Have one cat that does not like other cats

by cativo
(florida)

i have an 8 year old cat that was rescued from a hurricane. My daughter had him for 2 years but had to keep him in a separate room from her other cats. He was so scared of them he peed on her bed when she tried introducing them.

I have the cat now and we also have another cat but have to keep them separated. the 8 year old is about 9 lbs. and the other is about 18 lbs. and they do not like each other at all. We've kept them separated for the two years we've had them.

I would like to have another cat, which is a 4 year old neutered male. Do you think my cat would be less freaked out by a kitten than another adult cat?

We don't have space to keep 3 separated all the time, so he would have to get used to the new cat/kitten.

when he was brought to the shelter after the hurricane, the person that filled out the form said he lived with other cats and did not say it was a problem but it has been four years now that he has been an only cat.

i think he would be less likely to be intimidated by a kitten, but i would prefer to provide a home for an adult cat. The particular cat is black and i know they have a very hard time placing black cats.

Any advice?

RESPONSE:

Keeping his spereated from other cats has reinforced his fearful behavior. It is unlikely he will ever be totally comfortable around other cats but you may be able to get him to the point where he can at least tolerate other cats.
Stop seperating him. Let him freely roam the house like your other cat does. Be sure you have plenty of hiding places and high up places he can get to when he needs to feel safe. Don't make them share the litter box. Make sure there is a box he can get to easily without encountering the other cat. Several boxes placed about the house will help. Don't feed them together. Feed him in an area where he can't see the other cat. He shouldn't have to feel stressed during mealtimes.

Make sure both cats (or all if you get another cat) get plenty of play time and give them treats whenever they are in the same room together.
While cats are highly adaptable, adults have a more difficult time with change. (Kind of like us!) If you bring in a new adult cat, keep in mind that the new cat will be carrying all his past experience with him and will likely be scared and anxious. These feelings will be transmitted to you current cats and they may also become more anxious. This is nothing to be concerned about but you should always keep it in mind when observing behavior and cat to cat interactions.
We recently brought in 2 adult cats. One, the male, immediately began exploring his surrounding and wasn't fazed by the other cats at all. The other, a female, hid under the bed for a week and growled whenever another cat came by. It took another week before she came out of the bedroom and stills runs under the bed when she gets scared. We just make sure she has easy access to litter facilities and fed her under the bed, slowly moving the food dish until she finally came out to eat.
You can also try Bach Flowers to help all your cats cope with the changes a new cat brings. We find they help alot. (Check the link on the left)
Bottom line, don't force them to do something they are not ready to do. You need to have lots of patience and understanding with frightened and anxious cats.
Whether you get a kitten or an adult cat, don't just assume that all of the cats will be friends. Your scared one may be just as upset by a kitten. He may even become agressive to a kitten so never leave them unsupervised until you know for sure how the older cats will react.
With an adult, be prepared for some hissing, growling and swatting. As long as there are no actual knock down - drag out fights, let them socialize at their own pace.

Good luck and let us know what you decide!

Donna, House Full Cats Mom