older cat not adjusting at all!

[fluffhead]

Garamond
It's a full on Mexican standoff at my house! I just got a new cat, about a year old, to have as a companion for my older cat who is about 9 or 10 yrs. My older cat will have nothing to do with me, my boyfriend, or the new cat. The young one wants to play and has only hissed back a few times, not convincingly. My older cat will not even sleep normally, eat normally, she growls at us! It's only been 3 days and I probably introduced them too fast. The new one is a stray and I didn't want her to feel isolated. What can I do to make them both comfortable and have my older cat be her usual charming self? I'm giving her extra love, but I think she's pissed at me most of all! How long should I give it also?

[jenluckenbach]

Welcome.

You probably did put them together too fast. But even with proper seperation acceptance takes time. Cats are usually NOT best friends instantly. Your older kitty needs times, possibly MONTHS.

The fact that your new kitty is young and playful does not help the situation. You may find that he pesters old kitty to distraction. Make sure he has a lot to keep him occupied so he doesn't get on old kitties nerves (so to speak).

Just don't force them together thinking it will help. If old cat is not fighting with new cat then they can adjust on their own time.

Good luck and don't worry so much. I have introduced litterally dozens of cats to one another and they always find a way to live with their house mates.

[Catty1]

My new cat learned to get along with my present one...and it was remarkably quick. But it was still a WEEK, and for several days the new guy was in his own room. I introduced them, and supervised them while they sniffed noses.

Yep, time to back up and start over. And give your big boy extra attention. They'll make their own peace.