Taking in my sister's cat! Introducing Civvie Charli

Status
Not open for further replies.
Ry & Scooter

Ry & Scooter

Member Since 2011
Hey all, been a while :) Some of you may have seen my last post, but for those who didn't...

My big sister lost her very brief battle with cancer on the 4th. There was little to no discussion about where her pets would go after she passed. I had to jump in to take her cat before she was "given away". Her name is Charli, she is a 3 year old ragdoll cross. She's 99% hair, very vocal, drools like crazy, and loves to lay on your chest and nuzzle up to your chin.

She's a sweetheart, but neither her nor my Scooter are familiar with other cats and I'm afraid introducing them may be extremely difficult. I have until next weekend until Charli is transported to me. She had a brief confrontation with one of my mom's cats and she was very hissy/growly. If anyone has some pages or advice to guide me that would be great. Unfortunately if they don't get along relatively well I will have to work on rehoming Charli.

In better news, Scooter has been OTJ for 5 days now. We'll see how that goes. :lol:
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

Wow, Congratulations on the no insulin.

Charli sounds like a wonderful kitty, and I can't wait to see pictures of her, too ;-) :-D I bet Scooter and Charli will make a good pair, after awhile of getting used to one another. Give it some time.
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

Ry,

I am so sorry to hear about your sister. My cousin who is the only family I have left has begun her battle with cancer and will begin her chemotherapy next week. My mother passed away May 1.
I am so glad to hear Scooter is going OTJ. If you can isolate Charli to another room until they get used to each other and let them sniff each other under a door for awhile that always works best. Its never good to just throw them in together it could cause Scooter stress and will stress Charli as well.
Had to come back and edit this after I remembered that my elderly neighbor passed away back in January and her sister took her cat Maggie, she had another cat at home and they are getting along just fine. She did keep Maggie apart from her cat Midnight for a short time but all is going well.
Oh and I think Scooter in one of the prettiest cats I have ever seen, look forward to seeing pictures if Charli.

Terri
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

I'm sorry about your sister and I think it's wonderful that you're taking Charli.

From my friend's experience with her cat and two new cats that moved in when she took in a stray teenager that came with them, it just takes a lot of time if they don't hit it off right off the bat. Her cat's name is Charli, too, with an "I" as her daughter makes it very clear to everyone. Charli absolutely hates other cats. I brought over a cat tree that my cat wasn't using and she smelled it and smelled my cat and hissed and growled at the tree. Same with anything else that smelled like my cat. I tried to watch her at my house and she sliced me up pretty good because her natural reaction when seeing another cat was to flip out when I tried to pet her to calm her down. It's been 6 months and she still hates the other cats and wants nothign to do with them but they can be in the same room, though not unsupervised.

I would start with putting the new cat in a room and like someone else said, letting them sniff through the door before meeting and maybe even feed them on opposite sides of the doors. After the cat has acclimated, you could try putting a baby gate up so they can see each other but both are safe and see how it goes from there. It could take weeks, months, or longer Patience will be key but I have never met a cat that didn't eventually come around. Case in point the "cattery" at the shelter I used to work at. It was full of cats in two large rooms, up to 40 at a time and somehow there was no real bloodshed.
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

I am so sorry to hear about your sister, Ry.

We used this rather tortuous method from the book "The New Natural Cat" when we introduced Saima and Freya. Saima was one of the most temperamental cats I can possibly imagine. She was great with us, but became an insane ball of stress around other people or animals, yowling and scratching and biting like she was in mortal danger--plus she had lived with just us for her whole life up to that point--so we were very nervous that this wasn't going to go well. I can't remember all the details, but the method involves having a friend or someone else bring the new cat into the house in a carrier and "forget" to take it home with them. Then you open up the carrier and basically ignore the cats, pretend everything is normal, and let them get used to each other in their own way. The book says hissing is OK as it means more like "back off, I'm scared" than aggression; if they do act aggressive toward each other, you separate them (that's the main part I can't remember... how to reintroduce them if something like that happens). It sounds silly but it really worked pretty well.

Although Saims basically didn't give a crap when Freya died, which was sort of upsetting from our standpoint, they tolerated each other pretty well for the 3 years they were together, and ultimately I think it was good for each of them to have another cat around. They would play together sometimes, wrestle, and if nothing else Saima seemed to get some mental stimulation out of watching Freya run around and play with toys. They always seemed to be in the same room and would eat out of the same dish. I think they were friends in their own way.

Best of luck with this situation and I'm sure your sister would be so relieved to know that you will be taking care of her kitty.

ETA: Congrats on Scooter possibly going OTJ!! I had a feeling about him...
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

(((Ry)))
I'm so sorry for your loss. It is very kind of you to provide a new home for Charli.

I'm a big fan of Pam Johnson-Bennett. She's a feline behaviorist and has several books and a website. This is a link to a section of her website on introducing a second cat into your home.
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

My situation was a little bit different than yours. My FD, Cedric, went off the juice in late May last year and but late June early July, the neighborhood stay cat had "found us" and I started feeding him. He looked pathetic and as it turned out needed medical attention for the very bad hematoma in his ear. I tried to catch him in late July (the 29th actually) and failed. Cedric and Dallas continued to look at each other, and sniff each other thru the screen door until the end of August. I got some help from cjleo (a FDMB member) to find out if Cedric would like this guy to come live with us and if this guy would like to come live with us. On Sept 1st, I was able to catch him, in my PET CARRIER (thank goodness) and he spent 12 days at the vet getting in ship shape. The first couple of weeks were rough, mostly on me because Dallas was so nocturnal. I would keep him in my room and gradually I let him out with Cedric while I was there to supervise, then would put him in my room with me at night. after a couple of weeks I would leave him out all night. By Christmas I could tell he was reluctant to stay in my room when I was at work. Cjleo talked to him and we decided to leave him out all the time. I really haven't had any trouble; I think some are amazed that they got along so well so quick. They were looking at each other for 2 months (and although some say that doesn't count, I think it did). It could also be that Cedric was lonely. I have had him since the spring of 2006 and since I work every day, he's by himself at least 7-9 hours a day, sometimes more. Cjleo sent me some reading material on introducing cats, so if you pm me your emaila I can find it and send it to you if you like.

Bless you for taking in your sister's cat - so sorry for your loss of her.
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

Hi Ry and congrats on going OTJ scooter!

I am so sorry for your loss, cancer is horrible and takes to many lives, too soon ..

I think it's sweet you are willing to take charli in and I hope it all works out for you .. separating the cat's at first is probably the best thing until they get used to each other .. My SIL took in my cousin's cat when he had no other home to go to .. her cat did not like that at all .. she kept them separated for a few weeks but it never got better .. finally she let the second cat out and they battled it out for a bit, but now are perfectly fine with each other ..
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

Rylee, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your sister. I lost my younger brother, my favorite person, to lung cancer almost three years ago, and he is still in my thoughts every day. Thank you so much for taking in her beloved.

Diabetic Cats in Need has an animal behavior consultant. She is on the FDMB as Beth and Atlas. This is a white paper she wrote for us about Introducing Cats. My experience? The ones who follow the guidance in this paper usually have a positive integration. Those who don't, usually don't.
 
Re: May be taking in another cat and Scooter may be going OT

Thanks for the advice everyone! I'll definitely bookmark that page Venita.

Charli is coming to me tomorrow - she stayed at my mom's house for a week and here she is, sitting in a laundry basket -

314018_3461411659046_390174944_n.jpg
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

Hi Ry! That is so wonderful that you are taking in Charli. I have introduced two sets of cats and neither got along initially. That’s the bad news. The good news is that within 1 month, they tolerated each other without hissing and fighting; and within 6 months, both groups were best buds – grooming each other and sleeping together.

So just because Charli and Scooter have, what may seem to you to be, violent reactions to each other at first – do not judge that as the way it will always be.

The second set of cats I introduced to each other went a little more smoothly than the first; only because I had had more experience at that point. If you live with another person, this will be easier, and if you have two bedrooms this will be even easier.

Be prepared for hissing and growling. That is normal. Cats are very territorial by nature and Scooter will be none too happy to have an “enemy” in his territory – at first.

If you live with another person, then it would be best if Charli is designated as THEIR cat (initially at least). If you have a second bedroom, set up a litter box and feeding area and water bowl in that room, and have the other person play with Charli, feed Charli and sleep in the room with Charli if possible. Keep the door closed so that the cats cannot see each other – but can smell each other under the door. You will need to do this for a week or so.

During this time you should ignore Charli (hard as that is to do) and concentrate all your attention on Scooter. This will help Scooter accept Charli being in his territory – if he sees his relationship with you has not changed and that Charli belongs to someone else.

After a week, prop open Charli’s door about an inch (use a door stop), so they can see each other but not come in contact. Do this for another week.

Then let Charli out of her room for short supervised visits. Again, hissing is ok. If war breaks out, put Charli back in her room and try again in a few days.

Within a few weeks they should be able to be in the same room without supervision – but it will take months more (probably) until they become good friends.

So, the first month is the hard part; after that, it is relatively easy. And if you have someone else to help you – to be “Charli’s owner” during the first month, that will help you a lot.

If you have any questions, just PM me. Good luck and don’t be scared by the initial reaction of the cats! Seriously…. You won’t believe it at first, but these two will likely be best buds in 6 months. Just give it some time.

PS: The hissy/growly behavior from Charli when she met your mom's cat may be related to fear also. Charli is in a new environment with new care givers so is probably stressed anyway. My most recent introduction, a stray named Bella, hissed up a storm at Ninja -- who is twice her size -- but it was really just Bella telling Ninja, "You stay far away from me".. because Bella was afraid of Ninja (new surroundings and big black cat twice your size staring at you). That is why it is important to give the new cat her own space initially...so she can feel comfortable and secure in her surroundings before introducing her to the resident cat; and so she has a "safe room" to run to if she gets scared in the future. It's really all about minimizing stress and giving each cat their own space (and preferably their own "person" if you can manage that).
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

Great that you are able to take her - I've got one more suggestion to add. Sometimes we don't have the benefit of a screen door, a roommate, and other things suggested. I've used a large wire dog crate. Two if you have access to them. Both are occupied in the same room. Maybe at a distance initially, then closer. Each w/ it's own litter box. Then "outings" for one at a time. Perhaps a toy played with at the occupied crate, so they know it's okay to play around the other.

This technique worked well for my outdoor cat (who comes in at night but I've never trusted throughout the house). Bo is full of head-bonks when he comes in to anyone who crosses his path (sometimes to their surprise!). He'd probably be okay now, but he likes his little world, and it's safe! (and air conditioned/heated!). I've also used this to intro my two dogs to my mom's former "only child" dog. Let him out, put my two in the dog crate in the kitchen, put Shadow's bed next to the crate, and let him in. They all slept next to one another, and the next morning, opened the crate & let everyone out together. Never had any issues!

Wishing you luck!
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

I introduce to you all... Couch potato #1 and #2!

IMG_3840.jpg


I wouldn't say they're getting along but more tolerating each other... Charli was going absolutely BONKERS locked up in the bathroom... she's a love addict and wanted to be out and about, so I let her do her thing... It was actually her that hissed at Scooter for a while, and he would bat at her if she got too close... but there's been no serious event between them so far. They pass by each other in the hallway without too much tension. I still lock Charli up at night and when I'm gone, but they're out together for most of the day.

Charli had no issues switching cold turkey to Scooter's low carb canned. She was on the absolute worst food before (Friskies indoor formula). I'm really glad she's off that. I hope her puffiness calms down now.

I also tested Charli's BG to satisfy my curiosity today. She was at 49. Scooter was at 74. Yay. :-D
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

That is wonderful! Tolerating sometimes will eventually lead to even liking. Maybe not, but tolerating is good. They are both beautiful kitties! :-D

The fact that they can be that close says a lot. I think they will be just fine!
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

Ry: This is fantastic news!!! You hit the kitty lotto on the ease of this introduction. Seriously!!! If they are tolerating each other to the degree it appears in the photo, there is probably no need to keep Charlie separated at night. I am so happy for you!!!!! I was worried and kept looking at the posts to see if you had updated on this topic. Thanks for the photo! They are both beautiful!!
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

awww! I'm glad everything is going ok so far, scooters numbers are staying down, charli made the food switch just fine .. I know it must still be a sad time for you, with your sisters passing, but I am happy this has all worked out ..
 
Re: Taking in my sister's cat!

549708_10151079490677044_580313337_n.jpg

photo2-1.jpg

photo2.jpg


lol... getting closer!

they still put each other on the run sometimes... Charli will bat at Scooter out of nowhere but he doesn't really fight back, just runs. :lol: they're doing soooo good, I'm thrilled :-D Scooter ate about half a bag of high carb treats yesterday (oops)... shot him up to 180 but he quickly brought himself back down. ohmygod_smile
 
Amazing photos!! If the cats are not growling or hissing loudly when they bat at each other, it is probably just play. That's what my two do. They like to bat at each other, and then one chases the other around the room. So if it doesn't SOUND like a cat fight, it's probably not. Great photos and GREAT outcome!!! Soooo happy!
 
They look like buddies to me! My two won't get closer than that except in winter time when they share body heat. Scooter wouldn't have his back to Charli in that one pic where they're almost spooning unless he felt safe and secure. Beautiful pics, and a quite handsome pair!

Carl
 
Nice! It's great to see how relaxed they are with each other and how close they can be. Good job and enjoy the new addition.

Now about those high carb treats........... ohmygod_smile ohmygod_smile I'm sure Scooter thought he hit the lottery and won big time! Glad he could bring himself down easily!
 
I haven't read the whole post, but I looked at the pictures :-D and it looks like the two cats are going to get along just fine.
 
Oh my gosh! I'm just gushing with love and I cant even handle all the cuteness. They have to honestly be the most beautiful kitties I've ever seen and they fit so well together. I love them! cat_pet_icon
 
Ry thats great that they are so close so soon. I have three cats that were brought in at various times and they wouldn't get that close to each other if their life depended on it LOL. Good job!!! Jan
 
Thanks all! They are getting better every day. They will sit beside each other and "kiss" as Ben calls it... or smell each others' breath as I call it. :lol: Charli still likes to chase him, I think she really just wants to play as she doesn't hiss or growl, but he doesn't take it personally and just moves over or runs away. Charli is doing great on canned, she has loved every variety so far including Friskies, Whiskas trays, and Wellness. I feed her first and make sure she's eating because she is a slow eater/grazer, then go and feed Scooter the Hoover so Charli gets to eat some before Scooter "cleans up" her bowl for her. ohmygod_smile I have a small puffy cat bed I bought for my mom's cat Izzy, but she never used it, so I gave it to Charli and she LOVES it. I put it up on the counter to clean the floors and forgot to put it back down, so she just jumped up on the counter to sleep in it. Cats :roll:
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top