there's little I can think of that can be done.

So, it is my opinion that it is difficult to judge exactly how well two cats
will adapt to one other.  In some cases (as was mentioned earlier), they may
be as snug as two_peas_in_a_pod; in others, they may be doing good to tolerate
one another.  One thing I can say about Toby:  it is my sincere belief that
he, because of his agressive behaviour, probably increased Tabatha's life 
span if for no other reason than keeping her active in her later years...

-Andy

    We have a totally sweet two year old girl kitty named Misty.  My
    wife would love to get her a playmate, and since we just moved
    it is now practical for the first time.  I've read all the replies
    to this note, and it sounds like this just might work.  I just have
    one question.  Misty is really (really!) mellow and affectionate.
    We love that!  Would it be better for her and us to get another
    female or a male for a playmate?  They'ed both be altered....
    
    What do you think?
    
         Jim

    Misty is the one who will let you know! (;
    
    Seriously, a male or female won't matter.  What will matter
    is the purrsonality of the playmate you choose, and the age.
    
    L

    
    We knew we we're in trouble when we saw the kittens :^).  We now
    have Misty and Jasmine.  She's a 7 week old bundle of energy.
    Her mom is a sweetheart just like Misty, and Jasmine is very
    well behaved (most of the time).  She's also VERY good about
    using her litter box.
    
    Misty won't get any closer to Jasmine than 1-2 feet, and guards
    her food dish a little.  Last night, though, Misty came by for
    her nightly chin scratches on my lap even though Jasmine was only
    about a foot away tangled up in some yarn.  We have hope for these
    two!
    
    Thanks all!
    
      Jim, Misty, & Jasmine

    
    Does anyone have experience adding an adult (1 year approx) MALE cat to
    a family with one other adult MALE cat (2 years approx)?  
    
    I want to get my little buddy playmate, but have several concerns:
    
    1/ Although I'd really like a second cat, I am afraid the personality of
    my existing little boy will change.  Currently he is VERY affectionate 
    (sleeps under the bed covers, gives hugs, likes his belly patted and
    nails clipped), and I wouldn't want to risk changing his charming 
    personality....
    
    2/ I'm also worried that he'd be jealous, become aloof, and wander off.  
    He now stays outside only an hour or so at a time, and comes in when
    called.  If I add another male, will his good behavior change?  I could
    not bear to lose him to a the street, or to anyone else.  He's my pride
    and joy!
    
    3/  He seems to like my mom's cat when we visit, and wants to play with
    her.  That cat however, wants nothing to do with playing.  He also
    seems to enjoy playing, and being chased my my 6 month old puppy.  He
    has bald spots all over his face from roughhousing, but keeps going
    back for more (he must like it!)  Is this a good way to judge his
    ability to accept another male cat?
    
    4/  What about spraying and marking territory -- is this a concern?
    
    
    All those with experience, please H_E_L_P!
    
    Cheryl & Smokey Bear  
                                       

    Introducing a new cat when the original cat has access to the outdoors
    is something I only know about by hearsay, but I know of two cases
    where the original cat "wandered off", in one case permanently,
    as a result of the transition.  Could you keep him indoors until you're
    sure both cats have adjusted?
    

    Considering I have 9 cats...we have gone the introduction route
    many many times...and have had great success with the exception of
    one kitty who just loves to eat other cats for lunch!!   Most of
    my cats are indoor/outdoor...and we have never had a problem of any
    of them wandering off....but it would be good to take precautions
    and leave your other one in for awhile!!  
    
    I have found that with each introductions it is a whole different
    story.  Some I feared wouldn't go to well....ended up being a piece of 
    cake. But other ones which I thought would be easy....were difficult.
    The funny part is I can't put my finger on what causes the 
    differences....maybe personality or former life style???
    
    What you might find is your cat may be more interested in the other
    cat for awhile and may ignore you....but I don't believe the true
    personality really changes. 
    
    I'll say it again...there is nothing better then seeing two cats
    cuddled together washing each other faces!!!     
    
    Sandy 

>    Introducing a new cat when the original cat has access to the outdoors
>    is something I only know about by hearsay, but I know of two cases
 
	Both my cats I had at 5-6 months and were strays (definately outdoors
	for most of their life by the look and condition of them) so I was
	a little worried about them wandering off.

	My first moggie was about 3.5 years when I had the second one.

	I let the first in and out as usual, and put the new one in the spare 
	bedroom with litter/food/water etc. for the first two weeks whilst
	he was vet-checked, de-fleaed, de-ear-liced and spayed.

	It was end Nov-Dec and although he wasn't too happy with the medication,
	he took to being in the room reasonably well - all that warmth and food!

	After two weeks I introduced them, and went outside with the newcomer.
	I put him back in the room when I was at work or out of the house, but 
	let him around the house when I was home.
	With lots of ascorted walks in the garden.

	After two more weeks I decided to "bite the bullet", and let him wander
	whilst I went to the supermarket.

	He was fine, I've had no trouble with either, they are now 6.5 and 3.5
	years and only had one scare when Yoda got locked in next-doors garage.

	Heather	

    
    Advice needed....  Cast of characters as follows:
    
    Ripley and Hicks (2 year old f/m littermates, my original cats)
    Corsa (7 year old female, first of my wife's cats added to household 
      about 1 year ago)
    Yukon (13 year old male, second of my wife's cats added about 9 months
      ago).
    
    All are neutered.
    
    These guys have all gotten along very well. We live in a townhouse,
    but since we are planning to move next year we took in two stray 
    kittens about 4 months ago. Chessie and Pheobee are littermates, and
    are now neutered and have their shots, etc. They were abandoned by
    their mother in the woods outside our home.
    
    Behavior wise, things have been just fine until the past couple of
    weeks. Corsa has suddenly started to chase Pheobee (female), who spends most
    of her time hiding in the bedroom now. Her brother Chessie and my cat
    Hicks (males), now gang up on Corsa and chase her all over the house.
    Corsa has suddenly started urinating in one corner and on her favorite
    spot on the sofa. Fortunately, she has so far only done this twice
    and actually onto a knit blanket which was on top of the sofa (which
    formed her "spot".)  
    
    We're at a bit of a loss here, since we have never had any other 
    problems like this with any of our cats. In fact, my cats and the
    kittens cuddle up like littermates. Yukon doesn't seem to care about
    anything going on around him, least of all these young critters. 
    
    We've considered separating Corsa for a while, and my wife is even
    thinking about taking her back to her other house (which is in the 
    process of being sold). We've also tried to give Corsa more attention,
    since she did receive lots more before the kittens.
    
    Perhaps we've just reached "cat" population overcrowding?
    
    
    Thanks for your advice,
    lou

    Hm..   It's hard to say if this is something that's just gotten out of
    hand (sometimes a little commotion turns into a feud, and Mom and
    Dad have to make it clear that the feud is a no-no) or if something
    like Corsa having a urinary tract infection is the root of the problem.
    
    (She might be urinating "inappropriately" because of an infection, or
    beauses she's upset, or because she doesn't feel comfortable going to
    the box because the other cats take after her.)
    
    The first thing I'd do is have your vet check Corsa for any illness.
    Even if that's the case and its cured, you probably know you'll have
    to treat the already clobbered areas with an enzyme neutralized like
    Nature's Miracle that you can get in pet shops to remove the urine smell,
    or those areas will get clobbered as well, and it will take some
    time for things to get stable again.
    

    You might also want to add another litter box.

    Help.....  I have adopted a stray and my other kitty is not too happy. 
    I have only had 1 cat at a time and don't know what is normal behavior. I
    have been feeding two strays since September, one I have caught and had
    neutered in February - he is not a feral but very afraid of people.
    I ended up letting him outside where he seems very happy, I still feed
    but he won't come near me.  The other cat which looks like a kitten has
    been his buddy, and over the past week finally came up to me (7 months
    it took and if felt great) he was still cautious but loved to be petted 
    and purred away. 
    
    I decided that if I caught him I would bring him to the vet to be
    fixed, shots, etc.. and then let him out.   But of course I fell in love
    with him - he's so gentle and I feel that he will get along with my
    current cat who is a love bug, so of course I want to keep him and make
    him a inside kitty where he will be loved and warm. My kitty Smokey keeps 
    crying and trying to get into the room with my new kitty Zoey and I don't 
    know what to do.  Currently Zoey is hiding under my hopechest, he will
    let me pat him and purrs away, but really scared.  I have put a litter
    box (hope he knows how to use), fresh food and water, couple of toys 
    and a blanket. 
    
    I will be bringing him to my vets today for shots and FEV, FIL tests.  
    I was also going to get Zoey fixed but felt I would wait until he/she
    feels more comfortable, he has enough to content with right know. 
    Do any of you know how long it takes to get them adjusted to eachother
    Will bringing in a new cat change a cat personality that much,
    Smokey is so sweet natured and is great with kids that I would hate to
    have him unhappy.
    
    Also I'm concerned about the remainder kitty that's outside, there is
    no way I can have 3 indoor cats, my husband is quite upset about this
    one.  I feel really GUILTY!! that I split up these two cats but I feel
    Zoey would be able to adapt where the other kitty "Marcus" would always
    be scared of people.  I have a friend who's sister works for Nashoba
    Animal Shelter and wonder should I have him caught and give him a
    chance of being adopted - or should I keep going as I have been with
    feeding him daily and continue working with him. 
     
    Any advise would greatly be appreciated.
    Helen
          
    

    Check out note 316...it has good ideas about adding a cat to your
    household...
    
    Di

    
    Helen... you should be very proud and happy that you finally won
    over the heart of little Zoey...even if it took 7 months.   It
    took me 2 years with a couple of my older strays.  It takes alot
    of time and patience...but when you win there hearts it is yours
    forever!!!  
    
    I would recommend that Zoey also be fixed during his first visit
    to the vet.  It seems like cats that aren't fixed can be very
    territorial and fight alot more!!!  I think it would make the
    introductions to your other kitty alot easier and also why give
    him a chance to start spraying in the house!!!  He will be stressed
    going to the vet...so you might as well do it all at once!!!
    
    As long as the outdoor kitty is neutered, happy outside and your
    willing to feed him and continue to work with him...I see no problem
    with that!!! 
    
    Sandy

    Sandy,
    
    I have been feeling so guilty about separting Zoey and Marcus.  But I 
    honestly think I made the right decision. 
    
    It felt great to have Zoey finally come up to me and to let me know
    that he was ready for someone to love him.  I went home at lunch and 
    he still is hiding.  When I pat him under the hopechest he purrs up 
    a storm and his paw kneads, but his tail is still between his legs.  
    I will have to wait for another time to get him or her fixed (which is
    crucial to me), I should have dropped him off this AM but thought it would 
    be too stressful for him, so I will be scheduling an appointment for
    later this month.  I am going to have him looked over today by the vet
    and get him up-to-date on his shots.    
 
    I'm not sure of Zoey's age although he's real petite and looks like a 7
    month old kitty (but he has looked that way for about 6 months now). 
    
    I'm hoping my husband softens quickly, he's a real softy with Smokey 
    and I think once he gets used to the idea he'll love Zoey as much as I
    do.
    
    Take care.
    
    Helen, Smokey, Zoey and Outside Kitty "Marcus"
    
    
    ^    ^
   ( 0  0 )
   (  ><  )
    ******	
    
    
    

    
    Sometimes these young strays are really older then they look because
    they haven't had the right nourishment to help them grow.  When
    we took Dewey in he appeared to be about 3 months old...but the
    vet estimated atleast 9 months!!!  
    
    Zoey will come around but your just going to have to be patient and
    give him/her alot of love!!!  And don't feel too guilty about Marcus 
    because some strays would much prefer to be outside kitties.   I'm 
    sure Marcus will come around when he is hungry and hopefully you
    can win over his trust over time!!!
    
    Try some catnip for Zoey to see if you can get him out from under
    the hope chest!!!  He'll soon realize how lucky he really is!!!
    
    Sandy
    

    I have some really bad news......  I am still upset.  
    
    I brought Zoey to me vet on Friday afternoon turns out she was older
    than I anticipated and had gum disease and very few teeth.  The vet
    said that she has had a tough life.  He thought that she was spayed and
    someone just dropped her off or left her to her own.  I can't believe
    people sometimes...  Anyway she was tested for Luekemia and
    unfortunately she was positive.  I was so upset, I talked to my vet
    about my options and he told me that her poor health and gum disease
    could be a side effect and that she was highly contagious - thank god I
    separted her from my other kitty.  Anyway after discussion it was best
    decided to have her put to asleep.  I couldn't keep her and chance that
    my kitty get it and I couldn't send her back outside and chance another
    kitty catching it.  It was so hard for me..  she was such a sweety she
    was starting to trust me and come out from under the hopechest and 
    rubbing against me.  And I feel so bad that I payed that trust back
    with getting her put asleep...  sign
    
    I know that I did the right thing, but it was so hard.  
    
    Thanks again for your help Sandy - take care..
    
    Helen
    
    

    
    Helen,  Truely sorry for you and Zoey and all that you had to go
    through. Unfortunately, that was the only decision you could make. 
    I have had to make similar decisions it is never easy. 
    
    Shaw

    My thoughts and prayers are with both Zoey and YOu!!  It is very
    sad when this happens....but atleast little Zoey isn't suffering
    in the great outdoor all by himself!
    
    Sandy

    Helen,
    
    I know how you must feel.  I recently had to do the same thing with
    a stray I'd been feeding.  He got injured and when I took him in to
    get him fixed up they tested him for leukemia first.  He tested
    positive.  I was in the same situation; couldn't let him back out,
    couldn't keep him inside, no visible signs of a home that could
    take a leuk positive kitty.  He was put to sleep.  I feel extremely
    guilty about it but I know that it was my only option at the time.
    
    Hang in there.  You did the best you could for Zoey.  She'll be
    in a place where life will be happy and easy and without suffering.
    I know Dusty (my stray) and Bailey (my first and coolest kitty) 
    will welcome her there.
                 
    Jan

    Thanks Shaw, Sandy and Jan for your support.  
    
    I sure do miss her.  I'm still feeding Marcus and he is starting to
    come a little closer to me.  I have noticed that he has been hanging
    around the house more and more.  
    
    Helen 

    Helen,  I have had to make that decision several times myself, it is
    never easy and always produces more than copious amounts of tears,
    but if it's the right decision, please take heart in that and don't
    feel guilty.   You helped her and she's grateful, she didn't have to
    suffer miserably alone.
    
    Denise

    MODS:  I know this subject is discussed as a topic - please move this
    note there (I looked around and couldn't find it).
    
    My mom had adopted a cat (yes, Sandie - it's Chico now called Suki)
    from the Pat Brody shelter.  Suki is a male siamese and quite
    assertive.  We wanted him as an indoor only cat but he was desperate to 
    get outside at my mom's condo.  He was climbing curtains, screens,
    knocking over EVERYthing, etc.  He woke her up every morning at 1:30
    and would cry for several hours.  If she shut her bedroom door he would
    leap against it and scratch.
    
    SO........Suki is now at my house.  For all the negatives above, he is
    a REALLY nice cat.  He does need a very firm hand - you can be petting
    him and all of a sudden he literally LUNGES at you in attack mode - my
    mom didn't know how to stop that and was getting badly scratched and
    bitten.  I gave him a good tap on his nose when he did it to me and
    also will leave the room - he is getting much more agreeable now.
    
    I have a dog and two other cats.  I really think that if Suki could get
    at them he would at the least, do serious damage - worst he would kill
    them.  He is currently living on my screen porch.  I have a nice chaise
    louge out there with a fuzzy blanket on it, his food, litter, etc. are
    out there too.  We go and "visit" him several times a day.  I have been
    bringing my dog up near the screen to try and get them to know each
    other.  Suki is NOT afraid of Bailey - Bailey is terrified of Suki! 
    (Bailey is a 90 lb. Shep/Lab).  It does seem that Suki is getting
    better with Bailey but I'm still not ready to have them meet without
    the screen inbetween them.
    
    Yesterday I got a harness/leash for Suki and we walked him around the
    backyard.  He LOVED it!  But, when he saw one of my cats, he LUNGED at
    her - must have leaped 3 feet in the air at the end of the leash!  I
    brought him right back into the porch and told him to behave.  Both my
    cats are afraid of him - my Tinkerbelle left home on Saturday and
    didn't return until last night.
    
    Believe it or not, we really would like to keep Suki - he has many
    endearing features plus, he's a better watchdog than Bailey!  My
    question is - from reading the above, do you think there's hope that he
    will settle in?  We've had him since Friday - I know we need to give it
    more time (probably ALOT more time!).  What have your experiences been
    in adding a highly intelligent, aggressive cat to a household with a
    wimp dog and two wimp cats?
    
    Please respond either in FELINE or to me at CIVIC::NICKERSON
    
    Thanks for any advice you can give!
    
    Linda

    Hi
    
    I have just moved, and I'm bringing my cat Pepper into a new apartment,
    where another cat, "Ripley" has lived for the past year.  When I let my
    cat out of her carrier, in the new home, the two cats stared & hissed
    at each other, looking like they'll rip each others eyes out!!
    
    I decided to walk out of the Kitchen, where the two cats were, and see
    if they'll get along without any human intervention.  Well, within 5
    minutes I heard the scariest, loudest growls from two cats I've ever
    heard.   Since this confrontation, I've had Pepper isolated in one
    room.  Periodically I try to get them together, to see if they've
    warmed up to each other, but I still see the dirty looks and hisses.
    
    My question:  Is there any way I can get these cats to get along? I
    would hate to part with either one of them.  Thanks for any suggestions
    you may have.
    
    Scott

    Scott...if all you are hearing is hisses and growls....I would let
    the two cats work it out.    The only time I interfere with
    introductions is when I actually see a bad fight that draws blood.
    
    Keep letting them near each other when your around to supervise....and
    keep a spray bottle handy...just in case there is a fight.  
    
    Give it time and I'm sure they will work it out.   
    
    Sandy

I have always introduced my cats through a screen door, with someone next to each
cat. When one starts to hiss or growl, I scold him a bit or talk reassuringly
to them depending on the intensity.

When they get tired of this, and they usually do, I will make sure they both
get alot of love and attention.

At this point I still keep them seperated with seperate food dishes, rooms and
litter boxes.

The next day or so, I move one from their area (put 'em in the bathroom or
something) and let the other sniff around the other cats food dish, litter box
etc. Then I reverse it with the other cat.

Next we do the screen door routine again.

This routine may need to be repeated for a few days, but at some point they
will grow used to each other.

Try to allow your cat some free time without the other cat around to explore
his new surroundings. This is a big change for a cat going into new territory,
and especially so when a cat already lives there. And for the cat who already
lives there, this can be very threatening.

After they have gone through the above a couple of times, I will try to physically
introduce them to each other. Again, me and another person would do this. A
little growling and hissing is ok. Cats have to work out which will be the
more dominate one. Although their hissing might sound awful, they shouldn't get
into too much of a tussle. Before they actually fight, one will probably back
off. If not, they get seperated to try again later.

I've been 100% successful introducing my cats to each other by doing the above.
Some, at best, just tolerate each other and never grew to really like each other.
Others developed into real friends, sleeping, playing and grooming together. I
guess like humans, some you like, some you don't. At the very least, I think you
can expect that they will learn to tolerate each other. Just try not to be
disappointed if they don't ever develope into great friends. And try not to rush
them.

Laura

    I've brought a new kitten into my home and my resident cat, Patches, is
    very upset.  We tried putting them together the first couple of nights
    we had the kitten.  Patches hisses and growls and gives the kitten,
    Tigger, dirty looks.  Tigger could care less and just ignores her.
    
    Patches has taken to the upstairs and refuses to come down.  If we try
    to carry her she growls and hisses as soon as you step on the first
    step going down. She's happy upstairs and plays and purrs, but she
    doesn't get much attention because we really only sleep upstairs.
    
    Should I allow Patches to hid upstairs or should I force her to come
    down and have some contact with the new kitten?  Right now we can keep
    the 2 seperated but we may be moving soon and then their litterboxes
    and feeding dishes will be a lot closer together, like in the same
    room.
    
    Also,  a lot of notes say give it time.  How much time should I give
    it?
    
    Thanks for your advice
    

    re .70
    
    My oldest cat has gotten very upset with me whenever I've added another
    cat to the household.  My latest additions, Pickles and Pepper, got the
    same treatment.
    
    They really do get over it.  Just let them go about their own
    business.  They get used to each other....now the kittens are rubbing
    up against my oldest, Precious, and Princey is giving the kittens
    baths.
    
    I don't think you have anything to worry about.  Precious wouldn't come
    to me for over a week when I added the 2nd and 3rd cats to the
    household.  She was Ticked Off Royally.  But she loves me like before
    and she plays with all the other cats now.
    
    
    Me and the Gang (Precious, Princy, Pookie, Pickles and
    Pepper)...whew!!!

    I didn't see how long you have had the new kitty, but it does take some
    time. Give your older kitty much extra love and attention, even if it
    means talking to her under the bed. Let the litties work it out between
    them, and I'm sure they will be fine in no0 time. 
    
    I had a shelter kitten for over two weeks at my house, and two of my
    cats had sort of resigned themselves to the fact he was there, but my
    third one was being a royal pain in the butt about it. The kitten is
    gone to and adoptive home now, but I'm sure Furby the with cat would
    have come around eventually.
    
    Just have patience, and they will be fine. That's the beauty of
    kittens, they are oblivious to the fact someone doesn't want them
    around! The older cat usually just gets tired of being ignored and
    accepts them! ;-) I just ove those furfaces! You never know what to
    expect! 8-)
    
    Love,
    
    Yonee

The second paragraph in .70 describes exactly what is going on with one of my
cats since we brought a newcomer into our household 5 months ago. There have
been few signs of improvement, and I need advice.

The resident cats are 5 year old littermates, Bob (big orange tabby, dumb 
but sweet, very vocal, lives for eating and going out on our screened-in
porch), and Emily (petite almost-tortie calico, high-strung but lovable towards 
us, timid but playful and the hunter of the two). Both cats are indoors only 
(except for the screened-in porch), have been neutered/spayed, and we've had 
them since they were kittens. 

I agreed to take a friend's spayed 5 year old female, Sheba, for approximately
7 months while she was working across the country for the summer after getting 
TFSO'd from Digital, so Sheba wouldn't have to go to a shelter. The friend said
that if it didn't work out, I could call her niece who should be able to take
her. Sheba is a gray and white mixed-breed, and although she used to go outside
at my friend's house, we live on a busy road, so we keep her in and she seems
satisfied with the screened-in porch.

When Sheba first arrived, we tried to ease the transition: kept Sheba separate
from our cats unless supervised, let them smell each others' things, brought
them together slowly, played with them together, paid extra attention to our
cats, etc., until we felt they could be unsupervised. There were the usual 
growls and hisses, but no major fights, and Sheba seemed to be settling in 
fine. Bob welcomed someone else to run around the porch with, and Emily 
remained suspicious but seemed to be dealing with it.

After a while, we noticed that Emily wasn't downstairs very often, and when she
did come downstairs, as soon as she saw Sheba she'd run upstairs. We had no
idea why, as they seemed to be getting along, but then saw some confrontations
between the two, which continue to this day: Emily hisses and growls at Sheba,
and Sheba runs at Emily, scaring her away, and Emily runs upstairs and hides. 
It's gotten to the point that Emily basically lives upstairs, we have had to 
put a litter box and food/water up there, and we usually only see her when we 
are upstairs also. When we do see her, she is still playful with and loving 
towards us, but usually is keeping an eye out for Sheba.

Sheba is actually a nice cat, and I'm beginning to think that she chases Emily
because she's scared of her. If Sheba looks like she's going to run at Emily
while we're around, we firmly say no and she usually listens. Sheba likes it 
at our house, gets along fine with Bob, loves the screened-in porch, and 
adores my husband, who can rarely sit down without Sheba jumping into his lap.

Sometimes things seem to improve slightly, and we thought it might just take
time. Once in a while Emily comes downstairs cautiously on her own; sometimes
we calmly bring her downstairs to a part of the house that Sheba isn't in;
sometimes we manage to get them to both play with the kitty tease; but as soon
as Sheba stares at Emily like she's going to chase her, Emily runs upstairs.

We finally decided it was never going to work, and called our friend's niece,
who it turns out can't take Sheba. To deal with the situation while we took a
1 week vacation, we had Sheba boarded at a place our friend had boarded her in
the past, and as we always do, had friends visit and feed our cats daily. When 
we returned, we couldn't pick up Sheba until late the next day. Without Sheba
around, Emily was back to her old self--wandering all over the downstairs 
including the porch, and using the downstairs litter box and food/water dishes
again. It was so good to see Emily back to normal, and it broke my heart to
have to bring Sheba back to our household.

I need advice about what to do. They don't fight, just avoid each other and
hiss and run, but I feel like I'm ruining Emily's life by keeping Sheba, even
though Emily doesn't seem to be mad at us about it. Our friend should be back
for Sheba in about 2 months, and I don't know of anyone who is willing to take
Sheba for that time, and I won't take her to a shelter. Should I just not worry
about it? Is there anything I can do to make Emily's life easier? Or should I
try to find a temporary home for Sheba until my friend returns for her?

Thanks for any help you can give me, Julie

    
    Well, if it were me, I just put up with it for another two months. 
    Emily seems to have recovered nicely (and almost immediately) despite
    five months of Sheba, so I doubt another two months will be
    permanently disabling.  Also Sheba seems like a pretty nice cat, whose
    company you (and Bob) obviously enjoy.  Emily actually seems quite
    sensible about all this, and if she were really annoyed with you she'd
    make it clear.  The cats have come to a workable arrangement, so just
    lavish a little extra attention on Emily and leave things as they are.
    I'd be more worried about how Bob's going to feel when Sheba leaves...
    
    Don't you just love 'em?
    
    len.
    

    I agree. I've had to look after two cats before now and the only one
    that I had to return to the owner was a little black and white cat who
    was so terrified of Jimmy, my ginger tom, that she hid behind the curtain 
    in the front room and refused flatly to come out for ANYTHING. I even had 
    to feed her there. She would shake if he came anywhere near the curtain 
    and I eventually had to ask the owner to take her back because her life 
    really was miserable.                     
    It sounds as though your cats have decided on a workable compromise
    and, as long as Emily isn't badly affected, I'd carry on for the last
    couple of months.

    I think my husband may be coming around finally. Now to figure out what
    kind of cat to get if he agrees.
    
    	My current cat is a 2+ yr old neutered male that is indoor/outdoor
    and very well behaved.  He is very spoiled.  We have gotten to the
    point where he does not use a litter box and holds it in all night,
    and is finally waiting until around 6:30 am to bother us.  He is
    friendly with some of the other neighborhood outdoor cats, but probably
    not all.  I have seen him hiss at a kitten a friend once found, but
    when a strange cat shows up he has been calm sometimes. He did get
    into a catfight one morning recently.  I heard this noice that I can
    only describe as the same noice he did when he goes to the vet.  Chief
    is also a purr and sleep/lap cat.  Also on being outside I can get
    him to the house whenever I call him.(getting him pass the door and
    inside is another matter that I usually win in under 5 minutes) 
    
    Should we get a kitten then who is 
    	shy or more outgoing?
    	younger (6-8wks) or older (3-4 months)
    	Really active and playful(curtain climber type) or more passive?
    	male vs female (or does this matter?)
    
    THe new kitty would be indoors for now, but by spring we would probably
    start training  him to go out.
    
    Also will Chief run away?  AS far as he is concerned I am his mother.
    (he treats me like one)  Will he try harder for my love and attention,
    or just become withdrawn?  
    
    Thanks
    Sandy

    Sandy....I'm a true believe that it is very difficult to pick the
    right cat...but the cat can pick the right human!!!   When the time
    comes why don't you go to your local shelter and I can guarentee a
    special kitty will find you!!
    
    But...you really should decide if you want a kitten or a cat
    which is a little older..  Kittens are adorable, fun, and crazy!!  Are 
    you willing to deal with curtain climbers, poopy paws, litterbox 
    mistakes etc.   If yes...a kitten is right for you!!!!
    
    Some adult cats prefer kittens so they can boss them around...but
    other adult cats cannot tolerate the playfulness of small kittens.
    What do you think Chief would prefer????   Most of the time you
    can introduce cats to each other and normally only have to
    deal with a little hissing/spitting.   I wouldn't worry that
    Chief would run away...he knows he has a good life...and will
    probably love a playmate!!!
    
    Keep us posted...
    
    Sandy  

	I'm looking for advice/suggestions on this add-a-cat situation.
	A few paragraphs of background info first:

	Noel, a neutered female, was the only cat in the house for
	nine years. Noel had been abandoned as a kitten, and has a
	personality that's both standoffish and jittery. Changes in
	general seem to spook her, and when she's upset she retreats
	to the closet and hides. I met Noel a little over a year ago,
	in the course of spending weekends with her daddy. It's taken
	all that time (plus three months of me living there full-time)
	for her to actually respond to my call to come and eat. 

	About a year ago we found Ewok, whom we believe is from a feral
	family. She had gotten into our cellar and got trapped behind
	some wood. No sight of mother cat, and who could leave a kitten
	there anyway; so although we weren't intending to add a kitten,
	mostly because of Noel's difficulties in adapting to change, 
	we adopted her. She was about four weeks old at	the time.	

	Noel mostly has ignored Ewok during the last year. She won't play
	with Ewok, and Ewok developed a pattern of being with the
	humans (wrestling, sleeping with us, etc.) Ewok's personality
	is very outgoing, and she's interested in anything that moves 
	or makes noise. She especially loves new people, 'cause they
	pat her and make cootchy noises to her! (Nope, this isn't the
	add-a-cat situation I'm looking for help with - read on!)

	About three months ago, I moved into this household permanently.
	After some discussion, we decided to add my neutered six-year old 
	male, Max (he'd been living elsewhere). Max is quiet and tends
	to be shy; runs and hides when people come in, etc. Once he
	gets to know you, he's quite persistent that you should position
	your hand so it rubs his head, and he's quite affectionate in
	general.

	Max hid for the first two days, but over the last three months
	has developed a close attachment with Ewok. They wrestle and
	chase each other from one end of the day to the next, and are
	generally good buddies. 
	
	Noel has been watching the other two play, and has been spending
	less and less time hiding. She's even started romping with toys
	herself, which she hasn't done in years. But she doesn't want
	to actually play _with_ the other cats.

	So here's the problem (finally) - over the past couple of weeks,
	Max has been chasing Noel a couple of times a day. Noel wants
	no part of it or him, hisses and growls with ears back, etc. -
	a very unhappy cat. Interestingly, she still doesn't hide in
	the closet when he does this.

	We're wondering if Max is trying to establish some sort of sexual
	dominance thing; even though he's neutered, he does show some
	amorous interest in stuffed animals occasionally (which is pretty
	funny to see, but that's another story!). Or is he just being
	persistent about "come and play with us"? Noel's reaction leads
	us to believe that ultimately it's a good thing, because she's
	not hiding. But it is causing her some level of distress, and
	we're wondering if we should intervene in some way, or leave them
	alone to work it out.

	(To make matters worse, Ewok has apparently been watching Max
	and is emulating her big brother, chasing Noel as well.)

	I'd appreciate any insight fellow readers can offer. 

	Thanks,
	Lynn

    
    As the wise men of the ages say, "these things take time".  It took
    Merlin almost 4 months to adapt to the kittens' repeated "solicitations"
    to play with him, and even now he doesn't play as such (at 18, he's too
    "mature" to do so), but he does at least (most of the time) tolerate
    them (i.e., he'll ignore their rambunction, but will let them sleep next
    to him).
    
    So, I'd give it a while yet; my guess is some sort of accommodation
    will eventually be reached.  Merlin went through stages of hiding,
    coming out but hissing/spitting/growling when he saw the kittens, to
    hissing/spitting/growling when they got too close, to ignoring them
    unless they fool too much with his tail.
    
    len.
    

    Lynn,
    
    In muticat households, cats develop a pecking order.  Most of the time
    it causes no problems and the cats accept their place in the hierarchy. 
    Other times, it backfires, and your once peaceful household is suddenly
    running amuck.
    
    I have had an ongoing problem with two of my neutered males, Kelsey and
    Taja.  Kelsey never had any difficulty adjusting to new cats but he
    hasn't been able to work out the dominance problems with Taja.  One
    minute he will be sidling up to Taja in playful stance, but when Taja
    starts getting too rough Kelsey will launch into a hissy tirade, fur
    will fly, and Kelsey will run to me for comfort.  (If I am not home I
    don't know how they manage to work it out, but I always know they were
    squabbling due to the fur tufts everywhere and things knocked about. 
    In the two years they have been together, they have not been able to
    settle their differences.  I cannot bring myself to find Taja a new
    home.  He had a horrible beginning and I cannot imagine anyone being
    tolerant of his antics.  He is the perfect candidate for abuse.
    
    In our case, Kelsey simply doesn't have the energy level Taja does. 
    Taja knows if he pulls the same stunts on Herbie that he does on
    Kelsey, Herbie will smack him upside the head.  Kelsey is not a
    fighter; he is a whiner, and Taja thrives on this.
    
    When I first got Taja, he lived with my me, my husband (now ex),
    Kelsey, Herbie, TK and Nikki.  My ex kept TK and Nikki after our split. 
    I noticed that Kelsey had taken to bullying Nikki (the most quiet, shy
    cat of the bunch) after Taja joined the household.  Kelsey never picked
    on Nikki before, but needed an outlet after Taja came on board and
    Nikki was the culprit.
    
    In your situation, perhaps the cats are still working out the pecking
    order and things will soon right themselves.  If things persist, try
    the "time out" method, or spray the offender with water.  I will
    usually put Taja in another room to chill out when he starts playing
    too rough with Kelsey, or I will spray him a good one with the water
    bottle.  Sometimes I just divert his attention to something else, like
    a toy, and he seems content.  He just has all this energy to expend and
    needs a lot of room to spend it!
    
    It is never easy adding new cats to the household.  It takes patience,
    time, and lots of love to spread around!
    
    Good luck to you.
    
    -Roberta

Just this July I added a kitten to my house, where I had an existing cat. 
Weedie is a two year old who had, in the past, other cats around.  The 9 week
old kitten, Tiki, came to keep Weedie and me company.

The vet gave me the IAMS brochure on introducing a new kitten/cat into your
household where there was already a cat.  It worked PURRFECTLY for me and mine.

The brochure did say that if you make a mistake in how you introduce new animals
it is entirely possible that the animals will never get along.

The process:

Put your existing pets into a closed room w/box, food, etc. early in the day.  

Bring the new kitten/cat into the house and let it have complete freedom to roam
and get introduced to the house.
	- show the cat where to use the cat box
	- set up a feeding area across the room from where your existing
	  animals feed (remove all their dishes, food, trays).  This should
	  be your new animals feeding area for at least a month or so.

At the end of the day when you would normally feed your existing animals feed 
the new comer at his/her place.  Set up the other animals feeding place where
it always was and bring your old animals down to eat.

The IAMS brochure said that the existing animal will eat a bite or two usually
before they realize anything is remiss.  This was exactly what happened --
Weedie gobbled up a bite of his very favorite wet food and glanced over at
little Tiki --- boing!

The baby Tiki was so friendly she went running over to see Weedie.  Weedie, in
a state of shock, went into a state of severe indignation, tail held high he
stomped from the room.

It took about 4 days until Weedie forgave me.  From the first night they both
slept on my bed (although I hardly slept at all for 24 hours).  

I still have their food all in different bowls, on different trays ... but I've
moved them next to one another.  Next step is to have one bowl of dry, one bowl
of water, and two dishes of wet.  BTW, my kitten won't eat kitten food, so she's
on Science Diet Adult, just like Weedie.

Hope this helps.  The brochure, for me, was right down to the last detail.

Carel

    I would welcome some advice on adopting a second cat.  Last October, my
    husband & I adopted Greta, a blue-point Himmy, who turned 10 in
    January.  She's made a wonderful adjustment, & I love her dearly.
    Lately, we've (Greg & me, not Greta & me) have been discussing adopting
    another kitty.  In fact, we have a particular kitty in mind.
            
    Here's my concern.  Greta was an only cat in her previous home but was
    displaced first by a husband then a dog then a baby.  She really hated
    the dog in particular & spent three years in hiding.  Now she's an only
    cat again.  She has become very playful & wants lots of attention.  I'm
    wondering if the right cat would be a good companion & playmate for
    her, or if she would withdraw again.
    
    The shelter has the two cats meet there to see if they're compatible.
    What do you think?  Is it too soon to introduce another kitty to Greta?
    Am I just being horribly neurotic?  The other cat is about a year old,
    very small, gentle, & affectionate.
    
    Cheryl  

    First of all I think it is a good idea for two reasons.  ONe, you will
    have a younger cat in the house as the older when starts to wane. 
    Second, the younger cat may bring out the kitten in Greta!
    
    But, I don't think it's a good idea to have the cats "meet" at the
    shelter.  You won't have any idea how they will be behaving once in
    your house.  Greta may react terribly, mostly cause she will be out of
    her house and confronted by a new cat and all the other smells at the
    shelter.  Besides, if something is running around the shelter, you
    don't want to pick it up and bring it home.
    
    You would be better off taking the new cat and giving a couple of
    months adjustment time in Greta's own house.  Let the shelter know this
    so that if it doesn't work out, you can return the kitty.
    
    The new kitty, if demure as you say, should give Greta a wide berth and
    treat her like the alpha cat in the house (which she probably will be).
    
    Good luck and keep us posted!
    Karen

    Ditto on not taking Greta to the shelter because in all honesty...Greta
    will not show her true self unless she is in her own environment.
    
    Like Karen says...talk to the shelter and take the new cat on a trial
    basis.  And I do agree that you have to atleast give it a few months
    before you make the final decision to keep the other cat.
    
    Sandy

    I agree with the previous.  I am also surprised the shelter would have
    such a policy about the two cats meeting at the shelter.  It would be
    very stressful for Greta to be taken there, and you won't get a true
    idea of how compatible the two cats really are.  Plus, as Karen
    mentioned, if there is an illness running amuck at the shelter, Greta
    might become infected.
    
    Good luck!

    I wondered about that too.  Greta seldom goes in the car, so the ride 
    alone might be upsetting.  On the other hand, the thought of taking
    Onyx for a month then returning her is painful.  
    
    As for bringing out the kitten in Greta, she's very much in touch with
    her inner kitten!  She loves to play & plays quite violently, leaping &
    spinning, & running.  Greta hates to see me waste time reading or lying
    in bed when I could be playing with her.  She's so demanding!  What a
    bossy cat.  Then if I don't respond to her loud commanding meow, she'll
    say very sadly, "Merf?" 

    Sounds like Greta would enjoy a little playmate.  Especially when you
    are away from home or too busy to play with her.
    
    I think it would work out.  Just be sure to give Greta lots of love and
    attention and tell her that the kitten is hers.  As long as she knows
    she's still first in your heart (and lap) she shouldn't (hopefully)
    feel like the kitten is pushing her out.
    
    Good luck.
    Steffi

    Steffi,
    
    Right, that was what I thought.  Since Greta is so affectionate &
    playful, it seems sad to leave her alone all day, so the kitten is for
    her primarily.  I don't feel the need for another cat for me though I
    have already begun to love Onxy, too.  
    
    Thanks for your help.
    
    Cheryl
    
    

    
    Yes, My Spots does the Merrphhh??? routine too. Gets me every time!
    
    If the new kitty is small, maybe you can tell Greta that it is a kitten
    for her to raise.  (Don't be too hard on me, If I don't tell my furry
    crew about some change that will affect them they get VERY put out.  It
    seems that when I do tell them about things in advance that they take
    things more in stride. I dno't know if they understand the words, but I
    think they may pick up on the intent.  Cats ARE telepathic.)
    
    I'd say talk to Greta, and see how she reacts.
    
    Feline Fine,
    
    Sue & her opinionated Kitty crew
    

    Sue, don't worry;  I talk to Greta, too.  Mostly, I pay her
    compliments, because she's very beautiful.  
    
    Since the kitty is really for her, I've tried asking her, but she's 
    rather inscrutable on this subject.  I feel sure that she wants to be 
    an only cat, but that she'd learn to love having a little buddy to boss 
    around & play with.   Despite cats' reputation for being anti-social,
    Greta is a people person & I feel bad leaving her alone all day.  
    
    Of course, it has been pointed out to me that I dote on my kitty & that
    I may be a tad obsessive about her.
    
    Cheryl
    
    p.s.  I couldn't tell her that it's a kitty for her to raise -- that
    sounds too much like work.  GRETA DOESN'T WORK.  I'd have to tell her
    it's a new toy. 
       

    You could tell her that it is her pet ...
    
    Deb

    For what it's worth, here's my experience.  I had an only cat from the
    time she was 7 months old.  At about a year, I began to worry that she
    was lonely.  All the material which I read said to introduce them to
    one another on "neutral" turf.  Of course, I sisn't do this, and
    introduced them at home.  Miss Sarah Vaughan was so jealous of the new 
    cat, that I didn't leave them alone for a week.  Count Basie had his
    own room, an Sassy spit and hissed at him for a while.  Since then they
    have learned to "get along" sort of like my brother and I did growing
    up: a love-hate relationship.  They chase one another around alot, get
    into "fights" when one will scram and holler, but I haven't seen any
    blood yet, so I guess they're ok.  Each of them instigates these
    "play-fights", so I don't think one is picking one the other.  When
    Sassy had the weight and size advantage she won, and although I told
    her the day would come when the Count would outweigh her, she didn't
    listen.  Now that he is the heavy, she loses the battles most of the
    time.
    
    All in all, I am really glad that I did this.  I think Sassy is
    happier, and even though my house shows the wear and tear of 2 cats
    running around, the joy that they bring me far outweighs anything
    negative.  By the way, Sassy is my first cat, I had always been a "dog"
    person.  Now, however, I am a true convert and wondered how I lived so
    long without the pleasure of cat company.
    

Well, now you've gone & done it!  You people convinced me to adopt another 
cat!  I hope that you're satisfied.  8^)

On Saturday I went to the Humane Society & was approved.  I then went to 
Pet's Choice where Onyx is being fostered & took her home.  Picture a little
panter with half a tail & voila:  Onyx!  She's about 1 1/2 years old, very 
talkative, full of worms, and in heat.  How appealing, you say?  Don't 
worry;  she went, albeit reluctantly, to the vet's this morning.

Onyx really was a good choice;  she's very ingratiating.  She coos & chirps 
at Greta & really tries to make friends.  Unfortunately, Greta is horrified. 
I'd say their adjustment is going very well though.  Luckily, the kitty is too 
good-natured to hiss back, so their confrontations are one-sided.  It's rather 
odd to see my baby-faced Greta staring down a panther.

I'll formally introduce Onyx in the proper note when we figure out her new 
name.  Molly?

    At first Molly (Onyx) would make very sweet advances to Greta, 
    cooing & chirping.  Greta would stare & hiss.  Still, it was all very
    low key.  They would nap in the same room which shows a certain level
    of comfort or trust, wouldn't you say?   Greta seems to like to watch
    Molly play, but won't join her.  In addition to playing with each of my
    girls individually, I spend time playing every night trying to entice 
    Greta to forget herself & play with us both.  Molly & Greta have been 
    mere inches apart during play sessions without any hostility.  In fact,
    Greta has made squishy eyes at Molly when she was too busy playing to
    notice.
                                   
    Gradually, Molly's been creeping closer & closer to Greta which has 
    provoked Greta to charge her a few times.  We've been awakened by horrific
    cries to find Molly cowering & Greta grooming herself smugly.   However, 
    Molly may be getting Greta's number, because she's begun to chase Greta, 
    apparently in a playful fashion.  Greta is not amused.  
    
    Greg says that he thinks Molly will eventually challenge Greta's Alpha
    Cathood.  Molly is younger & bigger & armed to the teeth.  Poor Greta
    had her paws mutilated in her previous life, so she has only her teeth
    for protection.  Do you suppose that she's aware of that disadvantage?
                                    
    Greg & I are alternately delighted with the kitty & saddened by Greta's
    discomfort.  After all, Greta was pretty miserable when we adopted her
    & became such a happy, confident cat.  Though she has some bad moments,
    she still plays & eats & cuddles.  In fact I get more cuddles than
    ever.  Greta always sleeps with us & occasionally would get under the
    covers, but now she gets under the covers several times a night.  Molly
    usually sleeps at night in the cuddler bed on the bench in the hall,
    but last night she sat looking at the bed clearly wondering why she
    couldn't sleep in the nest.  One of these days she'll put that question
    to the test.  I don't know what Greta will do.
    
    Cheryl
       
    

    I *love* these updates!  Observations like
    
    .93> Unfortunately, Greta is horrified.
    
    ...had me chuckling all night!  I think they've made great progress so
    far (I like the "squishy eyes" description) and I think Greta is
    getting the message that not only does she have a diverting "pet", but
    she can sulk for your benefit and milk the situation for lots of
    cuddles.
    
    Who reigns over the food dish?  In our house, big stupid Veto ("there's
    muscle between these ears!") is the titular alpha cat because he hogs
    the food dish, but Skrufy can run intellectual circles around him and
    gets more lap time.  They (Onyx and Greta) will sort it out.
    
    Leslie 
    

    At first I followed directions & made two feeding stations, but they
    stole from one another's dishes shamelessly despite the fact that
    they're getting the same food, the sillies.  Maybe it was too soon, but
    I did put Molly's dishes with Greta's last night.  Of course, I wound
    up serving Greta's breakfast to her on the coffee table.  Just another
    reminder who has the upper paw!
    
    Actually, I put Greta's dishes in the bedroom at first so that she
    wouldn't have to leave mummy & safety during the night, & did she
    like that!  She could get out of bed, walk across the room, have a
    snack & a sip of water without going all the way downstairs.  & in the
    morning:  room service!  The night that I finally put her food dishes 
    back in the kitchen, when we went upstairs for the night, Greta trotted 
    happily to the corner of the bedroom where they had been only to find a 
    water dish & nothing but a water dish.  She stared at it pointedly casting
    occasional glances at me as if to ask, "Have we forgotten something?" 
    I played dumb & refilled it with fresh water, but I knew what she
    meant. 
    
    I feel like one of those deluded moms who dotes on the beautiful,
    petulant, & spoiled child while the good & dutiful one is never fully
    appreciated.  I have pointed out to Greta that she's the one who's
    making life miserable, but does she listen?   
    
    One morning I gently scolded her for having hissed at Molly.  I told
    her that Molly had been found in a field, that Molly had been cold, 
    frightened, hungry, hurt, and lonely, and that we should be very kind
    and gentle to her.  Greta got up & very pointedly sat with her back
    _at_ me sending me the subtle message to shut up & get lost.  That's my
    princess! 

    I have a plan to get the kitties to eat together.  I'm going to put two
    dishes of !tuna! in the middle of the kitchen a little distance apart.
    Perhaps love won't conquer all, but I'm sure that tuna will.

    
    I LOVE it!  
    
    I can totally relate to the Princess and the new cat.  I hve been going
    through the same thing with my Princess Panther and the new (Brat) cat
    addition of Cinnamon.
    
    The Princess, not only wants to eat in solitary splendor, in another
    room from the now TWO peasants she if forced to live with, but she will
    demand breakfast in BED!  Especially on cold mornings, Mummie will
    (silly mummie) occasionally give in.  
    
    Panther has the thin silky fur of the Siamese and I have been known to
    make her a winter bed with a heating pad under several layers of
    toweling and handmade (I sew) Kitty envelope to keep her warm.
    
    Sigh, she really does rule the house.
    
    If you are going to put two dishes of tuna down close together, be sure
    to keep a close eye out, with water bottle in hand, to forestall any
    hostilities.  We are making progress, but they will not make it easy
    for me.  
    
    Feline Sympathic (and laughing at your trials, I confess :-)
    
    Sue & crew
    

    Sue, I call Greta princess & she does expect royal treatment.  I am
    aware that I dote on her <understatement alert> but she's so little &
    adorable looking & I'm a sucker.  Isn't that a good reason?  8^)
    
    We're back to the dishes in the bedroom & carrying her highness around
    after a nasty cat fight which I luckily didn't witness.  Greg says that
    Molly approached Greta who was lying on the couch.  When Greta got up &
    turned to get on the back of the couch, Molly decided it would be a
    good time to jump on Greta's back.  Well, you can imagine the rest.  We
    were all pretty upset.  Greg admitted to kicking Molly out of the way. 
    Later we realized that Molly probably was just playing not attacking Greta,
    but what was Greta to think?
    
    We all needed a good night's rest after the excitment, so we put Molly
    in the guest room for the night.  Don't worry;  I checked her for
    injuries & gave her a good, long cuddle, poor dear.   Of course I carried 
    Greta around to reassure her that the panther was caged.  She hardly 
    looked smug at all.  Anyway I got my first night's sleep in a week.  
    
    I'm hoping that Molly learned to slow down & give Greta a little more
    space & time.  & I'd like to think that Greta has learned not to dis
    Molly, but, you know, Himmies are bred for beauty not brains.  I can
    practically hear what you're thinking that Greta really learned.
    
    <sigh>
    
    Cheryl             
    

    
    Sigh, It's true, with a Princess (and that is how Panther Jane got the
    title, she EARNED it.) there is only one way,   sigh, HER way!  I know
    that my princess thinks that I have been particularly hard to train,
    but after nine years I am beginning to get the idea!
    
    It is undoubtedly true, what Greta learned, (Panther learned it too,) a
    sweet face and a loud complaint against *That RUFFIAN* will usually
    earn a bit of Mummies' undivided attention.  (Even though the Princess
    is the instigator!)
    
    My Princess will often start the trouble, then sit back and reap her
    reward for being the victim of *Kitty Abuse*!
    
    Her favorite trick, (and please remember, Panther is totally fearless,
    she has stared down the neighbors CAT HATING dog, and didn't even ruff
    her fur! I think she hypnotized it!) is to entice Cinnamon, (Who is all
    boy and a BIG Kitten at heart, he thinks everything is a game and he is
    always up for a game :-) into chasing her, then she turns around and
    lets him actually run her over then she WHINES, that the big boy is
    picking on her!  (Unfortunatly Mummie is gullable and it took me awhile
    to catch on to what she was doing!
    
    Oh Well, at least they still let me live there, as long as I continue
    to operate the can opener and feed them!
    
    Feline Slave,
    
    Sue

Having had success with creative visualization and affirmations, I figured, 
why not use them on my girls.  So I told a friend that I am visualizing Molly 
& Greta happy together. Also, I'm saying affirmations:  Greta & Molly are 
forging the bonds of a deep and lasting friendship.  Hey, I'll try anything 
to get a little peace!  Last night I actually sang at (& I don't mean to) 
them to break up a staring contest.  The sound of my singing voice was so 
traumatic to them that they nearly became comatose.  It worked better than 
a squirt bottle.

Anyway, my friend sent me the following affirmations for Molly & Greta;  I 
thought that they were so funny that you might enjoy them, too.

MOLLY'S AFFIRMATIONS:
--------------------

> I am now involved in a loving, happy, hiss-free relationship 
  with my big sister, Greta.

> I am an okay cat who deserves love and affection from Greta.

> Greta is now ready to accept a wonderful cat into her life and into her
  heart.

===========================================================================

GRETA'S AFFIRMATIONS:
--------------------

> A meteor will fall rapidly from the sky on Molly's room.

> I will wake up and realize that this whole thing was only a dream.

> My humans will accidentally leave a screen open and I will push Molly out 
  the window.

    
    
    	bhahahahahhahahahaaa!  ahem.  =)
    

    How do I handle Barney, the *very* large Siamese stray who adopted us
    last spring (see note 590.xx) and the "squirt" Bandit, who is half
    siamese, but extremely "dainty" (especially for a neutered male,IMO)
    
    Barney who is pure muscle, but is really just a baby at heart weighs in
    somewhere near 17 pounds, just want to Play with Bandit.  Bandit gets
    extremely defensive.  Barney will sit on the couch, do the butt wiggle
    routine and the go chasing after Bandit, and the they both tear
    upstairs and I hear bump, thump, the bandit does the growl, hiss and
    scream routine, he by now has his ears back, likely he is laying on his
    side with one paw just slightly raised, but definitely doesn't want to
    play.  I've sort of started to stop, grab Barney and tell him "look
    Bandit doesn't want to play your little reindeer games!"  But Barney
    plays this sad faced, "wanna pway" routine.  
    
    Barney has also discovered this past week that there is a great place
    upstairs, in our bedroom area, and especially on our nice, soft, warm
    waterbed.  BUT, this is Bandit's territory and he is really upset that
    this "intruder" is in his space, snuggling up to me, taking over the
    padded window shelf, oh goodness! eating from his food dish.
    
    How do I deal with Barney who wants to play, and Bandit who wants no
    part of this???
    
    Lyn

    
    I have the extreme version of this problem - an almost 19 year old male
    whose idea of "playing" is to dream about his younger days, and three one
    year olds whose idea of playing is to chase one another in three
    dimensions through three rooms at speeds approaching that of sound.
    Every now and then Rocky (mostly Rocky) decides old Merlin should play
    too.  Merlin carefully adjusts Rocky's attitude with the shriek/whack
    gambit, and Rocky drops the idea for a few days.
    
    I warn Rocky repeatedly that trying to get Uncle Merlin to play is
    probably not a good idea, but you know these kids.  I do not as a rule
    intervene unless the shrieking goes on too long, and then all that's
    usually required is an, uhm, enthusiastic verbal admonition.  Rocky
    understands that.
    
    len.
     

    Re last couple: sounds familiar. Phillip (large, boisterous youngster)
    wants very much to play with Sirocco (small, friendly-only-on-her-own-
    terms 4-year-old), but has no conception of making gradual, gentle
    overtures; he'll sneak a lick or two at her ears, and then proceed
    to jump on her and start wrestling. She tolerates the ear-licking, but
    growls, hisses and runs when the heavy stuff starts. So far she's
    holding her own, and has several nooks in the house where she can get
    at least some protection from him, but I feel badly for both of them.
    Come summer, Sirocco (who was born a barn cat and has excellent
    survival instincts) will be outdoors most of the time, and Phillip will
    be alone - and thus all the more eager to pounce and play whenever
    Sirocco comes back in. [Yes, I play with him too; he loves it, and so
    do I, but he can easily wear me out.] I'm debating looking for another
    cat, but three would be more than I could devote the ideal amount of
    attention to, and if the third one didn't get along with either of the
    present two I'd have to give it back.
    
    Ideally, Phillip would learn how to entice Sirocco into playing with
    him, but it doesn't seem likely at this point - unless I wait a couple
    of years until he starts to settle down. ;-} What's a cat-person to do?
    
    -b

No more words of wisdom here.  Just wanted to add another to the same boat.

Hannah_the_dim (7 lbs) does not like to play the same games that 
Simon_the_black_whale (15+ lbs) likes to play.  Simon will walk over to 
Hannah, give her a few licks (I love you, I love you...) and then 
proceed to open his maw and chomp on her head (TAG, you're IT!!!!).
This inevitably starts a wrestling match with lots of shrieking
(Hannah - she's a 'screamer')  and lots of white hair flying about
(Hannah again, as she squirms and twirls to get out of Simon's grasp).
Once she's loose, they're both off chasing each other through the house.
This usually ends when Hannah gets some place higher than Simon can get
without passing her on the way up, like the middle perch of the cat tree.

Hannah was 2 when Simon came, but she had been the baby before that.  She
ADORED Josh, and when he died and I got Simon, he was more than a little 
different from his predecessor. 

Hannah's almost 5 now, and Simon's almost 3.  There are lots of times when 
they sleep almost touching, or sometimes even touching.  (The problem is
that Simon likes to drape, and Hannah doesn't like things touching her
precious body, so his body weight tends to make her look elsewhere for a
resting spot)  

I guess I've gotten a little long winded here, but I think what I'm saying 
is that they need to work this out themselves for the most part. (Maybe you
would like to get Barney a little playmate that's closer to his age and 
physical capacities????? ;^) ;^)

kathy

    To answer a question, Barney adopted *us* almost a year ago.  The vet
    at Tufts believes he is a little over 2 years old, which makes him the
    same age as Bandit.  
    
    I guess my major concern is how much of this "rough housing" is going
    on while I am not there to intercept?  Barney is a very big, muscular
    cat, he is fully clawed, and they are huge claws attached to huge paws! 
    Bandit is quite slim, sleek and slender, and is declawed in the front,
    he has never been outside, won't even stick is nose out.  Barney is a
    semi outside cat, he simply refuses to use the litter box, prefers the
    great out of doors.  I almost wonder if Bandit is protesting the
    "outdoorsy" smell on Barney, more than Barney himself.  I did find a
    "ding" like a scab on Bandit's head a couple weeks ago, and wonder if
    Barney had done it in play at some point.  It doesn't seem to be a real
    hatred, just kind of like Bandit is telling Barney to just go away and
    don't bother me.
    
    Am I going to come home some day and find a bloody furball?  That
    really is my prime concern, or is some of this being done in my
    presence, for my benefit?
    
    Lyn                      

    I suspect they sleep all day and conserve their energies for when
    you get home.  The play/fighting is strictly for your benefit. ;^)
    Perhaps it's even a sympathy ploy instigated by the one you think
    is being victimized. :^)
    
    Actually, I have two that play very hard together when I'm home.
    Onyx and Mac started out as lethal enemies when Mac first joined
    the household.  He really brought out the territorial instincts in
    Onyx.  But, they've managed to become kitty buddies.  Their short
    grooming sessions degenerate quickly into someone trying to bite 
    the other.  They chase each other through the house.  Seems they're
    constantly at each other when I'm home.  However, I've never noticed
    that either of them has been visibily injured nor found any evidence 
    that they go at it that hard while I'm away from home.
    
    Jan
       

	My cats are similar.

	Cider the big boss likes to assert authority.

	Yoda the timid liks to pretend he's so small no-one can see him.

	Chalkie the nutcase likes to PLAY


	So, Cider goes up to Yoda, licks him a few times, Yoda curls up small, 
	then Cider bites.
	Roughousing goes on for a while, till Yoda finds a corner - usually the
	catbasket upstairs, where he can hid in, and Cider can't be bothered 
	with.  This has happened since Cider was 3.5, amd Yoda was 6 months.
	Cider is now 8.
	There have never been any bad bites - just a bit (or lot!) of fur, and 
	an odd scratch.
	Strange though, because when I come home from work, they're both asleep 
	on top of the spare bed together.

	Chalkie, the newcommer at 1, likes to PLAY. Yoda just walks away, Cider
	defends his tail. No where near as much roughplay with this, a hiss
	from Cider sends Chalkie out into the garden to fetch a twig to play
	with, rather than Ciders tail.
	Chalkie has yet to get any response from Yoda, apart from a detainful 
	look over the shoulder.

	Another strange point though, during the evening when I come home from
	the pub, they are all seem quite content to sleep on the same settee.

	Heather

I figure I'll post here about adding Hobbes (mentioned in the introducing the
Felines Note).

Looking at Hobbes I get the feeling he has Maine Coon Cat in his ancestry.
I consider my 14 1/2 pound Spike a big cat. Hobbes though he is only
12 pounds seems to have a head of similar size and generally larger body
(except in length, I think Hobbes is what one would call cobby).
Well this size and kitten like playfulness (we think he is >1 year,
I say closer to 7 months, perhaps a late summer early fall kitten)
make him resemble Baby Huey of the King Syndicate Cartoons
(for those who are too young, or who spent their days in more fruitful
activities Baby Huey is a HUGE duck in a diaper who is sweet and lovable
but always in trouble because he is BIG).

Hobbes has been brought upstairs and placed in a tokyo cage to allow our guys
to get used to him. Their initial responses were fear on the part of
Spike (signalled by hissing and ears back) and indifference by Hurricane
(a truly cat like response I thought). Over time they are getting more
interested and will come up to the cage. Hobbes trills at them and tries to
get them to play, but they will have none of it.

We also will confine our gents and let Hobbes have run of the house
so he can get his scent over things, and get used to our home. Hobbes
does pretty good in this, though he usually ends it by going to
the bathroom where there other two are confined and calling to them.

So far, no catastrophes, we hope to introduce them free 1 on 1
during this week (with supervision (UN peacekeepers armed with water pistols
:-)) ). After we do that, I'll put more here...

Thanks,
Keith

    Hi,
    
    I just adopted a cute 7 week old longhaired female kitten named Mindy from 
    the shelter in Hopkinton.  The problem is I have a 1 1/2 yr old female
    cat (Meisha) who thought she was queen of the house until I brought this 
    kitty home.  Now, she's extremely upset.  She hisses, growls and swats at 
    the kitty and me.  I've never seen her behave like this.  When I brought 
    Mindy home, I immediately separated them by putting Mindy in my bathroom and
    putting a screen over the entrance.  Mindy hated being trapped in the
    bathroom and cried all the time.  The next day, I brought all of
    Mindy's belongings downstairs with Meisha.  Meisha still hates her and
    keeps on growling and hissing at her.   I left them alone together
    today too.  
    
    My question is, should I have kept them seperated for a longer period
    of time?  I just felt so bad for Mindy because she was so isolated in
    the bathroom and kept on crying.  Will they eventually get along?   
    
    Thanks,
    
    Joanne
    

    
    Joanne,  
    
        Your older cat is going to be a grouch for a little while, she 
      will however get over it. I 've been through this too many times. 
      The fact the Mindy is the little kitty actually helps. Cats accept
      the little ones a little easier than full grown strangers.
    
      Meisha just needs to know that she is still loved and queen of the
      house. 
    
     Shaw

    Joanne,
    
    Congratulations on your new kitten!
    
    Your older cat is acting perfectly normal.  Expect to hear the
    growls and hisses for at least 2-3 weeks.  Your older cat may
    also swat at the kitten.  I wouldn't intervene unless you see
    the kitten actually getting hurt.  You have to let them establish
    a pecking order, of which your older cat will be head of the cat
    household and will let the kitten know that.
    
    I just adopted a kitten also, and Mocha, my resident female, got
    her swats in.  It's been about a month, and she occasionally 
    hisses and swats, but I also find them sleeping together on the
    bed occasionally.  
    
    You'll find bringing a kitten in the household is much easier
    than an older cat.  In some cases, the older cats never get
    used to each other.  But I've never heard of a long-term
    problem introducing a kitten.  Just make sure to give your older
    cat LOTS of attention so that he (she? sorry, couldn't remember)
    doesn't get jealous.
    
    Pam

    Hi,
    
    Thanks for the great advice so far!  I was so worried that I had done
    the wrong thing by putting them together so early.  I can understand why 
    Meishais so upset because she definately got all of my attention and
    now she has to share that attention with a stranger.  It's encouraging to 
    know that eventually they will get along.  
    
    Thanks again,
    
    Joanne 

    Note 316 has good advice on adding a cat/kitten to the family...

    It always takes Kelsey at least a month or two to adjust to another cat
    sharing his mom!  He whines, hisses, swats and fusses for a time, then
    eventually accepts the newcomer as his friend.
    
    It takes lots of time, especially since Meisha was an only cat for so
    long!
    
    -Roberta
    

    
    	Hi!
    
    	This is kind of an introduction plus need answer to question.
    
    	While out on vacation last week the vets called to say that they
    	had a Maine Coon kitty/mix that was just brought there to be neutered. 
    	It had come from a shelter in W.Boylston.  They were wondering if
    	we were interested in adopting it.  I told her that I would have to
    	check with my husband.  Well to make a long story short we went to
    	see this kitty.  We fell in love with him.  We called the shelter
    	and told them that we wanted to adopt him..  The story that the
    	person from the shelter gave us was that he was one of several
    	kitties that had been dropped off on the side of the road.  Noone
    	knows how long that were on their own.  She asked if we could meet
    	her at our vets the next morning.  We did this.  My daughter has
    	named him Oliver.  From Oliver Twist...  He is a very loving kitty.
    
    	My question or you might call it my concern is Shilo (other maine
    	coon kitty).  We got Shilo when he was tiny and have had him for 8 
    	months now.  He thinks he rules the house (we have let him think
    	that).  Since we have brought Oliver in things have changed.  
    	They don't seem to get along. Shilo is loosing his fur...
      	Does anyone know how long it will take them to become friends?  
    
    	Thanks for listening,
    
    
    	*joyce
    
    
    	

    
    
    	Well congrat's on the new baby......
    
    	I have a maine coon and have introduced 2 others .....
    
    	What I did was separate them for a while, the new one had the
    	bedroom with adjoining bath room with food and litter box.
    
    	They would play pawies under the door during the day....
    
    	At night they would be supervised.
    
    	KC my maine coon would hiss and growl a little, letting the 
    	new one know that he (KC) top cat in the house.
    
    	Now all 3 sleep together ....
    
    	There are other notes that discuss introducing new kitties
    	to a home
    
    	Good Luck
    
    	Mike
    
    	oh, Maine coons like to ride in the car...
    	don't be suprised if you have a fur-person on your shoulder ...
    
    	

    
    	Last night Shilo and Oliver got into it GOOD.  I am so worried that
    	Shilo is going to get hurt.  He is loosing a lot of fur.  
    
    	About five minutes before the fight they were almost touching paws.  
    	My daughter was sitting on the floor trying to play with both of
    	them..  It seemed like it was working, when Shilo got up and then
    	Oliver ponced on top of him.  Lots of Shilo's fur was flying..  
    
    	I am getting really nervous about this.  It doesn't seem like they
    	will ever get along.  Tomorrow will be a week since we picked up 
    	Oliver.  I know that isn't much time, but it seems like forever.
    
    	*joyce
    

    
    It takes time.  It's often considerably more than a matter of days.
    It can take months.  Some cats never come to more than a simple
    willingness to tolerate one another's presence.
    
    So, be patient, intervene when necessary, etc..
    
    len (who's still worried about Rocky and Floyd).
    

    
    Joyce, 
    
       Like Len said. It takes time. I had two females which one was the
       boss . Then we brought home a huge male Maine Coon, he also was
       the boss at the shelter with all the other cats. The first 
       couple of weeks the girls would gang up on him and chase him away
       although he was twice their size. Then after a while he decided this
       cann't be and started going after the girls, him being so big
       with his gigantic double paws on all four legs, I was so worried for
       my little girl but this was just amongst cats and they had to 
       sort it out.  They are now living together peacefully. Out little 
       baby girl is still sort of scared of him and occassional hisses 
       when he gets too close, but I have found them on many occassion that
       Tomba the big cat is washing keesha the little girls face ;-)
    
       Here is what we did, first of all we clipped their nails, just the
       very sharp curled tip, so that they would not accidentaly do 
       each other much damage while ironing out differences. Then we tried 
       to feed them pretty close to one another so they get used to 
       sharing their space. We also played with them at the same time
        with one of those feather teasors and they would take turns 
       chasing it.  We gave all of them love and hugs so they knew they 
       were all loved. 
       One thing that I would refrain from doing (and this is very
       important) that unless it looks real bad, do *not* interfer. 
       Sooner or later they will establish their ranking in the family. 
       If you have to interfer, make sure you do it very calmly. If you 
       panic and jump and start screaming at the aggresser, then the 
       little one (or the weaker one) will think something real bad is 
       happening and will panic even more and freak out. This is just
       opinion based on my experience. 
    
      Good luck, 
    
      Shaw

    Shaw,
    
    After reading your response to me I was asking myself if you were at my 
    house last night.  When they started fighting it was next to my chair
    and I did make the mistake of yelling, waving my cross-stitching
    (that I had in my hand at the time) and jumping up to get between them. 
    They both ran up the stairs and then there was more hissing and cat
    yelling and then Shilo came running down the stairs like he saw a
    ghost...  I know that yelling at them is wrong, but it just came out.. 
    I really care for Oliver.  When Shilo is not around he is a very
    affectionate kitty..  Loves to be loved and to give it back.  My main
    problem is that I am afraid that Shilo is going to get hurt.  Oliver is
    much larger than he is...  
    
    My daughter (who use to work at a vets in town) told me that it will be
    sometime before the two of them get along.  I guess that I should have
    listened to her.
    
    Thanks,
    
    *joyce
    

    One quick note .. if you ARE going to interfere in a severe fight,
    don't do it with your body.  Get a broom to put between them.  They are
    some times out of control and will bite/scratch anything that touches
    them, including your arm or leg.
    
    Known from experience (wanna see the scars?! (-:)
    
    Holly
    

    After we lost our female cat Nikita to kidney failure, we adopted a 
    4 month old black female kitten (Sammie, short for Sambuca) from the 
    Nashua Humane Society.  We wanted another kitty to keep our 2 year 
    old female cat Pumpkin company. 
    
    Sammie immediately loved Pumpkin.  Unfortunately it took Pumpkin 6+
    months to accept and even begin to like Sammie.  
    
    It's now been over a year and a half that we've had Sammie.  She and
    Pumpkin eat, sleep, and play (constantly) together.  There were times
    that we never thought we'd see this day come!
    
    Hang in there.  Patience and extra attention for both cats will pay
    off in time...
                                    

    
    Joyce, 
    
      Another thing that brought our two together, they both like the 
      same kind kitty treats (our third cat won't go near them) when
      we shook the box they both came running (keesha was just a few 
      months old female, and Tomba 2 year old Main Coon male with four
      double paws and long mane , kinda scary looking for a little kitty)
      They would eat the treats together and we kept bringing them closer
      and closer. 
      Tomba still chases keesha around but he just wants to play and 
      Keesha once in while either isn't in the mood or is afraid of his
      size.  If you ever have to *interfer* have a squirt bottle around and
      just squirt them, that 's all it takes usually. In our household
      it has come to a point that all we need to do is go for the squirt 
      bottle and they know whatever they were doing was a NO NO ;-)
    
      Shaw

    Hi all, I did a dir/title= everything for this note, but it's so
    specific that I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle.  Please move
    if appropriate. thanks.
    
    Warning: lengthy note attached!
    
    Anyway, I have a 6.5 year old white ticked tabby (a little black/grey on
    his head and tail) named Hercules (quite fitting).  He's a big boy, over
    15 lbs. not really friendly to anyone but me :),has his claws (big ones)
    and does not go outside at all.  He's not what you'd call a lap-cat.  Up
    until a year ago this past September, his buddy was my cocker-poo.  Since
    that loss :( , he's been the sole pet in the house and I have to say he's
    been acting like the king of the hill.  But I've noticed in the past
    couple months that he's become a little 'lethargic' and mopey.  I have
    been really busy and haven't been paying as much attention to him as I
    usually do so in the past 2 weeks or so I've given him more attention
    than usual.  He's better, but I've been thinking about it and I think
    he's lonely.  What do people think?  It's either that or he's getting
    too fat and can't move around :).
    
    We live on the first floor of a two-family and we're good friends with
    the folks upstairs.  They have a cat who's a female, all black, declawed,
    petite, and they get along great!  He's always trying to get into the
    hallway to see if she's out there and vice versa.  (They're both
    fixed).
    
    So on to my question (finally).  I'm considering getting him a buddy. 
    I'm just really afraid of how he'll react.  I'll only get a female - I
    don't want territory problems - but I'm really really concerned that
    he'd think I didn't want him.  I know the only way to test this out is
    to actually do it, but I would hate to bring a kitten into the house
    and then give it up!  I should mention that getting another dog is not
    an option.
    
    I want the opinions of the pros in this file - should I try something
    else to see if he's just 'in a mood'?  Like I said - cuddling is out of
    the question - he doesn't even like to be held, and the 2 times in his
    life that he's jumped into my lap was right after my dog died.  So I
    can't do much more than play with him and I thought if he had a buddy to
    run around with, maybe he'd be happier.
    
    So, any opinions?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen

Well, Karen, sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.  I started with
two (Chester and Farley), who were both quite young, and didn't have any
problems.  Then came Sarah, but after four months I had to place her
somewhere else because of her aggressive tendencies towards my other cats.  
She also had an annoying problem about peeing places she shouldn't have.
She was an eight year old Siamese, who, while she loved humans, had no use
for other cats.  About a year later (when both my boys were about two) I
tried again with Jeremiah, a four year old siamese mix.  Jere is very laid
back, and it only took a couple of weeks for everyone to be getting along
quite nicely.  Then, about four months ago, I fell in love with a beautiful
gray and white longhair (Melanie), who was about 8 weeks old.  The boys
didn't quite know what to do with her, but everyone gets along very well with
one exception.  Chester, my most favored son :-), gets really bent out of
shape when she wants to play.  He doesn't, however, have any problem with her
plopping right down on top of him to sleep.  All in all, it's been pretty
successful, although having three litter boxes requires me to go through
quite a bit of litter.

My suggestion would be to initially keep them isolated unless you're at home.
For a while, things are going to be tense and you as well as the kitties are
going to experience some stress, so expect that.  Be patient, and loving.
Your guy isn't so old that he can't adapt, but I expect that adapting to a
kitten will be easier than adapting to a second adult cat.

Good luck,

Patrick and the gang (Chester, Farley, Jeremiah, and Melaine)

    
    Karen,  In my experience in the long run it would be great for him to
         have a partner. Always in the begining when you introduce 
         another cat into the household, the current resident(s) will 
         hiss and growl a bit, this is natural as they want their own
         term on who's the boss with the new commer. 
         
         Few things that will help, a very young cat or a kitty will be 
         easier to accept than another full grown that is already a 
         territorial challenge. 
         Spray both cats with grooming spray or shampoo both so they 
         smell the same. 
         Make sure that your existing cat gets plenty of love and attention
         when you first introduce the new kitty, so he will be asured that
         new commer is not going to take away from any love directed to
         him.  I personaly think that if he is left alone most of the time
         a new friend after the breakin period would do his spirits good
         a kitty could actualy even help perk him up a bit. 
    
        Good luck.
    
        Shaw

    Karen,
    I'm sorry to hear that you lost Beau.  It sounds definately like
    Hercules could use a friend.  You would need to make arrangements with
    whoever you get the kitty from.  That way if it really didn't work
    out you could return it.  Remember, it could take a few weeks.
    Karen

    	Hi all,

	We already had three kids -
		Ewok, spayed female, age 2
		Max, neutered male, age 9
		Noel, spayed female, age 10
	
	and three weeks ago introduced Grayson (neutered male, age ?5) 
	into our house.

	For about the first two weeks the three residents pretty much
	left Grayson alone. Noel and Max would occasionally growl if
	he walked by, but no big deal. Ewok tried to initiate play
	(she's our Miss Congeniality), but again, no big deal.  
	Grayson's approach to all of this was to either leave the room,
	or to sit very quietly; no aggressive moves on his part.

	In the last week, the two oldest have been quite nasty to Gray,
	snarling and hissing and attacking him with claws bared. Gray's
	response, after the initial self-defensive tussle, is to run
	away and hide with his back against a wall somewhere. Even Ewok
	is getting more aggressive about her "let's play" overtures
	(she's quite the copycat).  

	We've been breaking the fights up with squirt bottles and loud
	NO!s, and have been isolating Grayson when we're not home and	
	when we go to bed for the evening.  I'm not awfully worried 
	that Max can hurt Gray, as Max doesn't have front claws and isn't
	really much of a fighter; his main strategy is to sit on whatever
	he wants to immobilize (he's about 17 pounds). Noel, however, has
	her claws and knows how to kill mice and etc. and I'm concerned
	she'll really hurt Gray.                               

	Interestingly, Gray has been very successful at standing up to
	Ewok and backing her off. But then, the look on Ewok's face is,
	"if the big kids can do it, I will too!" and I don't think she's
	much vested in defining her turf per se.

	My husband assures me that Max and Noel are doing a territorial
	thing, and that it will pass. 

	Any suggestions or words or encouragement are welcome!

	Thanks,
	Lynn

    
    Lynn, I mentioned this in another note before, we had similar situation
        when we added a new member to hour household, and occasional fights
        and nasty attitudes went on until we bather all cats same day with
        same shampoo, the experience they shared and the fact that now
        they all smelled the same fixed the problem almost immediately 
        after.
    
    Shaw

    Thank you all for the good thoughts and ideas.  I'm still debating on
    it though - obviously :)  My main issues are:
    
    1. Hercules hasn't been vaccinated against Feline Leukemia and I don't
       plan on vaccinating him.  So any kitten being brought into the house
       would have to be tested (and be negative).  This really makes me 
       nervous.
    
    2. I've never had a really bad flea problem and don't want one. :)  Can
       you blame me?  I know what just one flea can do!
    
    3. I have never bathed Hercules and I fully believe that if I tried,
       I'd be shredded into little tiny bits.  :}  So bathing both of them
       definitely would not be an option.  I think doing that sort of thing
       or even spraying him would make him all the more upset.
    
    
    So.......I'm still up in the air about it.  I'm also nervous because he
    has really big claws and uses them to play...sometimes I get in the way
    and I wouldn't want him to think the kitten was a new toy.  Honestly, I
    don't think he'd hurt a kitten, maybe just bat it a little. 
    
    <sigh>  decisions, decisions!
    
    Thanks for the ideas again!
    
    Karen

    I'm delighted to find this file, and find there are other cat lovers as
    crazy about cats as I am.  I have a question... 
    
    Our wonderful Maine Coon, Houdini, has been with us for just over a
    year... he's two years old now.  He was abused, abandoned, locked in an
    empty house when the owners moved out and left him.  It has taken all
    year for him to become comfortable with us (just me and my husband), 
    to the point that now he very often sleeps on his back with all four 
    paws in the air... !  Our vet says this is a very good sign, that he 
    is comfortable with us.  He has overcome nearly all of his jumpy
    habits, such as scooting wildly sideways and out of the room whenever
    my husband came in, or strangers.  Now he will wander around the room
    when we have visitors and investigate them... but he's not a cat who
    will jump on laps, whatsoever.
    
    He is EXTREMELY territorial of our yard and protective of us, the way a
    dog would be with his master, and EXTREMELY dislikes other cats.  I
    don't know where this comes from (he's spayed), but without exception
    if he sees a cat he runs straight for a full attack (and always wins).  
    I think it would be devastating for him if we were to get another cat 
    (or two).  I'm wondering if it would be in fact.  My husband has said
    absolutely not, he won't consider it because it would bother Houdini
    so... but I wonder if he would enjoy having some pals.
    I think so often of the 95 wonderful cats I saw at the Pat Brody
    Shelter for Cats (Lancaster, Massachusetts), and that we took only
    Houndini because of his obvious trauma problems.
    Going to that shelter was one of the most wonderful experiences I've
    ever had... cats really love me for some reason, we walked in and they
    were all over me, some climbing up my back, up onto one shoulder,
    others jumping up my legs, climbing up to be held.  
    
    I would love to adopt more cats.... but I wouldn't do *anything* to 
    upset Houdini... 
    
    any thoughts on the subject?
    
    Nancy   

	Hi Nancy,

	Would the shelter let you adopt a cat on a trial basis, so if it doesn't
	work out you could return it to them?  I would imagine Houdini would
	like to have the companionship of another cat, but it takes time in
	alot of cases, as you will find out reading notes in here.  Do you have
	a room where the newcomer could be isolated?  My cats became accustomed
	to Gypsy, a feral I trapped and brought inside when I kept him in his
	own room but made a hook out of a hanger that held the door open about
	3", enough room for paws to explore and noses to sniff through, but not 
	enough room for the cats to get in/out or fight.

	The cats get along great, but after 16 months Gypsy still scoots away
	and doesn't let me near him unless I have food!  Glad to hear Houdini
	is doing so well!

	Laura

    Nancy,
    
    I think your best bet for Houdini is to attempt introducing him
    to a very young cat.  I'm not talking a 6-8 week old kitten, but
    possibly a 5-6 month old cat.   That way Houdini won't feel
    threatened and will almost feel he needs to "father" the new
    kitten and teach him all the cat tricks oppose to having to feel
    he has to fight for his territory.  As Laura stated, the introductions
    will most likely have to be slowly done....but I truly feel
    after a time period Houdini would be happy to have a playmate!!
    
    I do know Priscilla at the Pat Brody Shelter has adopted cats out
    on a trial basis, so if you call I'm sure you can work something
    out.   Also ask Priscilla for some advice on introducing the two
    because she has alot of experience with that; considering about 
    400 cats come and go at our shelter every year.
    
    Good Luck....
    
    Sandy

    Sandy,
    Just curious, why did you recommend a 5-6 month old cat as opposed to a
    6-8 week old kitten?  For the kitten's safety?  Just curious...
    Sarah

    Yes..for the kittens safety just in case Houdini did not 
    accept the kitten..atleast a 5-6 month old can run and hide.
    But yet a 5-6 month old is still young enough not to threaten
    another cat and won't come in with an attitude he needs to
    be top cat.
    
    Sandy

    
    Another suggestion would be to adopted say like on a friday, so that
    they have you and the weekend to get to know each other...  We got
    Oliver from the Neads shelter in W.Boylston while we were on
    vacation...  It seemed to work out okay..
    
    Best of luck to you in case you decide to adopted.
    
    *joyce
    
    

    I agree with the replies in here totally, as I have a large cat count
    in my home, all introduced at different times/ages. From my own
    experienes with skittish and or formerly abused kitties, the important
    thing with a new introduction is that the personality coming in is not
    a dominant one.  A younger cat, or very laid back kind of cat would be
    your best bet. I have one formerly traumatized Maine Coon type who was
    the last of the current 10 I have now to join the crowd.  I notice he
    has become slow friends with only the less dominant individuals.  The
    Queen and other high ranking sorts he will still go to great and
    sometimes interesting lengths to avoid.  He has learned to get along
    with everyone though as best as his experience and personality will
    allow.
    
    D

    
    Thanks everyone... and Sandy (.2), do you work at the Pat Brody
    Shelter?  What a great shelter, I was so impressed with the facility
    and Priscilla... she was the one who helped us adopt Houdini.
    I love that place!  Thanks for all the good suggestions.  My sister had
    one very feisty *large* cat and adopted a little guy, about 5-6 months
    old.  It took about two months of adjustment, but now they are doing 
    great together.  The older one still picks on the little one now and
    then, but mostly they get along famously. 
    
    Hmm... now to convince my husband.  %^).
    
    Nancy

    Nancy,
    
    Yes..I have volunteered at the shelter for over 4 years.  Thanks
    for the compliments about the shelter because it's nice to hear
    great feedback.  I will admit it's a GREAT place for stray
    kitties and is a very unique shelter supported by wonderful
    people!!!
    
    Convincing the hubby....hmmmmm I have never had to do that!!!  If
    I didn't control my husband we would have over 40 cats!!!
    
    Good luck...
    
    Sandy    
    
    

    I am looking for some advice...
    
    To begin with I already have four (4) cats 3 males and 1 female all 
    have been altered.  For the most part they are a pretty homogenis 
    group.  Sometimes the female gets picked on a little by one male
    inparticular.  A good group! And may I add all are black...
    
    About 4 weeks ago a little tiger kitty about 9 months old delivered
    her babies on my garage step. She didn't even know how make nest.
    Since then she has become a good mother and taking care of her babies
    very well.  Very protective....
    
    My problem is I would like to give her a home or one of the babies
    since this birth occurred on my husband birthday.   Mom is real 
    aggressive and my other cats do not like her.  I know this is in part
    to her protectiveness. My question is would my other cats get along 
    better with a little one instead of the mother or should I do the 
    common sense thing and give them all up for adoption. They are well 
    taken care of kitty's and are beautiful.
    
    Thanks 
    
    Lee

    This doesn't happen to do with advice - but
    I have a friend who is looking for an orange kitten - are any of the
    kittens orange by any chance?
    
    Valerie

    No I am sorry to say there are no orange kittens.  However, we have
    one black with white paws a male and one grey tiger and one white and
    brown tiger both females.  All very loveable and humanized with great
    love and attention.
    
    Lee

	I'm looking for some advice on fighting among cats/kittens.  I've 
  read through all of the notes in this string and have tried several of 
  the things mentioned. This includes confining the offender, spraying 
  the offender with water, yelling to break up the fight, and not yelling.
  The fighting continues and our once peaceful household is now one of
  constant hissing, spitting and fighting.
	We had been a one cat household for 6 years up until about 6 weeks ago.
  We decided we wanted a second cat because the cat we had was not very 
  friendly and never has been. I went to the MSPCA to adopt a kitten and a 
  3 year old female "adopted" me. My significant other and son still wanted 
  a kitten so two weeks we later adopted a kitten.
	Ashley (the adopted older cat) is the cat I've always wanted as she 
  is very affectionate and is a real people cat.  The problem is that she 
  is also a bully when it comes to the other cat/kitten. The MSPCA said she
  came from a house of 4 cats (all 4 were given up for adoption) so I 
  figured she was used to other cats. 
	Our older cat, Olivia lives in hiding, usually in my son's room or 
  under the futon in the sun room.  We have to go find her and drag her out 
  of her current hiding spot to make sure she eats once a day.  The problem 
  is that Ashley seeks her out and they fight horribly.  Olivia is the loser
  in the fights.  She has places all over her body that are missing hair, 
  has a scab near her eye and a hole in her ear.  She is also declawed which
  probably puts her at a disadvantage.
  	We keep Ashley confined all day and only let her out when we are 
  home and can watch her every minute.  When we take our eyes off her for even
  a minute she goes in search of the other cat or the kitten.  Olivia also 
  lays into the kitten every chance she gets so everybody fights with 
  everybody else and no one gets along.  The kitten is definitely the lowest 
  in the pecking order but she is small enough (4 months old) that she can 
  hide and she just stays out of the older cats ways.  She has not been 
  injured in any way and seems very nonplussed by the whole thing.  She's too 
  busy playing and having fun.
        All 3 are females.  Olivia is 7 years old and spayed and I had
  Ashley spayed after we adopted her.  I'm afraid that if things don't change,
  Ashley will end up killing Olivia.  We feel badly that we have to keep her
  locked up in one room all the time but if we have things to do we can't 
  watch her.  I think if it was just Olivia and the kitten or just Ashley and
  the kitten that eventually they would get along but the two older cats seem
  to really hate each other. 
	 We've thought of having Ashely declawed so at least the two adult 
  cats would be on the same terms when they fight but most of the damage being 
  done to Olivia seems to be bites.  Would declawing Ashley make a difference?  
  We are at our wits end and are considering bringing Ashley back to the 
  shelter as much as we love her. We just want peace and harmony in our house 
  again.   Can anyone give us any advice on what to do?  Any suggestions would
  be GREATLY appreciated.
     

    I would first of all, take a deep breath and stay calm when there
    is an uproar, and realize that it may take several months to
    sort this out.  It sounds a lot like what happened when Holly
    joinged my household. Your being calm will have a calming
    effect on the cats as well as causing less wear and tear on your
    own nerves.  I would definitely continue to keep the two older
    cats separated, not only when you are away, but I would only let them
    interact for a limited amount of time initially when you are there.
    
    I started off letting Holly (the aggressor) out of the back bedroom for
    perhaps 10 to 15 minute intervals.  As soon as she went after Sweetie,
    I scolded her (convey disapproval, but don't frighten her -- a rather
    loud, repeated No seems to be appropriate) and either (1) put her
    immediately back in the back bedroom (immediately so her little cat
    brain connected her going after Sweetie with her going into Coventry),
    or (2) patted both cats simulatneously and talked to them in a soothing
    voice, to calm them down and get them used to each others company. 
    Which I did depended on how wigged out there were.
    
    The clue to all this is that the cats are basically fighting over you
    folks.  If you can make it clear that that strategy is going to
    backfire (like being send back to the bedroom), eventually this will
    work out.  I extended the 15 minutes intervals a little each day.
    
    It took about four months, as I recall, and my nerves were shredded a
    good deal of the time, but they are (gasp) buddies now.
    
    You migth also want to ask your vet about whether a (cat safe)
    tranquilizer would be appropriate temporarily.
    
    May the Force be with you :-)
     

    Just to be clear, there were several 15 minute intervals each evening
    etc.  I'd retry when things had calmed down and I could also devote
    time to keepig an eye on them.
    

    
    
    I 've said this before, when we adopted our Huge Maine Coon baby, 
    we had similar problems, untill we washed all cats same day, same
    shampoo, I don't know if it was the troma of the bath that they 
    all shared the expreince or the fact that now they all smelt the same
    but the effect was like a miracle. 
    Although declawing Ashly might help a bit, it is realy the teeth that 
    do all the damage. In situations like this, my heart always goes to 
    the older cat, that all of a sudden  her space is invaded. I've 
    also noticed it is a lot easier and more acceptable for the other 
    cats to add a kitten to the hosehold than an adult , there is just 
    too much competition. 
    
    Good luck and hang in there eventually they will get along. Like 
    others suggested, when they get in a browl, do not panic, do not 
    get too excited and don't yell, that will just freak them out more.
    
    Shaw

    
    I'll add another voice to the "give it some time" chorus.  The kittens
    didn't beat up on Merlin, but he was terrified of them, and for several
    months lived in self imposed solitary confinement in the back corner of
    the kitchen counter.  Now it's like they've been lifelong buddies
    (although Floyd's enthusiastic solicitation of Merlin at dinner time
    sometimes provokes a few ritual whacks back and forth).
    
    Be thankful that you're not trying to get two mature territorial males
    to accept one another.  The one time I tried this (and gave up after a
    week), they didn't fight but instead resorted to marking everything. 
    
    len.
    

    
    We added a female kitty to two 11 year old brothers, we thought the older
    cats would be foster dads. Well, the brothers started fighting between
    themselves, on top of fighting with the kitty. They had to redo the
    pecking order, I guess. It took us a good 3 to 4 months before we could 
    leave all three in a room un-supervised, they were kept in separate
    quarters when we weren't home. It took a good 9 months before the older
    cats would be friendly (like licking and sniffing) with the kitten.
    Give a more time, but be firm and consistent with the "discipline" and
    show the new cat lots of love and reassurance, even thought she's the 
    troublemaker. Hopefully, they'll sort it all out among themselves
    non-violently. 
    
    Eva

    as an alternative to wasing, spraying lanolin based "grooming spray" on
    a comb and running it through everyones' fur acheives the same thing
    without having to bath the cats (i.e., it makes everyone smell the
    same).
    
    Deb

    Hi,
    
    Tonight I will be introducing my cat to my sisters cat as she will be
    moving home today and bringing her cat with her.  This is something we
    have never yet had to do and would really appreciate any advise you can
    give.  I'll tell you a little about the cats which may help to pre-empt
    the situation.
    
    Felix (my cat) is an enormous male (he's been done), he's about 5 years
    old, we rescued him from the CPL about 6 months ago and he's settled
    down wonderfully.  He's clearly extremely happy at home and I don't
    think will have any plans to move on elsewhere.  He has the patience of
    a saint and has never yet, apart from playing, gone to swipe us.  It is
    impossible to "push him too far".  Saying this, when he plays he really
    does play and frequently comes in with scratchess where I guess he's been
    fighting other cats.
    
    My sisters cat Poppy is a female about 4 years old.  Cathryn got her
    about 2 years ago again from the CPL.  She was found on an allotment
    with kittens but wanted nothing to do with them.  She's very neurotic
    and possesive and clings to my sister.  Cathryn said that when she sees
    another cat she cowers down.  Again she is quite capable of playing but
    does not like load noises or very sudden moves.  Unlike Felix who you
    *cannot* phase and is much more like a dog.
    
    Bearing all this in mind, do you have any comments or words of warning
    I can heed?  This is our first time at introducing cats as we've always
    had one at a time.
    
    My plan was to put them in the living room together tonight whilst we
    sit and watch TV and just see how it goes.  I think it's very important
    to have someone on each cats "side" whilst they meet.  I particularly
    feel that way for Felix as it's his house and he may feel extremely
    invaded with a new person and a new cat yet I'm no where in sight.
    
    Wish me luck!
    
    Liz

    When I found Vinnie and brought him home to meet Abby my vet gave me 
    wonderful advice.  She first suggested that I put one cat in one room 
    with the door closed, that way they can sniff each other from under 
    the door and  discover that they are not alone anymore.  Also, make 
    sure they have their own feeding areas.  I did this but my guys would 
    start eating at their own place and then they would go to the other's 
    dish and eat out of it.  Go figure, but when they wanted to be fed 
    they sat by their areas waiting for food.  I also gave them their own
    litter boxes, too.  They eventually shared them but whereas I was
    introducing a new cat to an old one, I didn't want the old one to feel
    that his territory was being "taken over".  It took a long time for
    them to adjust - at least 6 months, but all cats are not alike. 
    Remember that I introduced a 10 week old foundling kitten to a 19 year
    old guy who always lived alone with us, I don't have any experience
    introducing cats to each other so close in age.  Good luck, it will
    work out.
    
    Faith

    I would not let your cats go outside until they have adjusted
    well to each other, as often a resident cat with access to the
    outside will take off when a newcomer arrives.  I'd expose
    them to each other in the house for limited amounts of time
    initially  (5 to 10 minutes if they seem aggressive) and keep
    them separate otherwise, gradually increasing the time.  Give
    your original cat lots of love and reassurance.  Don't seem to
    reward aggression with attention.  Are both cats free of FIV, etc.
    so there is no chance of transmitting something from one cat to
    the other?  Hang in there, things may go well or may take several
    months to calm down.  Don't give up if it gets hair-raising.
    
    I find patting both cats at once and talking to them in a mellow
    voice gets them used to being calm near each other.
    

    At your local pet store, buy a can of "grooming spray" (it smells like
    lanolin). Spray it on a comb and comb both of them before the
    introduction. Definatly let them find each other. The fact that they
    smell alike should ease some of the problem. (I do this whenever
    someone comes home after a stay at the vet).
    
    Deb

    What worked for me when introducing a couple of rescues to my 
    resident cats was to keep the newcomers in one room and the 
    resident cats in the rest of the apartment while they get used 
    to each other's scent.
    
    In my case I only had two rooms and the bathroom to work with
    so I put the new cats in my bedroom during the day and let my
    cats have the run of the rest of the apartment.  At night when
    I went to bed I switched the food/water dishes, litterboxes and
    cats.  My cats went into the bedroom with me and the new cats
    got the run of the apartment.  In the morning, I switched back.
    It was a pain but it worked really well for this cluster of kitties.
    They got used to each other's scents without actually interacting
    for a while.  I can't remember how long I did this.  I know it was 
    for at least a week, possibly more.  One day I opened the door and 
    let them mingle.  I don't recall any major spats between them at all.  
    
    Jan

    
    I'll repeat what I think is the most important bit of advice, the
    common thread through all the things you've been told - give it time.
    This may mean weeks to months.   Cats are masters at testing our
    patience - they seem to know we'll give up before they do.  Once they
    conclude that you're not going to let them get away with outwaiting you,
    they become remarkably adaptable.
    
    len.
    

    Thought I'd update you on the progress that's been made introducing
    Romeo & Juliette to Zachary, my Maine Coon Cat.
    
    Initially, Zachary was pretty upset with the two tiny intruders and
    rebuffed all of their attempts at friendship, but, as time passed,
    he'd sometimes forget that he didn't like them and would initiate play. 
    Of course, if he caught me observing this, he'd lift his magnificent
    Maine Coon tail and walk away.
    
    I went on a weeks vacation last month leaving the 3 in the care of my
    housemate.  Evidently this was a pivotal moment in kitty history. 
    Since my housemate isn't around all that much, and doesn't play with
    them as I do, the cats were confronted with each other for
    companionship.  When I returned home I immediately noticed that Romeo
    and Zachary were now touching noses, were chasing each other around the
    house and were wrestling.  I was astounded.  Juliette also was getting
    into the act, although Zachary is more gentlemanly around her.
    
    In fact, the first couple of nights after I returned I was worried that
    neither Zachary nor Romeo came into the room to cuddle at night.  I
    found them together downstairs.
    
    So - for all of you who are contemplating introducing a new member (or
    members) to your feline household, have patience.  I can't tell you how
    happy I am for Zachary.  He's like a new cat.  He's acting like a
    kitten, tearing up and down the stairs, chasing after the other two,
    wrestling, etc.  and seems much more happy in general.  
    
    And you haven't seen anything to rival a huge Maine Coon wrestling with
    a 10 month old Maine Coon wanna-be fluff ball.  Poor Romeo disappears
    under Zachary but quickly resurfaces with a paw full of white fur.  I
    guess he's helping Zachary to shed his winter coat since I'm finding 
    trails of white and brown (from Romeo) fluff all around the house.
    
    I adopted Romeo & Juliette last October when they were 3 months old and
    Zach was 4.  
    
    Gita

This is great news, Gita!!

Laura

    just realized that in my last note it wasn't clear that Zachary was 4
    YEARS old, not 4 months old.  
    
    Gita