HELP!
I have a resident cat, about 8 years old named Bailey, that we've had for about 9 months now. She took to us very quickly and has been nothing but lovable...except for when we had to move in September, then she was a bit stand-offish for about a week or so, then was back to her normal self.
We just got a new kitten the other day, about 8 weeks old named Manny. We're trying to introduce the two, and I'm pretty sure Manny will adjust just fine, it's Bailey I'm worried about. Bailey hisses, growls, and just plain gets angry, even when Manny isn't in view. Now we've heard two different opinions on what to do, one is show Bailey lots of love and affection no matter how she's acting (unless she starts a fight), and the other is that when she's growling and hissing we should discipline her (with a spray bottle), because by petting her when she's acting out is making her think that it's OK to act out. We just want to do what's best for both cats...what should we be doing.
Thanks
PS - we isolate the kitten in our bedroom most of the day and let Bailey have the run of the house, then switch them up at bedtime, because Bailey loves to sleep in bed with us, and that has worked. We only run into a problem when we let Manny out of the room for about an hour a day, and Bailey actually sees him. For Bailey, out of sight out of mind. Manny's scent does not bother her, and Bailey has only growled and hissed, she only attacked once and that was because Manny jumped up within inches of Bailey on the couch...but it took Bailey 30 seconds to realize Manny was behind her. Sorry so long, I just wanted folks to have as much background on this as possible. Thanks again.
Introducing a new cat
Re: Introducing a new cat
Isolating Manny for long periods of time is not productive, and is not appropriate for his mental development. You've only had him for a few days, so you just need to be comitted and spend time with both cats during the introductory period.
Since he is only 8 weeks of age, he is not fully developed, so you have to ensure his safety with Bailey, meaning supervision between them at all times. He is also at an age where he needs constant attention and bonding from you for social development. He is naturally curious about Bailey and probably wants to play and bond with her as well, it will just take time for her to accept him.
It is natural for cats to hiss and growl during the introductory stage, however, you should not truly intervene between them unless there is a physical attack that involves biting or scratching or ruthless chasing or physical harm. Cats need to accept one another on their own terms, with as little intervention as possible from their human. Do not use a spray bottle on Bailey during this period, unless she actually attacks Manny. (hissing and growling to not warrant a squirt bottle).
See the Feline Introduction link at the top of this forum and browse the first several pages of the forum for very similar posts. Introductions take time, patience and comittment, it won't happen smoothly overnight. Spend equal time between them, but start getting them acclimated to each other by allowing them in the same room together, involving them in playtime sessions, etc, and actively engaging yourself in their playtime/exercise activities.
Don't forget to kitten-proof your home.
Since he is only 8 weeks of age, he is not fully developed, so you have to ensure his safety with Bailey, meaning supervision between them at all times. He is also at an age where he needs constant attention and bonding from you for social development. He is naturally curious about Bailey and probably wants to play and bond with her as well, it will just take time for her to accept him.
It is natural for cats to hiss and growl during the introductory stage, however, you should not truly intervene between them unless there is a physical attack that involves biting or scratching or ruthless chasing or physical harm. Cats need to accept one another on their own terms, with as little intervention as possible from their human. Do not use a spray bottle on Bailey during this period, unless she actually attacks Manny. (hissing and growling to not warrant a squirt bottle).
See the Feline Introduction link at the top of this forum and browse the first several pages of the forum for very similar posts. Introductions take time, patience and comittment, it won't happen smoothly overnight. Spend equal time between them, but start getting them acclimated to each other by allowing them in the same room together, involving them in playtime sessions, etc, and actively engaging yourself in their playtime/exercise activities.
Don't forget to kitten-proof your home.
..........Traci
Re: Introducing a new cat
Thanks for the help so far...
First off, we isolated Manny in the bedroom as he was getting use to the house. The first couple of days he was here he was content hanging out under the bed and would occasionally pop out for play, then we left him in the bedroom while we are at work, then we let him run wild.
I'm still concerned about Bailey. She seems very withdrawn lately, just hanging out in my office on the other side of the house, when she normally hung out in the bedroom or living room. When she did venture out into the living room, I was playing with both cats and of course as Manny approached there was the growling, and I pet Bailey to re-assure her everything was alright and I guess I got a little to close as she swatted my face. She's been aggressive towards everyone lately. Is this natural?
First off, we isolated Manny in the bedroom as he was getting use to the house. The first couple of days he was here he was content hanging out under the bed and would occasionally pop out for play, then we left him in the bedroom while we are at work, then we let him run wild.
I'm still concerned about Bailey. She seems very withdrawn lately, just hanging out in my office on the other side of the house, when she normally hung out in the bedroom or living room. When she did venture out into the living room, I was playing with both cats and of course as Manny approached there was the growling, and I pet Bailey to re-assure her everything was alright and I guess I got a little to close as she swatted my face. She's been aggressive towards everyone lately. Is this natural?
Re: Introducing a new cat
Yes it's natural. But again, you need to focus on getting the cats introduced more often, for longer periods of time. It's hard telling what happens when you're gone, but I would suspect your kitten is probably vocalizing often (for attention), maybe scratching at the bedroom door, etc.....in turn, Bailey is probably just as curious to some extent at this point, but when they can't see each other, smell each other or share the same space, it is going to take much longer during the introduction stage. The more time that is focused on supervising them in the same space together, the sooner acceptance between them will occur. I would suggest spending more time when you're home focused on these attempts. If you happen to work 5 days a week, please spend lots of time with them on the weekends, and in the evenings.
I'd also suggest not interfering when they are in the livingroom together. If Bailey growls, do nothing but speak in a soft tone to her. Don't move, and don't coddle her, but be still and let her get accustomed to the kitten on her own terms (you can reserve a special time just for her at another time, for bonding, affection, etc). It is natural for her to growl and hiss and even display some disdain toward you, but this should pass in time, and as long as there is some quality time spent with both cats so they can learn that they are truly not a threat to each other. Try engaging them both in a playtime session....drag a string across the floor, give them both a special toy(s), etc so they can focus on playtime rather than directly on each other. Your part is to actively engage with them during playtime, ensure their safety and security, yet not interfere with hissing/growling episodes, let them naturally become accustomed to each other's presense, sharing the same space. With playtime sessions or activity that gets their attention to playtime, they are more likely to learn to tolerate each other's presence and each day thereafter should become a smoother transition. It will take patience and comittment on your part, but it will happen in time. Just spend a good amount of time with each of them, as well as with both of them together. Both cats need to slowly investigate each other, familiarize themselves with each other's scents, and each other's presence, and work out their introductions on their own, with as little intervening from you as possible.
Give it more time, but do keep a close eye on Bailey for any signs of total withdrawal or health signs such as decreased appetite, litterbox mishaps, increased agressiveness, etc....in which you'd want to have her checked by your vet (stress-related), and would then need to try a new approach with her and Manny's introduction. Remember, Manny is just a baby and demands/needs a lot of attention at his young age....I'm sure he's curious about Bailey, wants to play and bond with her, and wants her companionship. In time, Bailey should accept him, and will probably bond with him when she feels secure with him.
I'd also suggest not interfering when they are in the livingroom together. If Bailey growls, do nothing but speak in a soft tone to her. Don't move, and don't coddle her, but be still and let her get accustomed to the kitten on her own terms (you can reserve a special time just for her at another time, for bonding, affection, etc). It is natural for her to growl and hiss and even display some disdain toward you, but this should pass in time, and as long as there is some quality time spent with both cats so they can learn that they are truly not a threat to each other. Try engaging them both in a playtime session....drag a string across the floor, give them both a special toy(s), etc so they can focus on playtime rather than directly on each other. Your part is to actively engage with them during playtime, ensure their safety and security, yet not interfere with hissing/growling episodes, let them naturally become accustomed to each other's presense, sharing the same space. With playtime sessions or activity that gets their attention to playtime, they are more likely to learn to tolerate each other's presence and each day thereafter should become a smoother transition. It will take patience and comittment on your part, but it will happen in time. Just spend a good amount of time with each of them, as well as with both of them together. Both cats need to slowly investigate each other, familiarize themselves with each other's scents, and each other's presence, and work out their introductions on their own, with as little intervening from you as possible.
Give it more time, but do keep a close eye on Bailey for any signs of total withdrawal or health signs such as decreased appetite, litterbox mishaps, increased agressiveness, etc....in which you'd want to have her checked by your vet (stress-related), and would then need to try a new approach with her and Manny's introduction. Remember, Manny is just a baby and demands/needs a lot of attention at his young age....I'm sure he's curious about Bailey, wants to play and bond with her, and wants her companionship. In time, Bailey should accept him, and will probably bond with him when she feels secure with him.
..........Traci