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ANSWER:
Some cats are content sharing a small space while others want
to possess and dominate the home. Some cats are naturally more sociable than others.
While some cats are particularly playful, others just want a warm, comfortable place
to nap and view the outside world. Matching personality traits and individual animals'
needs/wants are factors that should be considered when deciding whether or not to
foster and whether a given cat can live in peace and comfort in your multicat household.
Neutered and spayed cats are *much* less likely to develop territorial issues than whole animals.
Introducing the new cat to your cat(s):
The introduction process is extremely important.
First impressions can be lasting impressions when it comes to cats. The range of relationships that can
develop when a new cat is introduced to a household can run the full spectrum from best friends
who share and do everything together to to all out war. Cats are territorial, and some are
clearly more territorial than others, so the time required for the introduction process
varies greatly depending on the cats involved.
Introducing cats who are strangers to each other should be done in a gradual systematic
fashion in which pleasurable experiences (food/attention/play) are associated with the
other cat(s). The key is having patience
with the process and knowing that the process takes time to accomplish
and you may be required to repeat steps in the introduction process more than once.
Throughout the introduction process, speak quietly and calmly to the cats and make no sudden moves.
Praise them generously when they are tolerant of each
other's presence, using words, toys and food as positive reinforcement. Never scold
or use harsh or loud tones when they are together or they will associate unpleasantness
with being near each other. Give special attention to the resident cat(s) to reassure them of your
loyalty and love and help minimize jealousy. Give the new cat
loving attention only during the resident cat's absence until such time as they become
true friends.
The initial stress of the move to your home may cause increased fearful or aggressive behavior,
so a settling in period is called for before introductions are made.
It is highly recommended that you assign a room to be used for temporary quarters for the new cat.
A bedroom with attached bathroom where the litter box can be kept works well, though any room,
bathroom, or even a walk-in closet will be adequate as long as they aren't heavily trafficked.
Put a litter box, dry food and water (not too close to the box), scratching post, a comfortable
bed and any cat toys in the room for the new cat, and keep the door closed. Leave the carrier in which the cat arrived
open on the floor so the cat can retreat there if he/she feels threatened. If the military person has toys or bedding
the cat used (if not, a piece of any clothing the owner has worn will do), ask them to provide that to you as it will
have the scent of home on it and help ease the stress. When you bring
the cat home, put other cats away ahead of time so that you can take the cat to its room
without encountering the other cat(s). Then close the door securely and go visit your
other cats. They will smell the new cat on you. Give them treats at this time.
It is often helpful to wash both your cat(s) and the new cat in the same
shampoo so that they smell similar to each other. Also, applying a spray of Feliway to each cat
& his/her bedding daily is also reported to help.
After day or two, exchange the new cat's bedding with that of the resident cat so that they can
become acquainted with each other through the all-important sense of smell before
they have the opportunity to see each other.
Next, rotate rooms daily for 2-3 days. Let the new cat explore the rest of the house while the resident cat spends some time in
the new cat's room. This will give your resident cats a
chance to smell the new cat and rub their own scent on objects. Allowing this behavior
helps prevent more dramatic displays of territorial behavior.
Feed the cats in each area with wet food twice daily, and play with the cats in each
area at least twice daily. Setting up a schedule of feeding treats of wet food and a play time routine minimizes anxiety and makes the
cats feel more secure.
Playtime is a special time where you can cement a bond between you and the new cat.
Many experts suggest using a feline flyer or other similar toy which allows the new cat(s) to
maintain a distance while getting to know you and, once the cats are introduced, also distracts their attention from each other while maintaining a distance from each other.
Keeping the cats in separate areas for 5-7 days allows the cats a chance become
desensitized to the smells and sounds of the cats in the other area. When they all
seem particularly relaxed with this process, begin to expose them to the sight of
each other.
At this time, you can bring the new cat(s) in a carrier to meet your cats and sniff
each other through the carrier wire door. Place the carrier on the floor and allow
them to meet this way several times a day for about an hour. Continue these repeated
protected meetings for several days or until they remain calm in each other's presence.
When the cats are calm in each other's presence during these repeated meetings, it is time to let the new cat
out into the rest of the house for a few minutes. The length of the visits can be increased gradually each day.
This process may take a few days or a few months depending on the personalities of the cats.
If any actual fighting appears imminent while you are supervising, put the newcomer back
in his/her room and proceed more slowly. However, if they seem to tolerate each other
remain vigilant and supervise them together during these supervised times for several
days, playing with them with a feline flyer or other similar toy which allows you
and them to maintain a distance from each other and you.
If those supervised play times go well, you can begin to allow them to cohabitate in your home.
If any aggressive behavior occurs at any time, begin the introduction process again.
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