Adding another cat

by Karen K.
(Iowa )

I have four spayed female cats. One is 15, and the other three are ages 4,3 and 2 respectively. They are all spayed. My friend passed and has an 11 year old male persian (neutered) who she asked me to take when she passed. What can I expect as far as the cats getting along? I have never had a male cat. I am going to keep them separate for a while, keeping the male in a separate bedroom behind a closed door, then opening the door and having a screen so they can look at him, then after about three weeks having some supervised play. I work, so I want to make sure they do not fight when I am gone. All of my cats have claws.

Currently, my 15 year old and the latest addition (a two year old feral who had had kittens at one time) do not get along and will hiss and growl and slap at each other even though it has been a year since the new cat was added. I am hoping that the older male (he is very calm) will be a friend for my older female cat. I think she is overwhelmed after her friend died and the rest of the cats are so much younger.

Any suggestions? I have never had a persian cat either.
My cats have all been foundlings.

RESPONSE:

Your plan is a good one and is just what we do. You may want to try putting your oldest in with the new guy before letting them all out to mingle together as the young ones will no doubt overwhelm the new guy. Just because he is a male doesn't mean you should treat him any different. He will still need lots of love and attention, especially considering his loss. And then moving into a new, multi-cat household will be scary for him so give him lots of time to adjust. If he seems truly depressed, you may want to try some Bach Flower or Spirit Essences to help him cope with his grief and adjust to the change in his life. Star of Bethlehem and Walnut are good ones to try initially. I think it is wonderfull that you ased your friend's worry by agreeing to take her cat. You are a good and kind person and eventually the new guy will come to understand this about you. Just give him time. Persians need lots of brushing so take advantage of this and use brushing time to help him bond with you. Both of you need time to grieve for your loss and quiet time together will help you both.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom