New fur baby

[mistyandabby]

This is Misty and Abby's Mom. Just wonder if anyone has any good advice for me and their Daddy. Misty is 10 years old. Last week Abby at 6 months came to us due to us seeing her and we did not want someone to take her and put her in a bad home. We love cats so much and she is so cute!! She is going to be so much fun in our lives. We knew it was going to be a challenge to sell this idea to Misty. As of now we have Misty in the main part of the house and Abby in our familyroom in the basement. Misty is not happy she growls and hisses when Abby is near. I have read up on this but if anyone has any good ideas I am up for any suggestions, I want this to work I love them both so much. Thank you.

[catnapper]

Congrats on the new baby!

The best way to introduce them is slowly. Keep them separated for a week or more. Let them smell each other by giving them blankets the other slept on. Then let them meet face to face for short periods of time, Never leave them alone until they've been face to face for a week or so (or more)

Be prepared for the baby to irritate Misty. Abby might have too much energy for the "old lady", so make sure youl have extra things for Abby to occupy her attention and energy. Make sure Misty still gets alone time with mom and dad.

I'm sure things will go smoothly once Misty gets over the initial shock of a stranger in her house. Hissing and swatting is completely normal.

[mistyandabby]

Thanks for the encouragment and what you have said we have done so I guess we are doing the right thing. Thanks!!!

[rg_girlca]

Hi and Welcome to Pet Talk.

Congratulations on your new addition to the family.

Catnapper has given you some good advice and I would like to add a little of it myself.

Having to introduce two kittens in the past to my older ones, I found that after the separation period, I would hold the kitten on my arm in a straddled position and let the others smell the butt end first as this is what they normally do. I would do this for a few days and then let them smell the face for a few days. Then under supervision, I would let the other cats come into the room where the kitten has been. I would do this for another few days,
then I would just leave the door open and hoped for the best. Fortunately, everything went well for me and I pray that it does for you also.

Please keep us updated and do not hesitate to ask any questions as we have quite a few of experienced rescue workers here on board.

[mistyandabby]

Thank you so much I am willing to try anything to make this as painless as possible for Misty. I am a housewife so I have plenty of time to make this work and willing to do what it takes. Thanks

[Felix]

Welcome to PT.Congrats on your new furbaby Hope to see pics soon.

[Lizzie]

Just one more thing to add to all the good advice you have received already. Sit with Misty and talk to her as you both watch Abby play by herself. If Abby approaches during this special time with Misty, ignore her and focus on Misty. You want Misty to know that she is the most important cat to you (until she has accepted Abby), and that you won't allow Abby to rob her of your attention. It's so easy to focus on the new and younger arrival, but your older cat is watching you and assessing your response to the new cat all the time. I know this approach has helped ease a new cat into my household many times.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Thank you so much I am willing to try anything to make this as painless as possible for Misty. I am a housewife so I have plenty of time to make this work and willing to do what it takes. Thanks

Such lucky pusscats - what a great meowmie you are

[mistyandabby]

Not sure if I am doing this right but I hope you can see my babies on this site.

http://www.catster.com/?250011 Abby

http://www.catster.com/?249999 Misty