A few questions about my cat, Jasper

[PyroFox]

Thanks for the warm welcome, guys. ^^

About the gender thing, I said the same thing when the vet at Eielson AFB told me the cat was registered as "Jasper". I thought it was a boy's name, but he said it was a female. Foolish me, never asked if it was spayed or not. Being declawed was obvious, though. So, I called him up again today and asked, and the cat is indeed spayed. He also thanked me for taking her in off the street, heh.

Pictures it is! Maybe someone can tell me what breed she is? I'm horrible at that.

[Catty1]

First - are you and your fiancee moving into a new place together; that is, new for both of you?

If you are moving into her place, her cat will be the 'alpha' and Jasper the new kid.

1. Set up a separate room for Jasper - food, water, litter. Keep the door closed. Any sniffing can go on underneath the door as they get to know each other.

2. Switch beds/blankets that each cat sleeps on a lot, to get them used to each other's scent. Give Jasper lots of love...and after you cuddle her for a while, go to the other cat and do the same thing. AND vice versa....another scent exchange, but with nice scritchies and hugs!

I'd give this a week before letting them meet nose to nose...even then, be right there with them.

My Oscar got used to Cole in a week - but only because he was SO bonded to me, and I could assure him it was ok the first time they touched noses. His back fur went up just a BIT...and I patted him and told him it was ok. This was day 3. But still....they were only out together when I was home. After a full week, they were on their own. This is pretty rare, I think.

It takes as much time as it takes. Hisses and meowing are nothing to be worried about - yells, ears flattened back, baring teeth in a high growl that turns into one deep in the throat...um, THAT you worry about!

Good luck.

[jazzcat]

Hehehe, glad to hear Jasper really is a girl. She looks like my Jazz. I believe they are just called DSH - Domestic Short Hair, not really a specific breed.

Here's a picture of my Jazzy girl.

[PyroFox]

First - are you and your fiancee moving into a new place together; that is, new for both of you?

If you are moving into her place, her cat will be the 'alpha' and Jasper the new kid.

1. Set up a separate room for Jasper - food, water, litter. Keep the door closed. Any sniffing can go on underneath the door as they get to know each other.

2. Switch beds/blankets that each cat sleeps on a lot, to get them used to each other's scent. Give Jasper lots of love...and after you cuddle her for a while, go to the other cat and do the same thing. AND vice versa....another scent exchange, but with nice scritchies and hugs!

I'd give this a week before letting them meet nose to nose...even then, be right there with them.

My Oscar got used to Cole in a week - but only because he was SO bonded to me, and I could assure him it was ok the first time they touched noses. His back fur went up just a BIT...and I patted him and told him it was ok. This was day 3. But still....they were only out together when I was home. After a full week, they were on their own. This is pretty rare, I think.

It takes as much time as it takes. Hisses and meowing are nothing to be worried about - yells, ears flattened back, baring teeth in a high growl that turns into one deep in the throat...um, THAT you worry about!

Good luck.

Yes, it is new for the both of us - her cat is currently with her parents, and she will move him when we move in together at our new home.

Thanks for the advice, thanks to everyone!

And yes, when I have introduced Jasper to even a room where other cats have been, that is exactly what she does - flattens her ears, bares her teeth, growls in a high pitch that goes to a low one. She is definitely now friendly with other cats!

and jazzcat, that does indeed look like Jasper!