Help my stray settle into house with two, seven year old cats

by Tracey
(Melbourne)

Hi. Three days ago I took in a stray of 18 months. She is very timid but starting to relax & trust me & partner. However my two cats of 7 are not happy. They hiss if she comes close or if they come around corner & not know she's there. This makes her back off, naturally. On plus side, she's not hissing & seems interested in them but keeps her distance. I'm giving them lots of love & pats 1 on 1 so they feel love & to help them relax. By night she sleeps in bathroom with own litter tray & bed, by day free to walk around house. I've set her bed under our bed & other cats sleep in loung. Is there anyway I can help them gel better more quickly or is it just a time thing. My other two cats were brough same time & from same litter so they get on very well. I just hope they can accept this new one.

RESPONSE:

The cats are behaving normally. at this point, I do not recommend getting in the middle. Just keep doing what you are doing and let them work it out. Whenever we get a new cat(s) or kitten(s), there is always hissing with some occassional growling and swatting thrown in but after awhile they all calm down.Give it more time and be patient and see what happens.

Donna - House Full Cats Mom