Any tips for introducing cats?

[jenluckenbach]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! And fear not, the hissing and growing will stop (in its own good time).

Sounds like Snowy will NOT be a rival for top cat, and that will make for Zoe to accept him better, but it still takes some time.

[Zac and Zoe's Mum]

Thanks for the replies!

Freedom, you're right - I do know how to make them feel loved and secure. I think I'm just worrying too much - will Zoe think I don't love her because there's a new kitty? (of course she won't think that!) Will Snowy be traumatized for life because Zoe hissed at him? (of course he won't be!).

Gary, I've seen your piles of cats and I think they're gorgeous! Zac and Zoe used to pile together all the time, and I'm really hoping Zoe and Snowy will too, although I know I can't force them!

Moosmom, Snowy has been neutered - the shelter desexes and microchips all cats and dogs before putting them up for adoption, but I think he'd already been done before he arrived there. Zoe was speyed years ago.

Jen, I agree. Snowy has not even hissed once, which is amazing really. He's a very laid back cat and I think he'll be happy to let Zoe be top cat. By the way, she's new to that role. Her brother Zac was definitely the alpha cat before.

I'm hopeful that things may be calming down a bit. We let them meet this morning and they settled down about 6 feet apart and just looked at each other. Fingers crossed!

Here's a couple of pictures. Snowy's is from his adoption webpage (I've taken some, but I need to download them from the camera).

My beautiful princess Zoe:


Snowy - how could you not love that face!