Will they get along?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-06-2004
Will they get along?
2
Thu, 08-12-2004 - 6:44am
Hi everybody,

3 days ago I adopted a little kitty that had been abondonned on the side of the street. She is 6 months old, pure white (almost), part siamese according to the vet. She is really really sweet, loves to be held, purrs constantly, is extremely soft and quiet. She seemingly will be a very easy house cat.

Now, I already have another cat at home: a 1 year old stray that I picked-up when he was barely 6 weeks and about to be run over by a car. I have had him now for 1 year and love him to death. But, I do have to say is a bit feisty: loves to play rough, bite a bit harder than I would like him to when we play, doesn’t care for being held and petted so much….a bit on the aggressive side, but mainly in the context of play. He is a house cat, but he tries all he can to get out the door. He is neutered by the way.

Now, for the last 3 days, those 2 kitties have been sharing the same roof. Although they did not break into a fight when they first met, I can’t say that it was love at first sight either. My 1 year old kitty would really like to play (at least I think that what he wants) with her. He sniffs her, paws her a bit, sometimes jumps on her from behind and tries to bite her neck. Needless to say she doesn’t like any of it and growls at him every time he gets a bit too close. He stays back but only until he has another opportunity to jump on her. He seems really happy to have a friend: he looks for her everywhere if she hides, and cries if I take her in my room so he will leave her alone a bit.

I know it has only been a couple days, but I worry about whether or not they will become friends and be able to play together. I want them both to be happy! Anybody else have experience with this?


Thanks,

Christine

Avatar for cl_lcni
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Thu, 08-12-2004 - 10:36am

Hi Christine.


Photobucket

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-10-2003
Thu, 08-12-2004 - 11:55am
Hi Christine,

The new kitty should really have her own sanctuary room for the first week or so, so she can adjust to her new home and feel safe and secure. She should have her own litter pan and food and water in that room and some toys. She and the your resident cat should get used to each other's scent first, before they see too much of each other and then see each other for brief periods, where they they maybe have a snack. It is not too late to back up and do this, especially if the kitten is growling a bit and the resident cat is acting agressively. Time and patience is key to a successful cat introduction. If you post on the Think LIke a Cat Board, you will get a great deal more advice on this.

Cynthia