Page 1 of 1

New cat

Posted: Sat Feb 16, 2019 10:40 pm
by sunflower81
Hi, my name is Claire and I am looking for some advice. We took on 2 rescue cats after their owner passed away, 6 years ago (brother and sister) then approx 5 years old and they have the most beautiful temperaments, never scratched, bit, hissed, they were just so affectionate....we really hit the jackpot. They got along so well and snuggled up often. Sadly my beautiful Daisy passed away last year from a blood clot.

We have just adopted another rescue cat and we did the separation, scent swap, sniff through the door, visual through glass and then meeting gradually over a week. I know some people may think that is too soon, but we were really led by them and their reactions. The new cat who is 4 also has a lovely temperament and apart from being naturally weary and sussing each other out, there has only been a little meowing when they are closer and no aggression or fighting whatsoever. My question is, for those who had a similar experience, how long did it take for them to fully accept each other? Does the fact that they have no aggression towards each other mean they will be buds?

Re: New cat

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 12:48 pm
by Lilith
Hi and welcome and so sorry to hear about Daisy, but congrats on the new arrival :)

It's the honeymoon period as yet; as relationships between them develop, new facets of personality do likewise - and with the humans too, but it sounds to me as if they've made a very good start. A bit of verbals, unless they're yelling and about to do each other in, generally means nothing, even hissing or spitting; that's just cat conversation for 'not sure yet.'

All the very best :)

Re: New cat

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 2:48 pm
by Kay
sometimes you have to settle for toleration rather than best buddies, especially with older cats, but that doesn't mean they don't appreciate having feline company about the place, so I think you can afford to congratulate yourselves and see what happens

many would give their eye teeth for your success so far

Re: New cat

Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2019 4:24 pm
by Ruth B
Sorry to hear about Daisy, but congratulations on the new arrival and the introduction. From what you say it does sound as if it is going really well, a bit of meowing and a bit of hissing is perfectly normal as they get to know each other, I would advise only stepping in if the body language became really aggressive or defensive, but it sounds as if yours are both cats who enjoy company.

As for how long it takes, unfortunately every cat introduction is different, for some the initial meeting can take weeks or even months, others, like your two, settle within a week or so. Some become really good buddies, others settle for a non aggression pact, only time will tell. However it does sound like it is going well and they will be friends, just carry on as you are doing, letting them dictate the speed of the introduction.