Resident cat bullying new cat?! Still separated! How to introduce?

by Karen

We adopted our resident cat Jewel on October 1, a few months ago. She settled in very quickly and loves her new home, perhaps too much! She is almost 2 years old, sleeps with me each night, plays well, enjoys my 4 children and because she was and is SUCH a great cat, I decided to get another cat that my oldest child could call her own. We went back to the humane society and my daughter picked a female cat, who is also almost 2 years old. Coincidentally, they are both calicos. This adoption happened about 1 month after we adopted Jewel.

I kept the new cat in the bathroom for almost 3 weeks. This was to get Jewel used to the idea of the new cat (called Sunset). I'm very glad we did because our new cat developed a cold.

After she spent her time in the bathroom, we moved Sunset to my daughter's bedroom. The cats started developing a footsie type game under the door. I thought that was good, right?

Then we put the new cat in a crate and let her out in the upper hall area, which is like a large room and let Jewel sniff and see her better. Jewel immediately hissed and was upset. Over a few days of this, Jewel seemed to settle over the idea. While Sunset was out in the crate we would play with Jewel with cat toys, thinking it would be good for her to be entertained and happy.

We also let Sunset out in the house so she could get an idea of it while we kept Jewel in my bedroom.

I thought finally that the cats were ready to meet. It seemed to go ok. Jewel chased Sunset and Sunset would run, but there was no hissing and things seemed semi-tense but under my control. I was disappointed they didn't seem to like each other having had cats that do get along, but ok seemed better than fighting.

We were not able to progress beyond this though. After about 4 meetings like this, Jewel went into Sunset's area (without me knowing, the kids were in my daughter;s room) and she attacked Sunset while Sunset was running to go under the bed. It was not a biting attack, but Jewel scratched her on the neck and it required a vet's care and an antibiotic.

The vet said no more meetings till Sunset was fully healed. That took about 3 weeks.

So, we are back to Sunset in the bedroom and jewel out in the house and then switching them. I have only had them out free under close supervision once. Jewel immediately jumped sunset and bopped her with her claws and did biting on her back. She did not really bite or scratch but she didn't look like she was playing either.

How to get these girls together? We love both cats.

RESPONSE:

This behavior is not unusual. The two may never be friends but there are ways to at least calm things a little. Jewel is feeling very territorial and is jealous and suspicious of Sunset. Bach Flower Essences will help with this. (Check the link on the left)
In the meantime, keep doing what you are doing. Increase play time with Jewel. Give them treats when they are together. It may take several months to calm things. It took almost a year to get the cats to stop picking on Marty and still, sometimes things get out of hand.
Make sure you and your daughter do not get anxious or upset when Jewel goes after Sunset. Just stay calm and put them in separate rooms. If you get anxious, this will increase the cats anxiety. Keep toys handy like fishing pole toys and throwing toys to help distract Jewel when she starts going after Sunset. They will eventually find their own relationship and tolerate each other. It just may take a while.

Donna
House Full Cats Mom