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Cat adoption problem---advice please! — Brooklynian

Cat adoption problem---advice please!

gretch
gretch
edited November -1 in Brooklyn Pets
Hi,

We have a cat which we adopted from the street 2 years ago. He's about 3 years old, nuterd, very cute, but difficult. He had really bad biting problems, bad temper, needing attention all the time (or he bites).

After struggling two years, he started to be a lot calmer ( not as much biting) and we are all started to live confortably. He made friends with upstair cats and love visit his friend and play.

We work all day long and since our cat is always kind of lonely and bored, I thought it'd be good to adopt another cat as a playmate. I was introduced to a very loving, laied back male cat from brooklyn shelter, and decided to give a shot if they get along, and started 2 weeks of fostering.

The new cat came yesterday and we put him in bathroom. The cat looks completely confortable already. However, my original cat is REALLY REALLY upset and unhappy. He's hissing at the door, attacking the door, complaining and started to attack us. He's very angly and scared. He's eating but have not used litterbox since the new cat came.

I know it takes time for him to get used to, but since my cat was already troubled I am afraid he'd traumatized by this experience of "intrusion." I wonder if any of you have had similer situation, and how did it go, what's the odds of things work out. I can keep the new cat for 2 weeks without adopting him, but I wonder if I should keep going on, how long I should give to decide...

Comments

  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    Hang in there (easier said than done, I know).

    How long has he been "good" kitty? If its been a while, then he'll probably be ok. He's trying to establish himself as the Man to a cat he can't see, only smell right now. Do you have a carrier? Every night (when you're home) put newbie in the carrier so the Man can see him/her, but just make sure newbie doesn't get hurt.

    It sounds like it'll take some time, but traumatized? I don't think so....
  • drunken revival
    drunken revival
    Yeah.. it sounds like you've a good job at raising the first cat - congrats.

    Whatchuwant is right, he's just being a little insecure and protective because he knows how good he has it (doesn't want to be replaced)...

    Anyway, ever think of two bags of catnip and some good ole Bob Marley... I know that sort of thing always chills me out.
  • bohuma
    bohuma
    If you're game, get a doorway gate (usually used to confine kids) and put new cat in a bedroom with the gate at the doorway. Then see how old cat and new cat react. Check out this website from Australia that has suggestions for introducing a new cat to an old cat:

    http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?specie=Cats&story_no=178

    You need to keep the animal shelter where you fostered new cat up to date on your progress, they may have suggestions and they need to be prepared to take back new cat if it doesn't work out.
  • laura b
    laura b
    I would recommend these tips too:

    http://www.catsinternational.org/articles/aggression_to_cats/sharing_turf.html

    It can be really challenging to introduce adult cats, however. I've had better luck with introducing a new kitten; they seem to be less threatening to adult cats.
  • lemur11215
    lemur11215
    be sure you're up for the challenge

    I have a very laid-back, low-maintenance cat - with just the perfect amount of affection and self sufficiency. I decided that he needed a friend since I am gone alot. I adopted a shelter cat that I thought was 'shy' and would be perfect for my friendly little guy.

    Turns out that the shyness was fear of humans and he is actually pretty feral. I am convinced that he was never socialized properly to either people or other cats. He is extremely agressive towards my sweet guy and attacks him around the food or whenever I show affection (even though he doesn't want any for himself).

    I decided to stick with him knowing that taking in a pet is a commitment and can be a long process. Plus, where was I going to send him - it's not his fault? After seven years we've made significant improvements, but the two cats avoid each other most of the time and there are still occasional fights.

    Animals are like people and they don't always get along. I will forever have guilt over ruining the pleasant little life of my first cat, but I also know that I gave a home to a cat that probably wouldn't have lasted long in other places.

    Not sure if this helps you any.
  • leozoeypiper
    leozoeypiper
    The good thing about fostering first is that you are not committed if it doesn't work out. Unfortunately not all cats want to be with other cats even if they may appear bored to us. Good luck!
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