Cat doesn't get along with new cats

**kaykwilts** · 03-31-2008, 08:10 AM

We have this cat that we have had maybe three years. She is not very friendly. Only friendly when she wants something from you like food. Kids wanted a friendly cat so we thought we would add another cat to our household. We live in the country so all pets live outdoors. We have a shed with a little cat door that they can come in and out. We got this other cat that wasn't a kitten but wasn't a full grown adult either. When we first introduced them they hissed at each other. Kept the new cat in a separate building for a few days and then introduced them. We haen't seen the new cat. It must have ran off. It's been gone a couple of weeks. Don't think it got ran over. Haven't seen any dead cats on the road. It must have run into the woods. We were planning on having it fixed but never got the opportunity to do it. I'm hoping it got adopted by another family out here.

Anyway how do you introduce to pets to existing pet members so they get along. Would it have been better if the cat was younger?

**MirandaK** · 03-31-2008, 08:46 AM

I'm not sure with the cats being outdoors...indoors it's easier because you control how much exposure they have.

**mombottoo** · 03-31-2008, 08:47 AM

When we introduced Maple to Shadow, she was in a carrier at first. Then we just opened the door and let them take care of it themselves. But, Shadow was still very young too, so that might have made a difference in the way they reacted to each other. I've never tried introducing animals outside, there is no reason for them to become friendly when they can just leave. Cats who are pretty much outside cats tend to be more stand offish than those kept inside...

**PAVallygrl** · 03-31-2008, 08:55 AM

Took my cat months to get used to the new cat in the house. They now sleep next to each other, sit on the window sill together and up on top of the sofa next to at night while watching TV. It takes time.