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Post by lauder on Feb 16, 2007 21:17:40 GMT
Hello to you all,
I have adopted another FIV+ cat to keep my Paddy company! Also a tom about the same age, he is very loving and i have called him Sox. As expected they not getting on too well.... Paddy is jelouse and wont let sox come down stairs! When i first got him last friday i put him in a pen upstairs but now he is out Paddy wont let him explore... sadly he spends alot of time under my bed. I know it takes tme but can anyone suggest any ways i can stop my Paddy from being a bully?
Thanx Ashleigh
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Post by angie on Feb 16, 2007 22:56:04 GMT
Hi Ashleigh
How long have you had Sox and how old are they?
There's no set time to when they start getting along together. Give Paddy some reassurance as he will be feeling as if his nose has been put out of joint. Also don't fuss over Sox too much when he is hiding. Give them time and patience, and I sure things will be fine.
Try encouraging them to play with a ball or furry mouse when they are both in the room with you - I have found this to work quite well with my lot.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Angie
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Post by Chris - Cats Protection on Feb 17, 2007 11:19:49 GMT
Hi Ashleigh,
Angie is right, it does take time, especially with two cats of the same sex. I normally advise that they are kept separate for at least three weeks to begin with. The new one should be placed in a room that it can have as its own territory, that way, when integrated with the existing cat, he will have a safe place to escape to. the cats then sniff one another under the door, making acceptance that little bit easier. Male cats are very territorial, and that is irrespective of their neutering status, so its important that Paddy knows his territory isnt being threatened. Sox will then think of the room he is being kept in as his territory.
Introduction then can take place with Sox being initially in a cat carrier or cage in the centre of a room in Paddy's territory, no doubt the living room, you visually observe the interaction between them at this point. If you use a cage for this, its important that you cover it completely only leaving the entrance clear, that way Sox wont feel threatened from the sides, behind and above.
Do expect a bit of hissing, thats normal. If that goes reasonably well, use the toys. I have found something tied to string, dangling from a stick works really well.
the general rule is, if fur doesnt fly, then it has a very good chance of working out.
Paddy at the moment feels his territory and status of being top cat is being threatened by this newcomer, he doesnt understand that Sox is there as a companion, and if you understand this, and be very patient and take your time with this, it can work.
Once the pecking order has been established then it can work. If Sox threatens Paddy for dominance, then you have a problem.
You must then assert your own role as Top Cat in the household. You have to think and behave like a cat, believe me it works. You should hear me hissing and spitting....lol
Keep a water pistol handy, dont try and get between them, should it come to a fight. Just quirt the two of them, by doing that you are emulating the spitting that a cat would do.
Good luck, and as Angie says, please keep us posted.
Chris x
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