Back To The Drawing Board!

[Miss Wiggle]

well I got my new kitten 2 weeks ago, been trying to introduce her to my other cat, was well aware it wouldn't be an easy transition but after much deliberation I decided it'd be best for my cat long term to have some company. As predicted my cat's not been too happy. She's not attacked the kitten or been really bad with her, bit of hissing and that sort of thing but nothing physical. I knew my mum was coming up this weekend with a kittening pen for me and some other stuff, had been reading up loads on how to use the pen to introduce them, as I knew it was coming I didn't worry too much introducing them before, kept them separated but with brief supervised visits. Well I got the pen set up today, Lu-Li trotted in happily and started playing with the toys I left her in there so I thought thats a good start. I'd read to start get them feeding in the same room but some distance apart with the kitten safe in the pen and gradually reduce the distance of the feeding bowls day by day until they were next to each other and not bothered. So I gave the kitten her dinner and shut the pen after her, went downstairs got the other cats bowl and took it upstairs, she eyed me up from the bottom of the stairs, then ran up and started hunting round the bedroom for the kitten (pen's in the bathroom) I distracted her with dinner and she sat down to eat, she never eats all her food at once and after half she ran off back downstairs. I went down with her to take her food down and make sure she was OK, turned around and the kitten's followed me downstairs, so it looks like we've a houdini on our hands as she can get out of the cage. Kind of screws up my plans for now! Think the best bet is wrap the cage in chicken wire so she can't get out then try again. Just going to leave Lu-Li with her stuff in the cage but the door open for a few days until I get it sorted, let her get used to being in there even if she can come and go

 

[KathyM]

I wouldn't bother with the chicken wire, it can injure them quite badly.

Instead of using the pen, you'll find it probably easier (and better for the kitten) to have a room set aside for the kitten. Eventually what you do is swap them over repeatedly so your adult cat can get used to the kitten's smell (and vice versa) without the "threat" of a confrontation.

Think Like a Cat by Pam Johnson Bennett has great advice on introducing cats, and she has her own message board for advice too - I'll see if I can find the link for you.

 

[BigIan]

when i come over tonight i`ll have a look at the pen to see where shes geting out hun

 

[KathyM]

OK, looked for the message board and "page is unavailable" - don't know if that's permenant. I would recommend the book though (I have it if you want to borrow it?).

 

[Miss Wiggle]

I've seen where she's getting out, she can only just fit through, they grow quite quick at that age so maybe if we just leave it a week or so she won't be able to escape? I'll show you tonight anyway hun.

Thanks Kathy, I've already a few cat books, I'll look that one up and pm you if I want to borrow it.