[dave connor]

We have a one yr old spayed female calico cat. Yesterday while shovelling snow a cat appeared on my doorstep. Given there was a blizzard going on and this cat apparently had nowhere else to go I brought it inside. Have been trying to fine the owner since, but so far no luck. As I expected ours has it's nose out of joint as this stray is invading it's territory. No outright fighting yet. The stray just wants to be buddies, however ours doesn't seem to have the same idea. Whenever the stray comes near, ours will hiss a lot, as I say no fighting---yet. If I can't find a home for this stray there is the possibility of keeping it for a while. I would like these two to get along if possible!! Don't know if I can expect behavioural problems relating to litter box, food dish etc. Perhaps someone could fill me in here. This stray obviously has been someone's pet, as it is fat and well fed and loves people. Tks. Dave.

[poseidon]

Hello Dave,

Imagine how you would feel if a stranger suddenly decided to move in with you without your consent or blessing. You are right, your cat has had it's nose put out of joint.

It is quite possible that they both will learn to get along together and maybe even become friends. Equally they may not.

A day is certainly not long enough for them to decide how they are going to get along, but as the only dissension so far is verbal, hissing etc, hopefully this will remain the case and soon your cat will start accepting the new one.

A few things I feel you should do.

1) Try to feed the cats from different bowls.

2) Feed the stray in a different room to where you own cat presently eats.

3) Make sure your cat knows that it is still wanted by petting it.

4) If possible, when you go to bed put the stray in a different room from the one your cat sleeps in for a few days. This should avoid the possibility of the hissing becoming more violent.

Over the years I have cared for many cats and every time a new cat has entered the home, the present cat(s) objected for a few days but it did pass and the new addition soon became a regular family member.

There can be no guarantees of course but fingers crossed thing will work out.

Good luck.

John
(Poseidon)

[NatashasMum]

We have a one yr old spayed female calico cat. Yesterday while shovelling snow a cat appeared on my doorstep. Given there was a blizzard going on and this cat apparently had nowhere else to go I brought it inside. Have been trying to fine the owner since, but so far no luck. As I expected ours has it's nose out of joint as this stray is invading it's territory. No outright fighting yet. The stray just wants to be buddies, however ours doesn't seem to have the same idea. Whenever the stray comes near, ours will hiss a lot, as I say no fighting---yet. If I can't find a home for this stray there is the possibility of keeping it for a while. I would like these two to get along if possible !!! Don't know if I can expect behavioural problems relating to litter box, food dish etc. Perhaps someone could fill me in here. This stray obviously has been someones pet, as it is fat and well fed and loves people. Tks. Dave.

Itoo took in a stry during a blizzard 7 years ago. The hostility will go away. Right now it's just a territorial thing. Once the new cat learns his place things will be fine. My cats are the best of friends now. It only took a couple of fights and they got it out of there systems. I wouldn't worry too much about the litter box and food issue. They will work that out for themselves. If they start fighting horribly then you may want to consider gettinh them fixed or finding the stray a new home.