feline introductions

[ailurophile]

Does anybody have any good ideas on how to introduce adult cats to one another? i have 3 resident cats (1 5yr old male, 1 5yr old female and 1 3yr old female). 7 months ago, I tried to introduce a cat that was previously a stray into the household. She is approx 2 years old. She has attacked each of the other 3, the minute she saw them either in the house or garden, however, she is fine with the older, large male cat from next door. i have tried scent swapping, practically have shares in feliway, have tried a caged introduction (too stessful for all cats), recently drilled holes in my lounge door (this is the new cats core area, both social groups timeshare the garden) for more scent exchange, I'm now trying bioforce flower essence (she is on the over dominant, the others are on the timid), does anyone have any success stories or advice to give? I have read LOADS of feline books, everything sounds good in theory but practice is another thing..........

[Jugglering]

gawd ail... when you find out, can you let me know please cos Big Thug still swats Wee Thug around the mug whenever she gets near (and this is after nearly six months of total cat love from me), with no visitors allowed, free range of all the beds and sofas, Feliway on tap too... My poor Wee Thug only goes up to Big Thug to say hello and ends up scrammed... poor mite !

[ailurophile]

I'm pleased I'm not alone! My 3 and 1 are totally segregated, they cannot meet each other at all even in my company! Lets hope someone can give us both advice! i will let you know about the flower essence as i have only just started and it apparently takes a month (advice was from Cat world magazine, i know it sounds crazy but I'm willing to try anything!!)

PS ailurophile means lover of cats!

[Schutzengel]

Ailurophile,
It sounds as if you are doing everything right. But cats being cats, will generally sort it out for themselves, eventually. I gave a home 3 years ago to a now 21yr old female cat, after her owner, my friend died. My 6 year old neutered male was already in situ. Then 2 yrs ago I took in a lovely ginger tom who had been abandoned. The two males, after a bit of spitting a growling, but no fighting, eventually got on fine. The 21yr old female, just decided that she intended to be the boss, and tolerates the two males, except if they get too close to her, and then she bats them round the ears. It may take time, but I think your cats and the stray will sort out a pecking order in their own good time. Good Luck.

[babybombo]

Our three cats are all still a bit iffy with each other after years of being together! It's a rare and special moment when they decide to be nice and clean each other!

I'm not sure if this will work in your situation but try putting food out for your cats, then while they are eating, bring in the new cat and give it food too. They should all be distracted by the food and when they finish eating, they'll have full bellies and not be too bothered about this other cat who's all of a sudden eating along with them, well hopefully that's how it'll go anyway!
Worked for us!
Good luck!
x

[ailurophile]

Thanks for your reply. Its more than just spitting and growling, she flies for all of them, my male had an abcess by the base or his tail the one (and only time) he met her, my youngest female actually defaecated with fear whilst being attacked by the new one and my older female has been chased but was too fast for the new one! I know from what I am describing, it sounds like there is no hope but I feel responsible for the little stray now. I must stress that all cats are happy with the situation of segregation but it is my husband and i who are stressed with having to share the attention between the two social groups (along with juggling full time jobs!!)

[Jugglering]

I only have to cope with two feline furries.. no other worries... My Big Thug simply detests Wee Thug... but Wee Thug (a very friendly, sociable little cat) just wants to be friends with everyone around..... Wee Thug gently strolls up to Big Thug and says, hello... but gets a fist in her face for doing so.. or a howl or a hiss or a serious growl... poor little mite... However, Big Thug, on her own, is the most loving, darling, cuddly affectionate tabby cat you could ever meet... so long as it is just you and no-one else.. if anyone else is around, then the fur seriously flies...