By: Terry Crespi

Terry Crespi — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:23:34 +0000

Hello,I understand most of your professional experience is with dogs.
Which seems to account for the problems you had with this cat,apparently.
May I make a few suggestions based on decades of experience in the field- introducing cats,both previously solo ones,and others,into a new household – in hopes they can make your life easier-:)
I would always ask patrons whether their cat is UTD with vaccines ( or it s risky for your own) , fixed,and used to other pets,be they dogs or other cats. This gives you an initial picture to work on. More info regarding their character,quirks,likes etc is also welcome and useful. The more you know about them, the better.

Most of all..I would never put a new cat in a carrier when introducing them to a new one.
They are not dogs.
They don’ t need a crate,where they ll feel constrained in the face of an unknown cat, and can ‘ t “flee or fight” .
A cat needs to have an escape route in a new situation. They should be able to go hide somewhere else if they feel unsafe.
As for introductions, not before a week or so ,always behind closed doors ( old and new cat get to know each other through mutual smells at first)
Then opening the door ajar,observing while staying on the side ( one human is enough,two will make it very hard for the cats to behave naturally) while they hiss,which is natural. It should be a short meet and “greet”, initially.
Over the next few days that time can be extebded,and should involve play sessions with the initial cat,slowly allowing the newcomer to take part in them.
Pheromone plug- ins are very helpful and should be active all the while in the initial cat ‘s rooms and in the new one’ s.
Wishing you good luck in your introductions of sometimes- difficult felines!

Comments on: My Cat Hissing At New Cat (Cat Aggression & Attack)

By: Terry Crespi