Request Kitty Help.

[myrna minx]

Hello all. I'm hoping for a little advice from the cat lovers of DU.

I adopted my cat, Cadfael, from a home that had aggressive dogs. My kitty basically existed in the linen closet because he was so fearful of encountering the "playful" dogs. The one kitty, Snug, that lived among the melee would lay in the linen closet with Cadfael to keep him company. Three years later my kitty has gone from a timid, fearful mouse to the king of my castle. The woman who I adopted my kitty from needs to have a place for Snug to stay for two weeks. I have volunteered to allow him to stay in my home. I'm must admit that I am a bit nervous though.

Will the reintroduction of Snug into Cadfael's life bring back horrible memories? I've never had more than one cat at a time, is there anything I should know/do to make this temporary transition more comfortable for all of us? Should I overcompensate and give Cadfael more attention then the temporary kitty? I have no idea. Any advice? Thanks!

[Whoa_Nelly]

1. If you're so concerned about Cadfael

then decline and ask the woman to try and find another temp home for Snug.

However, since Snug was so good to Cadfael, it could be that Cadfael will be all right with Snug around. But, if you do take in Snug for the two weeks, maybe you can get Snug's owner to have a back up plan/placement for Snug should things not work out.

[myrna minx]

2. I just have a little trepidation because

I've never had two cats in my home. Snug's mom does have a plan B in case this doesn't work out, but I'm not sure how to ease the transition. :shrug: Thanks for your help. :hi:

[Whoa_Nelly]

3. re: transition

The kitties will choose their territories, and will share or avoid each other. Maybe make sure you have a separate place for feeding Snug away from Cadfael's personal area. Also, take a few hours to reintroduce them a bit at a time. You may find they have a great bond that they easily find their comfort zones with each other, or that, anytime you're not home, you have to provide separate spaces for them.

If you're going to give it a go with having Snug in your home, definitely give the kitties 3-5 days to figure out if they can coexist. Offer the usual amount of attention for C., and take on giving attention to S. whenever the opportunity.

You may want to try putting a scrap of fabric in C.'s normal sleeping space, and ask S.'s owner to do the same prior to the two being together. Trade fabric scraps with each other several days before S. arrives for the "visit", and let each kitty have a chance to recognize the smell of each other. It may make for an easier transition to the remembered bonding.

Hope these ideas help. :hi:

[myrna minx]

4. Your ideas are great. I will see if I can get a blanket or something

of Snug's so Cadfael can familiarize himself with Snug's scent. I plan on feeding them separately. I;I've asked Snug mom to bring his own litter box so they don;t have to share that intimacy if they don;t want to. Great advice. Thanks. :hi: