Can two new cats be friends from the start?

[LuckyGinger]

I just brought home a 2 year old female, Cali, from a foster home.
We already have a 18 month old male indoor cat, Ginger, who's only other experience with another cat has been with the neighbour's female who visits at the screen door in the nice weather. In those past encounters, Ginger has always remained calm and friendly, sometimes meowing at the window as if to call out to the neighbour's cat when she's not around. The neighbour's cat hisses, claws the screen. Ginger sits patiently watching her.

Upon bringing Cali home in her carrier, we put Ginger is his favourite bedroom in the house for a few minutes and snuck Cali up to the next room, set up with all her things, showed her the litter & food, and petted her a bit (she did not hide, was very affectionate from the moment she stepped out of the carrier)before closing the door and leaving her to explore and familiarize herself.

We let Ginger out of "his" room. At this point, Cali meowed softly. Ginger sniffed the door then walked away. A little while later, he came to sit at the door and has been sitting there for hours - leaving only once to come downstairs and meow at the window where the neighbour's cat visits!!!! He hissed twice, but at us not Cali, and it was only a few minutes after discovering her behind the door and he was understandably a little confused at that point. I've only heard him hiss maybe 5 times in his life and we've had him from the age of 5 weeks!!!

I have gone in to see Cali, putting Ginger in his room just in case he tried to run in to meet her, and both cats seem happy with me going in and out, and they both stay on their sides of the door waiting curiously to meet the other, it would appear. I saw a couple paws under the door, but it was very slow and gentle. Ginger stares, lays down, relaxes. Cali is rolling all over the floor as if to say "rub my tummy" to him, as she has done with us. Neither of them is making a sound, no meowing or hissing, nothing. Just being curious and apparently quite relaxed!

This is all within approximately 7 hours. I have been reading the Introductions pages and was planning on keeping them apart for a week or two and then slowly introducing them, but they seem quite keen on eachother. I work tomorrow, but wondered if we might be alright to open the door tomorrow afternoon - approximately 24 hours after letting them smell eachother.

Does anyone have any suggestions on this? Do you think it's safe to assume they could be so friendly with eachother this quickly?

Thank you in advance!!!!!!!!!

[MJ]

It is quite possible for cats to get along right away. Not normal, but it happens.

My older cat was always interested in the outdoor cats he couldn't be friends with... He'd always stare at them and sniff them and try to follow them, even if they hissed at him. Never any hissing or growling from him.

So one day I brought home a kitten, and (although I shouldn't have done this) plopped it down in front of him right away. He was kind of confused, but never hissed or growled and they've mostly always gotten along ever since. Sometimes they play too rough and someone gives the "stop biting there" yowl, but never any real fights. :P

Of course, I'm definitely no expert on feline introductions, and I know I just got lucky with my cats. Hehe.

[Cleo]

I agree with MJ. Given the seemingly pleasant nature of both your cats, introductions may work out sooner. You can view our tips here as well Feline Introductions

Regarding your neighbor's cat ... is she vaccinated and up to date on all health issues? A screen between them is too close for comfort and your own kitties health if this cat is not up to date on all vaccines. The fact that she is outside alone leads me to be concerned about fleas and worms ... just to begin.

Congrats on the new addition of Cali to your family by the way!!

[Traci]

Agree with Cleo, Cali needs to see your own vet for an exam, testing for FELV/FIV, vaccinated accordingly, etc and this all needs to be done before you allow both cats direct contact with each other.

Yes, it's possible for the cats to be friendly with one another this soon, however, don't be surprised if when you allow them contact for the first time, they may start hissing, growling, etc which would be perfectly normal. Just ensure you supervise at all times during the introduction stage and make sure no one gets hurt, stops eating, starts hiding, etc.