Introducing a new cat
Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2006 8:18 am
Hi folks - be grateful for any tips.
I'm a new-ish cat owner, having got my first cat from the local rescue place 12 months ago. She's a 5 year old queen, who's adorable.
I have am about to collect another cat from the same rescue home ; a 9 month old female, who has been stray for 2 months. She looks a bit traumatized to me - very nervous and not curious. The home tell me that she's coming out of her shell a bit. I'm due to pick her up next week.
I guess it's a case of "suck it and see" - but is there anything I can do to make the introduction as smooth as possible? For example, should I keep the new cat in a confined room for a while (with litter box etc in it) - or should she have the run of the house? Should I introduce them to each other gradually ie 10 minutes at a time, or leave them to establish their natural order?
Sheesh, now I know how parents feel when they have a new baby and an older sibling!
I'm a new-ish cat owner, having got my first cat from the local rescue place 12 months ago. She's a 5 year old queen, who's adorable.
I have am about to collect another cat from the same rescue home ; a 9 month old female, who has been stray for 2 months. She looks a bit traumatized to me - very nervous and not curious. The home tell me that she's coming out of her shell a bit. I'm due to pick her up next week.
I guess it's a case of "suck it and see" - but is there anything I can do to make the introduction as smooth as possible? For example, should I keep the new cat in a confined room for a while (with litter box etc in it) - or should she have the run of the house? Should I introduce them to each other gradually ie 10 minutes at a time, or leave them to establish their natural order?
Sheesh, now I know how parents feel when they have a new baby and an older sibling!