What is the best way to integrate a new adult female cat into a house that already has a nervy female cat?

Question

I have been adopted by a cat. I have tried everything - vets, charities, breeders (she is rare breed), police, local community group, local school, but no one seems to be claiming her. I am more than happy for this delightful and very beautiful cat to live with us (and as she keeps breaking in and sleeping on my bed, she clearly wishes to live with us!) but my rather nervous cat is understandably pissed off.

Does anyone have any tips on integrating the two? The newbie is a bolshy little thing and my existing cat is a scaredy cat! But the newbie does seem to want to just rub along together... I'm terrified my cat is going to up and move out!

Answer 1

If you really think one of the cats may take it to the extreme of running away, I suggest you buy one of those plastic pet gates and put it between two rooms for now. That way both cats have their own space, and they can still interact from either side of the fence. If they don't seem to be getting along, try offering the new cat to anyone you think can successfully take care of -what I hear as a cutie- the cat. Consider a very close friend that you know can handle the responsibility.  However, if the two cats get along, keep them separated a few more days to be sure, then feel free to put them together, just be sure to keep a close eye on them in the beginning

Best wishes and Good Luck :)

Answer 2

You do need to be VERY careful with your old cat. Cats do have a habit of wondering off if they don't like things at home. If she's particularly sensitive you could see her developing problems such as over-grooming or becoming constipated or not eating. Cat's are creatures of habit and territory and they really do not like change. Put your old cats feeling first and if things get difficult for her, I think you'll just have to take the new cat to a rescue centre and hope that someone else will adopt her.

There are several things you can try to integrate the two of them though. You can get a Feliway diffuser from your vet (or maybe even ebay I think) which gives off a scent which is supposed to calm cats down. Make sure they have seperate feeding bowls and that you still give your old cat a lot of love and attention. She is bound to get a bit jealous of the new car so try and be fair with them. Good luck. Hope it works out and you have 2 very happy cats!  

Answer 3

When I adopted a second cat from the Humane Society they told me that since I was bringing in another cat to our home I would need to do the introduction slowly. So they advised me that I let my existing cat have the rome of the living space and put the new cat in your bed room. They will familiarize with one another from undernethe the door. They say to allow 1-2 weeks I allwoed 2 weeks and when I let them meet in the open they were playing and loving one another.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Nervy will be like this for a while making you feel punished, I have six cats all different ages so introducing any new ones has it's problems. I must never leave the house for a night if I do there is always one that makes me feel so guilty he wont speak to me for a week. But they and I survive. Just make sure Nervy gets loads of attention and strokes. They do get used to each other but it takes time and patience. All the best you have done the right thing.

Answer 5

as with almost any animal if you dont let them come together slowly they might get along but it will only be through dominance. my suggestion is to keep them separated at first and bring them together for meals. give them two EVEN bowls of food. if they fight, take them out and try again tomorrow. do this until they dont fight anymore. once they can eat peacefully, they can do anything peacefully!