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bwire · Apr 27, 2009, 03:54 AM

I was the owner of 3 cats. I recently had to put my 14 yr old cat to sleep. It was terrible and my other 2 cats were so lonely for him, so I purchased another cat.he is 3 yrs old and real timid. My cats will not accept him. He is real scared. I have done everything. I introduced them very slowly, but to no avail. They chase the new cat, hiss at him, and everything. He hides all day. I need help...

RickJ · Apr 27, 2009, 05:05 AM

That's typical in my experience.

My prediction is that in a few months they'll get along better.

I just went through the same thing 6 months ago.

bwire · Apr 27, 2009, 07:15 AM

I surely hope so, because it is very frustrating. My ccats are very spoiled, and I think this new cat has also seen some abuse, because he has had 3 homes in three yrs and is very timid. I hope with my love and affection I can bring him around. He really is a nice cat, and that also might be the reason they are having this problem. Anyway, I saved him from being put to sleep.

bwire · Apr 27, 2009, 07:16 AM

Thanks RickJ

RickJ · Apr 27, 2009, 07:28 AM

Haha, ALL cats are spoiled. They like their space and they DON'T (at least initially) like "intruders".

I've had multiple cats for 40+ years and run into this same thing every time one of them dies.

Let them do their thing and don't try too hard to make them like each other.

And one other thing: Make sure the older cat gets a bit of extra loving while s/he is getting used to the new one.

bwire · Apr 27, 2009, 09:18 AM

They surely do get a lot of love now. I know how important that is, not only in a setting without stress, but more important now. They lost their buddy, and now have a new invader. Thanks rickj

morgaine300 · Apr 30, 2009, 01:44 AM

I agree with Rick. Don't try to "make" them like each other. They may never. But hopefully they'll slowly learn to get along. (Maybe some day the timid one will be chasing the other two. LOL.)

Do you feel comfortable leaving them alone together? I never worry about hissing, chasing, swatting, even if a swat turns into a scratch. Leave them to work it out for themselves. And don't forget part of this could be the older cats' adjustment to losing one. Try not to change anything for them. The only thing I would worry about is if it's bad enough that one of them could get seriously hurt.

Let the new cat hide if he wants. Just make sure he's getting food and water and has a little box he's comfortable getting to. And of course, your attention.

Even if they never totally get along, the new one should eventually adjust enough to at least tolerate living in the same household and not hiding all the time. Though you might need to permanently have a separate litter box. I've had cats all my life and have never had a serious issue, though I have had some that never totally got along.

bwire · Apr 30, 2009, 05:40 AM

Thank god they seem to be doing better, at least a little bit. He is a really sweet cat, but oh boy has he been abused. It is very obvious he hates men. He is so afraid of my hubby. But that seems to be getting better also. I just don't know nor can I understand abusing an animal. Tnks for your help

shazamataz · Apr 30, 2009, 05:48 AM

Glad things have gotten a little better for you :)

bwire · Apr 30, 2009, 08:34 AM

Thanks, you made my day. 3 weeks when i had to put my 14 yr old manx to sleep because of cancer, and may other health problems it broke my heart. I was devistated. He was my life. The best animal a parent could ever own. He loved me unconditionally. He was a love bug, never mean and the sweetest spirit that god could ever give an animal. I am so fortunate to say he was my pet. We found him when he was 3yrs old in a dumpster, and he was with his mother, she was dead. We nursed him and raised him to be the most wonderful gift i ever had in life. After he was cremated, the vet sent me a poem... if you have never read it go to www.rainbowbridge.com/poem enjoy and thank you

bwire · Apr 30, 2009, 08:36 AM

Sorry, couple of errors. He was 3 weeks old when we found him, and I put him down 3 weeks ago.

bwire · Apr 30, 2009, 08:38 AM

SORRY AGAIN... its Rainbows Bridge Home Page

shazamataz · Apr 30, 2009, 08:50 AM

You made me cry :(
I love the rainbow bridge poem but hate it at the same time.

shazamataz · Apr 30, 2009, 09:14 AM

I love this picture :)

bwire · Apr 30, 2009, 09:26 AM

Its beautiful, and I can see my wigi,s footprints on it... thanks

morgaine300 · Apr 30, 2009, 11:26 PM

I lost a cat to cancer about three years ago. I love all my cats, but he was extra special and I had a strong bond with him. Got him from the humane society when he was 9 weeks old and I have to wonder what happened in that short time cause he was extremely skittish and remained afraid of strangers (and even some people he knew) for his whole life. It was devastating to lose him, and cancer's no fun.

I'm glad you've been giving these abandoned cats a home.

You might want to go visit Pet Loss - they even have a Bridge list if you want to add him.
Pet Loss Grief Support, Rainbow Bridge, Monday Candle Ceremony,

Rainbow Bridge stuff is all over:
The Rainbow Bridge
Rob and Darla Langenhorst | Herman, NE 68029
Except they make me cry.

bwire · May 1, 2009, 05:07 AM

Gigi was also afraid, even of immediate family. I guess it was because of the circumstances he went through with his mom and being in adumpster when I found him, did not help. An animal never forgets. Tnks