What is the proper way to introduce a new cat to a cat who has lived in the...

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Abby

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...house for about a year? We got a female 5 month or so old cat last August and we had a dog. The dog had to be put down on Monday and we had been discussing the idea of another cat before that. Today we went to the local animal shelter and got a female who they said was about 11 months. We brought her home and set her crate down on the floor and our cat started hissing at it. The new cat has been exploring and does not seem to be phased by our current cat but she has been very territorial. Will this go away with time once they get used to each other? Or is this not going to work out?
Thanks for the great answers!! Will they be okay if they are left alone for a few hours starting tomorrow? The eldest cat was declawed but our new one (my mom's) isn't and I am afraid of her scratching my kitty, we're planning on getting her spayed and declawed in a few weeks.
 
The EXACT same thing happend to me. Don't worry they will eventually get along but for right now the hissing is totally normal, she is just being territorial. For my cat it took about a week or 2 before she actually calmed down. Now a few months later they are the best of friends! they sleep together, groom each other and play together. Don't give up! just make sure that you still give enough attention to the older cat because he/she will get jealous of the new kitty
Good Luck
 
What is happening is completely normal. Your Eldest cat, who is also that cat that you have had the longest is establishing dominance. You are right when you say that your Eldest cat is territorial. This is happening because she is jealous and afraid of being left out as well.
She is also putting the new kitten in her place, reminding her who is boss.
The actions of rejection will lessen over time, give it a few months. If she is still that way, have your new cat checked for any sicknesses or diseases. Cats will reject another cat if they sense them as a threat to their health, they also can detect an ailment in another cat months before you will be able to without a vet check up. Good luck!

Also, if you are interested read "CAT TALK" by Carole C Wilbourn.
She knows a lot about why cats behave the way they do, and it's really helpful!

Sorry to hear about your dog, and good luck with your new addition! :)
 
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