help with new cat - Page 2

mintedrose · ‎03-04-2017

Cats are VERY sensitive to any change, im sure being a cat mom you must know that. So, maybe kiki is now struggling because one she lost her buddy and second has to deal with some new cat that she doesnt even know or like right now. Did you introduce them properly? Because you have to do that very gently and slowly. You cant just dump a new cat on your previous baby because they can feel very threatened. How would you feel if you lost a close buddy and your mom just brought home a stranger and expected you to like him. I know not very happy right? It sounds like she maybe is a little upset at you because she feels betrayed in a way. I heard that when you get another kitty, you have to have someone else bring it home to make it 'appear' that someone else left her there so kitty doesnt see you bringing it because she could view you as a traitor. There are so many things you have to know with cats.

They are very territorial. Maybe try feeding them together and slowly start doing things like playing with them together and read up on experts to help them bond. Dont force it though. Have you heard of Jackson Galaxy, hes the cat specialist and has his show on tv. There are tons of episodes about this exact subject and he helps his clients figure out what they can do to help their cats co-exist without being threatend. It takes effort and for the safety of your cats. I love my sweetie so much, I couldnt sleep at night if i knew she was under stress, I would try to do whatever it takes to help them. You have to really love them.

~No act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted~ Aesop

ThinkOutsidetheBox · ‎01-23-2011

I was going to suggest watching Jackson Galaxy too. He gives a lot of valuable insight into what cats need in order to fell secure in themselves, their surroundings and around other cats. Lots of learning for me watching that show. There is more to the whole thing than just introducing cats slowly. A new cat should probably not have been brought in before at least a year went by, but now that it isn't done, there is a lot that can be done to help.

beach-mom · ‎03-09-2010

@kittyloo - @lolakimono and the other posters are right on. Kiki feels threatened AND her marking her territory is a sign she is mad at YOU.

We have been through this a lot, and bringing a new kitty in when there is a diva in residence is fun. Be sure and give her extra attention so she knows she is still loved and Buddy knows she is the queen! Do they eat from the same bowl? See if Kiki eats first and Buddy lets her. Definitely get another litter box or two. Another thing you can do is if they can be in the same room together, try to get them both to play with a laser pointer. Cats usually love those. We shine ours in different directions so they get lots of exercise, then we gradually shine the light on the floor to move them closer together without being right on top of each other, which could cause problems. When they're tired they're less likely to worry about being together, especially if they both know you're there.

It sounds like Buddy just wants to play with her, but Kiki might see it as his wanting to "hunt" her and she gets scared. It will take time, but I hope eventually she'll come around. Right now she is probably missing Tubs. She can smell him still, but she can't find him. You just want to make sure she doesn't feel "replaced" by Buddy, but you can't put up with the random "accidents," which aren't really accidents, either!

Good luck! Jackson is great. We watch him too. DH thinks he's a little much sometimes, but he does a lot of good!