When We Get New Cats...

When we get new cats, whether planned or by rescuing them, we have a responsibility to the new cats to care for them, and to our existing kitties so that they know they are not being replaced.

Once these responsibilities are met, and the new cats are calmed down, comfortable and on a similar schedule, then introductions can be made. One nose at a time to another nose. Supervised only, and with protection for each cat. This should be done in neutral territory - not near food bowls or litter boxes. Once kitties have started growling and hissing, separate them and give everyone some time out to calm down. Repeat as necessary.

If a new cat is feral and the existing cats are not, then you have a duty to tame that cat or release it. It should be spayed or neutered before release. If you choose to tame it, I suggest you come to the website for details on how to tame a feral cat. That will ensure that your new cat learns to trust humans and won't try to eat your budgie or your house plants.

Our existing kitties will best be served by play sessions. These let our cats know that we love and value them. I suggest a good, rousing play session of at least 15 minutes, twice a day. Use toys on strings. sticks, or balls. Once your bond is renewed, you can also use the play therapy to help the cats adjust to each other. Play therapy is the best technique to help cats bond.

Give your cat some catnip. However, do not  give catnip to your combined kitty family for at least a week or two after introductions. They need to learn to trust each other before you introduce that element. So, use play therapy for two weeks, then sprinkle catnip around for them. The bonds should be cemented after that.

What Does a Cat Whisperer Do?

A cat whisperer - or cat trainer - can help with a troubled cat and human relationship. We can help the cat to adjust to changes around the home.

This includes helping a cat to accept other cats or dogs, a new baby, spouse, or partner. We can help the cat to feel comfortable in a new home, including a feral or rescue cat. Not that the cat will like it, but we can help the owner (or foster home) to make the cat more comfortable by their actions.

I work with shelters, foster families, folks who want to feed the feral cats in the neighborhood, and new parents; to help their cats feel more comfortable, adjust to the vagaries of life, and be more friendly.

There are times when a cat will mark it's territory, or bite and scratch for no apparent reason. I work with the humans to identify the issues, and adjust the cat's behavior accordingly.

Some cats seem hopeless and helpless. There is no bad cat. There is no hopeless cat. All the cat wants is to feel safe and eat it's fill. It wants to sleep in the sun and chase mice or birds. We, as humans, can help cats to feel safe and secure, to chase toys instead of live animals, and we do that by our actions.

I also talk a lot about a cat's diet. A cat has to eat healthy food and since we tend to keep cats in our homes, that means we have to provide that healthy food. Not all cat food is good for cats. I test foods, read labels, and keep on top of the additives and recalls that affect our furry friends. If I find something you, the owner, needs to know about, I pass it on as fast as I can.

I hope I can build trust with you, and you will learn to rely on me a little bit.

Best purrs and scratches...

How to Introduce a New Cat to an Existing Cat

When introducing cats, you might want to think about the existing cat and how it will respond to the new cat. The new cat will deal, but the existing one will have some problems.

First off, your cat thinks it is being replaced in your affections. Doubly so if the new cat is a kitten - or just smaller. This makes your cat insecure, and it may have problems accepting the new cat. Your cat that formerly had fastidious litter habits may begin to soil all over the house in frustration, making everyone miserable.

You will need to add a litter box at the beginning, whether your cats decide to share or not. Don't expect your new cat to be comfortable using the existing litter box, and don't expect your existing cat to lightly share his private potty!

Bonding play is extremely important, too. Get your existing cat used to play and then offer the toys to the new cat. Usually, this is the way things need to be done, but sometimes, you might offer the toy to the new cat first to get the scent on it. Another way to get started is to get each cat their own toy and then a new one for joint play. After your cats are playing individually, you can begin to help them bond as a team.



Don't forget that love and cuddles are your best training tools when introducing cats. Your existing cat needs a lot of love right now. Later, you can cuddle the new cat in front of your existing cat, but at the beginning, don't you dare!

The "scoop and smooch" is a great tactic to help your cat accept the new littermate. Be sure to do this each and every time you come in from being outside. More on that, later.

The existing cat may have other problems as well. If the new cat wants to play all the time and your baby isn't used to that, your existing cat may feel that s/he is being attacked all the time. Time-outs are very important in this situation. If the new cat can't or won't leave the existing cat alone to potty, sleep or eat, put a belled collar on the new cat. If nothing else, it will give your elder statesman warning when the new cat is coming, and perhaps time to prepare or hide.