introducing 2 cats

[jshonee01]

I am new to this board and i have a question. I have a 9 month old female cat who has been an indoor only pet since we got her. We got a dog that stays at my moms house, but he has been to my house with my cat before. She (my cat) got very jealous and tried to hit him and bite him, so i knew she was going to be jealous. But my husband found a kitten that is maybe 5 weeks old today. When i tried to introduce the two cats for just a moment, my older cat went crazy! She started hissing and scratching and she tried to bite me. So i moved the kitten to a different room and closed the door until my husband gets home to help control the situation a little better. I was just wondering if anyone knew of a way to introduce the two cats a little better. Any info will help.
thank you
Jenn

[jason]

I was just wondering if anyone knew of a way to introduce the two cats a little better.

my experience with this was basically to go slow and be patient. if you rush it, it could do damage in the sense of them just hating each other....then it will take even more time.

i had to keep the new kitty in a closed room for nearly two weeks before they could be together. the new kitty was fine, but my current one wasn't having it.

with them able to be close (crack below the door), they will start to get used to each others scent. you need to give this part time, some might need only a week.

as far as the "starting them together", best to combine some enjoyable activities along with just leaving them alone a bit.

i would sit two small bowls with a little bit of tuna in front of each other....first at about 10 feet and slowly moving in each day. they were forced to look at each other while enjoying a treat they will not get often.

of course, leaving them alone from time to time...letting them hiss and run around is also a good idea....keep an eye, but chances are they will simply need this to establish some house rules of their own.

from what i have learned : try not to discipline your current kitty too much, this one is under enough stress as it is.

i have to say that it took about 3-4 months before they were "fine" with each other, although there are still times....but it's mostly play now.

[davet]

are doing is the best, ie separate rooms and let them sniff under the dorr for a while and thn holding each one or your husband holding one and you the other....may take a few months but eventually they will accept each others...might just throw a few sprigs of cat nip around to help the situation...but i think time and patience are two of your best allies...good luck