How to Introduce Cats - Without fur flying

[@veriestferrari8476]

Thank you Molly for this talk, this is super helpful, I’m two weeks into introducing a 2 year old male rescue cat to my resident 5 year old female kitty, your KZbin talk came at the perfect time!🙏💓😇

[@Millie-R.0731]

Just added a new cat to my family (2 now total indoor cats ) this has been very helpful so thank you ! 🐾🐱🐱🐾

[@PriscillavdBeld]

Thank you. My children found a cat thats not been taken care of but we already have one. This is my first time of having 2 at once and I'm having a hard time. I really want them to get along. I have been working with them for 3 weeks and keep searching for any video's that could help me. This really helped. I'm certain now that I am doing the right things.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

It absolutely works if you follow the steps and have patience. Thank you for taking another one in!

[@MrPeterjba]

Thanks. Introducing Maxie (Burmese 4) to Harry (Tonkinese 1) has been hell!! Going with your suggestions, fingers crossed

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

How did it go?

[@PriestessShizuka]

This is such an amazingly in depth and thoroughly informative video! How do you suggest doing the introduction steps as a single cat owner or with a single inexperienced helper? It sounds like you need two experienced handlers, one on each side handling both cats, able to call the cat back from the barrier if or when necessary, and offering the cat its dinner without having to squeeze back and forth across the barrier's limited ways for a human to pass through without the cats seeing too much of each other too soon, or worse, darting through because you have the food for both of them so of course their attention is on you at the barrier with their dinner, and a third person at the barrier controlling the towel.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Good questions! yes, it is tricky balancing the process with one person, but it can be done. I do it with virtually no help from my partner. If you have a cat who is trying to escape out of, or into, the sanctuary room, then it is wise to confine the other cat to a bathroom or carrier as you go in and out. Those "chance" encounters when they are caught off guard, or not yet ready to meet the newcomer, can be very detrimental in long term success.

[@linxlatham47]

Can anyone helppppp... I have a 6 or so year old indoor/outdoor girl cat and I got a baby kitten for her to have a friend but she hates her so much. I tried to do the slow introduction I had her in a separate room for a week but after I finally let her see her she refuses to come inside now. She has turned into an outdoor only cat. Or if she needs to come in she just hides under the covers in my bedroom. I've tried bringing her in and showing her how tiny and harmless and playful the kitten is but she just growls and hisses (very scarily) the whole time. I don't want to lock her inside, I want her to feel safe and like she can get away if she needs to but I don't know how they're gonna make friends if she never comes inside... I tried taking the kitten outside so they could be out there together but she was scared and just cried and cried and my cat just left anyway so that was a total fail. Any advice pretty pretty please?? I want them to be friends so badly, it would be so heartbreaking if the kitten had to go to another home

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Did you watch this webinar? In the beginning, I explain the hurdles to cat introductions...they are highly territorial creatures, thus it must be done slow and methodically. One week isn't nearly enough time. I suggest you make the time to watch this webinar fully and follow the steps to success. Best of luck and thank you for providing a home to cats!

[@KJ_88]

This is my situation exactly, right down to the sexes and ages except resident kitty is not an outdoor cat so now she hides under my bed. We are now 3 weeks in, still separated by a door and swapping them out throughout the day, but my 6 year old momma kitty still runs and hides the second she knows I’m putting the kitten in the mesh carrier to check her out. I never let them roam freely in the same room together. Kitten is always in a carrier and my resident momma kitty is still so aggressive and then runs and hides under my bed. I know it’s only been 3 weeks, and I’m prepared to go the long haul with this but I am very afraid my resident kitty may hurt the baby.

[@linxlatham47]

@@KJ_88 I'm so sorry 😢 I hope the situation improves for you. I know how stressful and heartbreaking it is. We've made a little progress over here, my cat is comfortable hanging out with the kitten if we're all outside. She still wasn't coming in ever and I felt terrible but I realized if I leave the door open then she'll come in and hang out for a little. But I still don't know if she'll ever accept her, I just want them to play together and be friends so badly. But the slow progress is still giving me hope. Maybe you could try getting a gate to put in the door instead of bringing the kitten in the room. That way your cat can have time to get used to her being there safely without the kitten getting too close. She might still hide at first and then realize after a bit that the kitten can't get it and come out and be comfortable being out in the open. If she could be out comfortably while seeing and smelling the kitten on the other side of the gate that would be some good first progress. I hope it works out 🙏💜

[@Ricec0o0ker]

Hello.. what can I do for my old cat that wants to stare and won’t break eye contact.. and my new cat always wanting to touch her? Lol

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Through positive reinforcement, or clicker training, teach your staring cat "look" (to look at you on the cue "look"). This way you can break the stare - I think I cover this in the webinar.

[@CathyCollazo-f5r]

Thank you

[@mold971]

have a 9 month old and just got a 3 month old kitten, both spayed girls. i'm at the stage where i'm letting them have short supervised visits. the kitten just wants to explore and play but my resident cat will chase her around the apartment and swat her. her ears are forward but her tail is bushy. the kitten seems scared but not hurt. i can't tell if this is normal playing i should let happen or if my cat is going to escalate in her aggression. will moreexposure make her any less aggressive or do i need to take a big step back?

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Take a step back - harness the reactive 9 month old so she can't swat at her but still have freedom to roam around and chase her. Eventually she will be less fearful of the new kitten. You'll know when that is when the tail no longer bushes out. Good luck! I'm sure they'll be best of friends in no time! And remember, even when they are fully integrated, they will continue to rough play - here is a good podcast to listen to to help you know if they are playing or fighting: www.catbehaviorsolutions.org/podcast/episode/465ef86f/playing-or-fighting

[@mold971]

@@CatBehaviorSolutions thank you!

[@Godskingdomcouncelorcrystal]

Do you have any tips on how to do an introduction with my cat (1 yr old) and a rescue kitten who just had baby which is about 8 days old. The momma is about 7 months old. (They are in spare room in large dog kennel) We have 4 Goldens and they love the momma and baby they get along but my cat is being dominate. I cant keep the door closed forever because one of my Goldens love the baby and momma so much she doesn't want to leave their side. Being that protector. She cries and cries and cries until she is able to see the baby and momma. I did the following: - switch scents of blankets (my cat hissed at first on the blanket then was trying to bite the blanket then was playing with it then sleeping on it) momma cat was fine with my cats blanket no reaction. - have a baby gate up and let the other one watch (my cat jumped over and attacked for a second then ran away and jumped back over the gate) - had the door open and momma in kennel at first hissing but day later my cat watched her sitting on the floor keeping distance - my cat did lye on the floor this morning without going after her trying to hiss just kept her distance and watched her. But once I felt bad happening I immediately cut it off and seperate them. My cat her mom always comes around outside she's feral and watches other cats on the porch and always shows affection and wanting to play with them. So I know she want to have a play mate. My cat is born feral but rescued her at 3 months old. She did have other siblings with her at the time. The 4 Goldens we have when I first rescued her within 2 days they all bonded. Truly was a miracle. Just want to take a good approach since the momma has a baby with her. Going to keep the baby until finished weaning and keep the momma permanently.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Good job recognizing when the energy shifts and separating them before any significant outward signs of aggression happened. Mom cats can display maternal aggression, and adult cats can injure or even kill baby kittens not meaning to - through play or territorial aggression. With a nursing mom, I recommend installing a screen, or storm door to keep them separate. I do not recommend trying to incorporate them all together. Teach the dog not to whine if you find that annoying - that will be a whole lot easier than feeling comfortable that the cats will get along and be safe with one another. Once the kitten is placed, follow the instructions in this video to introduce the two adult cats. Be sure to get that momma spayed asap. Thanks for taking good care of the kitties around you!

[@Godskingdomcouncelorcrystal]

@@CatBehaviorSolutions thank you so much for this info. Will do truly great full for this info. 🙏 God bless.

[@jamesscriven2948]

Hello Molly i have two male cat brothers about 6 years who get on fine ,they are indoor outdoor cats , i got persian cat male about 1 year old- i tried to introduce gradually , i kept new cat upstairs with me ,and got glass door downstairs so they could look at each other - but when i tried to introduce them the new cat always tries to attack the brothers ,they always fight back - now one brother wont come in at all and i have to feed him outside and the other brother only comes in late at night can you help please James

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Please watch the video and make notes of the steps - it's important to swap spaces and feed within view of the barrier door. Keep the door covered until there are no longer any defensive/aggressive reactions when they see one another. You could also have some unrecognition aggression if two go out but the other doesn't - because they come back no longer smelling like the home and are perceived as territory invaders. Feel free to email me [e-mail]

[@beccapeterson8268]

Neither of my cats will eat their food if they know the other is on the other side of the door… even during their scheduled / normal meal times. They do, however, take treats. Is this an acceptable swap? Or is it important it’s every meal?

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Ideally it's meals because that produces a prolonged time at the barrier door - more time to acclimate and counter condition. Can you try moving their bowls from where they will eat, just a couple inches a day closer to the door?

[@francescoiadicicco1266]

Interesting watch. What about a cat who refuses treats when he sees the new kitten on the other side of the barrier? I have a cat I can't distract from staring at the new kitten. It's three months now that I try and fail because I have no means to distract him.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

One possibility is you haven't found a high enough value treat. Try Lick 'n Lap - works 98% of the time. It has to be something "worth" breaking the stare.

[@francescoiadicicco1266]

Unfortunately I speak from Italy. We still don't have a wide selection of treats here. Local stores started selling those kind of tubes only few weeks ago and they are all tuna based. And Milo hates tuna. I will try on the zooplus site. They sell pudding that he can't resist. Thank you so much for the reply. I was so frustrated I didn't think about it! 🙏

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

@@francescoiadicicco1266 also deli turkey (low sodium and no spices) is good, also single chicken ingredient baby food.

[@Sunshine_craycray]

This is the issue I’m having! No distraction from the evil invader. It took me forever to actually find a treat my resident cat would even eat! Freeze dried raw chicken hearts. That’s literally the ONLY treat. I’ve tried so many treats it’s ridiculous…but my dogs are very happy with the rejects. Sadly, those hearts aren’t good enough right now. I don’t know what to do.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

@@Sunshine_craycray it sounds like you might need to take a step back; less view of the new cat; go slower. Feel free to email me where you are in the process and exactly what each cat is doing. I'm happy to help! [e-mail]

[@leticiavasquez8566]

This is all fab....but only for people with alot of privilege im afraid. Some of it is doable if someone is on limited budget/works full time/ has dogs/kids/roommates etc. But not all is. Not all these steps are doable or practical sadly. But as a rescue worker and behaviourist and fosterer i agree with all of them as an IDEAL.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

What is recommended that seems expensive to you or beyond the ability of an economically challenged family? Dogs and kids and roommates should all be on board with the process. And if the environment isn't conducive to doing it correctly, then maybe adding another cat isn't the ideal thing either?

[@KellyNora-p8q]

​@@CatBehaviorSolutionsexcessive open litterboxes seems excessive to me.

[@brookefralix6588]

My resident cat has IBD and is on a special food. Her vet recommended a certain wet food but I think she still throws up from that. How should I navigate around this with what you’ve listed as feed canned 4 times/day?

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

Please watch this webinar: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZDEYmCXnK6Bi9Usi=KTzZL0SX6JgP7Rgw Then feel free to email me with any questions [e-mail]

[@brainchatter2078]

37:30

[@lolajohatae]

HELP! I am screaming for help. Two months of introduction doing everything I can, Adopted a lovely stray 6-8 month old and I have a 4 year old both girls. The new comer attacks my cat, charges at the screen door I installed. My cat wanted to be friends but now my cat got tired and became the aggressor. I am so sad I will have to re home the sweet girl.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

So much info I don't know - challenging for me to comment intelligently. It's important you go slow enough that hissing and charging doesn't happen. If it's been going on a while, you'll have to drop back and go slower. But a sheet over the screen door - feed them on either side. After about a week of that, tack up the sheet about an inch. If either hisses, put it back down and do more feeding/treating/playing on both sides of the door. Raise the sheet in very small increments only if no hissing or charging from either. This will take a while now that it's gotten out of hand. Good luck - I hope you don't have to rehome her.

[@Theantinarc]

What if everything goes well and there's no territorial issues, no growling, hissing etc and lots of positive food/treat experiences BUT the new kittens exploring sets off the "teen" cats prey drive?

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

It's normal for cats to "prey" play with each other. That's what they do as kittens to learn how to hunt - they stalk, chase, pounce. Just watch close that the tiny kittens don't get hurt by overzealous bigger ones.

[@Theantinarc]

What if everything goes well and there's no territorial issues BUT the new kittens exploring sets off the "teen" cats prey drive?

[@jessicalombardo1195]

What happens if I work 6 days a week 12 hrs a day?????

[@birgittomek4414]

..the same as in every relationship. A cat is not a thing- its a being. I wouldn't want to be forced to stay with someone who doesn't share time with me! (12h a day!? ..so "sleeping" is your way to interact with your cat?!- What a strange world.)

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

That does make it challenging. Perhaps adding another cat to the home is not the best thing for you. I recommend you listen to this podcast: www.catbehaviorsolutions.org/podcast/episode/4681f674/how-many-cats-should-you-have But you can do the process when you ARE there.

[@schwubs]

​​@@birgittomek4414 It is not a choice for some people to work a lot. Should we just dismiss the homes of those who work long hours in order to feed themselves and their pets as unsuitable homes for all of the homeless cats out there? If a cat owner works 12 hr days, introductions are just going to take a lot longer. Maybe help with solutions and keep your judgement in check. Sheesh.

[@TheOracle313]

Its sad you dont understand. ​@birgittomek4414

[@ericferguson22ef]

That's very helpful. 🙄​@birgittomek4414

[@Zarabelco]

Question helppp please. If my resident cat has ptsd from some type of previous attacking. I rescued her from street 14 months ago. She is used to our household members now. If she gets suddenly frightened she will go into hissing meltdown for a whole day. She seems to hate some other cats and their smells and gets in this mood near some people who own cats. Do you think it is doable to bring a ten month old kitten in the house? I have a basement. I can keep them separated for the first month. The new kitty is mellow and soft. Im willing to put in the effort and patience. Please help. My family thinks I am crazy for thinking I can do it. Resident: spayed female. 2 years old approximately. Tortoise shell. Newcomer: male. 10 month old. Mellow soft.

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

With all that known history, I'd be very careful. I think you might ask yourself why you want to bring in a second cat. On paper, it's sounding like it will be very stressful on your cat.

[@brookefralix6588]

Is it a good or bad sign that the resident cat plays a lot with the new cats toy it had when it was in the shelter?

[@CatBehaviorSolutions]

That's helping to mix scents, so it's a good thing. It also indicates the resident cat isn't feeling threatened by the new cat smells.

[@septemberkozicki7264]

.😅7k By. 😅b😅 k 3:11 3:11