From Pet Lover in Bishop, CA

"I am so glad to read the many articles and answers to problems that are published in your ezine. You're doing a great service to us animal lovers. I just recently adopted a cat from the local 'I Care org.' shelter here. She brings my household tally to four cats and a wiener dog. What is the best way to integrate the new cat with the existing cats? Right now there is a great deal of hissing and spitting, especially with one cat. The new one is timid and I am trying to go at this gradually. What are your suggestions?"

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Thanks for the compliment - we humbly do our best to be both enjoyable and enlightening. As to your question, personal experience has shown that the best way to introduce a new feline to a cat laden household is through the "separate room" method. This consists of keeping the new kitty in their own room, with their own litterbox and food source, for as much as a few weeks. This allows them to stake out a sort of "safe" zone of personal space in their new domicile without the distractions of competing felines confusing and frightening it.

You should visit with the new cat for some time each day, the more the better. Ideally, use a work- or computer-room where you spend time anyway, as this will allow the new kitty time to get to know you at their schedule. While the door is closed to the room, the existing cats can sniff under it to get used to the scent of the "interloper."

After enough time has passed, and the new cat seems comfortable, you can open the door for an hour or so while you are actively supervising. The new cat will probably be curious and will tenatively explore its new space, while the existing household felines will come to check out the new cat. But if the latest addition feels panicky, they'll be quick to retreat to "their" space.

Increase the time spent with interaction between the two factions each day, until you can simply leave the door open full time, eventually removing the litterbox and food and integrating the new cat fully into your household. There may be a few histronics as territories and pecking orders get straightened out, but things should settle down and even out rather quickly.

I've used this method successfully with no fewer than eight cats, and it's worked well each time, although the "quarantine" times have ranged from as little as two days to up to two weeks. It's just important to give the new cat time to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Let us know how things work out for you.

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