more cat advice needed

[yellowdawgdem]

I am wondering if anybody knows how long it takes for 2 cats to get along, if they are going to. I'm taking care of a 6 month old kitten, and trying to see if she will get along with my older cat. So far, they are up all night fighting, and keeping me up. The kitten tries to tackle my older baby, and then there is lots of hissing. Finally, when the kitten gets tired out, she goes to sit in my older cat's bed. I am trying to decide whether to keep her or not, as I have an offer from someone this weekend who possibly wants to give her a home. Thought maybe someone had some knowledge of cats, and whether this sort of jockeying for territory is normal, or shows a conflict which ought to be nipped in the bud.

[newsguyatl]

1. i would tell you my story

but it's easier to read about it here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=243x6787

hope it gives you some hope

[yellowdawgdem]

4. Hey, great story

Yes that gives me hope. How can it not? Also I'm glad your Jesse got used to the litter box, as that could've been a pain.
Cats are usually good about litter boxes though.
I just don't know if my situation would turn out exactly the same, since my oldest is kinda standoffish. But I have noticed that she lets the kitten sleep in her bed, and just seems glad for anything that doesn't involve tackling. btw I loved the pic of Nikko growling with his mouth open, into the carrier. That really was expressive.

[Lorien]

2. They should be separated for a number of days

introducing them without a separation phase can lead to life long hostilities. Goggle "Introducing a new cat" along with "Humane society"; they have some excellent suggestions.

Look at Newsguyatl's thread; he followed those suggestions with great success!

[yellowdawgdem]

3. more on the cats

Actually, I did separate them at first, and just forgot to mention it. I at first had this kitten and her mom in the bathroom, and gradually let them hang out in the rest of the house. The mom decided not to live here, and split. The kitten- who's name is Sasha, didn't start tackling my other cat until much later. At first she was really mellow and not too active. But now its as though she's developed a crush on my older cat, and wants to jump her bones or something. Y'know, its always so difficult to decide about other homes, too. People aren't that forthcoming about their situations, and really the only thing u can say is, try it out and if it doesn't work out, bring her back. Anyway, thanks for the info abt separating them, and I just wanted you to know that they were plenty separate for the first 2 weeks.

[Lorien]

5. You could also try spraying feliway around the home

it's a behavior modification spray that calms their nerves. You can find it at any well stocked pet store.

[yellowdawgdem]

6. I'll try that

Feliway. Yeah, anything to calm down the environment.
ok, thanks.

[kestrel91316]

7. Feliway/Comfort Zone plug-in DIFFUSERS work better than the spray

[yellowdawgdem]

8. I haven't heard of these feliway products

Does it put out some kind of a pleasant smell that only cats can smell. Are the plug-in's a solid form, then. Also, btw, how much do these things cost. thnx.

[kestrel91316]

9. Feliway contains a synthetic version of the feline facial pheromone

You know how cats rub their faces on everything? They are putting their own pheromone scent on objects in their environment which makes them feel more relaxed, in control, and at home. Now somebody has synthesized and made commercially available that feel-good smelling stuff!

It helps prevent spraying urine, and I also use it to limit intercat conflicts and just make for less nervousness. Works very well most of the time.

The diffuser has a cartridge with a clear liquid in it, not a solid. You should check out the prices at a local pet supply store, then see how you can do on the internet in comparison. It is not cheap, but it is well worth the cost to most who use it successfully.

Oh, and the refills are cheaper because you are not buying the diffuser device each time.

[yellowdawgdem]

10. yeah, I know abt the face rubbing thing

Those little critters are always doing that, and always smelling stuff that nobody else picks up on. As far as the feliway goes,
That sounds like something to try, thanks for the sugg and info. Sounds like the diffuser would be the way to go except is probably more expensive. Oh, well. Sleep is worth any price, believe me. Will check out internet vs local prices.