introducing cats to each other

[k9friend]

I need some advice on how to introduce my existing cat to the two cats that I inherited from my grandmother when she died. Here are the details: We just moved, so the territory is neutral to all the cats and the dogs. The existing cat is already used to the dogs and they get along fine. The new cats are not used to dogs so they growl at the dogs and it makes the dogs want to chase them. The existing cat hisses and growls at the new cats. I want everyone to get along and not have to worry about putting this animal in that room while I do so and so and so on . Any advice would be MUCH appreciated! Thank you! (P.S. I'm more of a dog person, so this cat life is new to me.)

[jenluckenbach]

Well, you WILL need to put the new cats into a separate place for a while or you will end up with problems.

You will need to supervise your dogs around the new cats, with the dogs under your control, (i.e. leash) until the new cats realize they mean no harm.

Mingle the existing cats and the new cats slowly, with short SUPERVISED visits, but continue to separate until you are sure they will at least leave each other in peace.

And thank you for taking your Grandmother's cats instead of sending them to a shelter (like is so common in today's throw-away society) You are to be commended!

[freckledimple]

Ditto, what jenluchenbach said. Other things I have found to help: feed them on either side of the same door; when you pet one, go let another sniff that hand and then pet them; try to make the introductions positive by giving eveyone treats. I hope some of this helps. Good luck and God bless.

[k9friend]

Well, you WILL need to put the new cats into a separate place for a while or you will end up with problems.

You will need to supervise your dogs around the new cats, with the dogs under your control, (i.e. leash) until the new cats realize they mean no harm.

Mingle the existing cats and the new cats slowly, with short SUPERVISED visits, but continue to separate until you are sure they will at least leave each other in peace.

And thank you for taking your Grandmother's cats instead of sending them to a shelter (like is so common in today's throw-away society) You are to be commended!

Thank you for the kind words. Luckily, the new place where we moved has a good-sized kennel and a good-sized un-used aviary which I have been utilizing. I am longing for the day when all creatures, great and small, can roam the grounds without an incident. What do you think about putting the new male cat and the existing female together in a large section of the house?

[jenluckenbach]

What do you think about putting the new male cat and the existing female together in a large section of the house?

Well, they still need to get to know one another. Cats don't IMMEDIATELY like other cats (most of the time). Most people simply separate the newcomers in a bedroom, or other room with a door that can be closed. Then the new and the old will smell and sense each other and get used to the idea of OTHERS before meeting face to face.

[k9friend]

okay, they've been doing that for two weeks now.

[jenluckenbach]

OH good. How are they getting along?