Adopted today- what now?

[maggieg]

Hi all! I adopted a 1 year old Snowshoe (Have always loved them!) female today. She is very sweet and when I opened her carrier up in my bathroom she came out purring...Anyway I left her alone in the bathroom and my bedroom for a couple of hours to stretch her legs and get acquainted. when I returned she was following me around feverishly. I picked her up to pet her and she started to growl and tried to bite. Did I move to fast with her. I have another spayed female DSH dilute torti that I need to introduce. How should I do this. I got her from my local humane society. They tried to schedule to spay her this week but they were full. I am taking her back next week to "Get the job done". I also have a 120 lb. Greater Swiss Mtn. Dog , a 15 month old child, a 7 year old child, and my husband to introduce to her. It seems a little overwhelming. I have a large house. Should I just let her roam and find hiding places to go when she is overwhelmed. Just some background...We lost our 8 year old MaineCoon/Norweigian Forest Cat last week when my 7 year old let him out accidently and he was killed by a stray dog. My daughter witnessed this (Thank god it wasn't her) and she has been obsessed with it. We have talked extensively about it and had a nice memorial service but with her obsession my husband and I felt we needed to focus her on a new kitty. We will never forget MAx and his sweet ways!! Please let me know how to proceed. Thank you.

[K & L]

I would suggest taking it slower. She's probably overwhelmed right now. I would also suggest maybe secluding her to a room where she can't run under anything and hide, like a spare bath. Do this for a few days until she's met everyone and see that you're the one providing her food and care. Then maybe let her in a larger room and just keep slowly introducing her. Good luck! I'd love to see pictures!!

[maggieg]

Thank you. I think that I felt I was helping her since she spent the last 3 months in a small cage. I will slow it down. I will take some pics too!!

[krazyaboutkatz]

Welcome to PT!!! You'll love it here and you'll also learn a lot. I'm so sorry to hear about your cat Max. As Lisa said, introducing her slowly is the key. You can also get a towel and rub it on her to get her scent on it and then get another towel and rub it on your other cat. Then switch towels and let each cat smell them and get used to the other ones scent. You can also do this with your dog too. Good luck and we love seeing pictures.

[maggieg]

Thank you. I have really enjoyed reading all of the information and everyone is so helpful. I never thought of the towel thing that will be good. I should have thought of it because I did it for my pets when my two children were born!

[maggieg]

Krazyaboutkats -- do you know anything about the snowshoe breed - I see that you love siamese and I know that they are descendants. I have read all I can but there doesn't seem to be that much. I know that they love people, other cats, dogs, and are playful. I also understand that this can be different for each animal also. Thanks

[rg_girlca]

Hi Maggieg and Welcome to Pet Talk.

I am so sorry on the loss of your beloved cat. What a terrible thing for your daughter to witness and like you said, thank God it wasn't her. Is she doing okay??

I just LOVE Snowshoes. I don't know much about them either, but they are certainly a beautiful cat.

Here is a link that one of our PTer's, DJFyrewolf36 had made just the other day in regards to introducing cats. Just click on this: http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=111242

I hope this helps you.

I am so looking forward to seeing pictures.

[maggieg]

I just went into my bedroom to check on the kitty. I came out with many scratches on my arm. I had not taken the paper collar that the humane Society had on her off yet. It was quite tight..she probably was given it when she arrived three months ago and they never changed it. She was having problems with it cutting into her throat when she drank or ate. Anyway, I took my small surgical scissors in and wrapped her in a towel but still had a small war! I got the collar off though and she definately felt better. My seven year old keeps taking the kids from the neighborhood in the room to see her and i keep telling tham that she is very scared and they can see her in a few weeks. My daughter is very angry that she can't hold Show and Tell. Last night my husband let the large dog in the room at 1am and I was awaking to the sounds of a cat/dog fight!! Poor kitty. I am trying my best to give her a proper intro but all these factors are playing against me!!`

[catmandu]

I have found through trial and error, that you are going to have to wqait until your New Family member makes the first move.
I know its hard, but she needs to be secure, before she makes friends.
We know eventually that she will find her place.