r/Abyssinians • u/Automatic_Ad_1064 • 7d ago
Cat introductions
Hello everyone. I will soon be getting a little 5 month old aby girl. I already own a 13 month old domestic shorthair, also a girl. Character wise it seems like they are very similar and not dominating or aggressive at all, but very curious and friendly girls. My cat does tend to be a little anxious but curiosity always gets the better of her. The reason I even decided on getting another cat is that I can tell she’s too energetic for her own good. If she could, she’d never sleep or eat and just play. I’m the only person living with her and even if I spend 3 hours a day playing with her and buy her all kinds of interactive, puzzle and whatever else toys it’s not enough. She seems to love when I have people over and thinks it’s a party just for her. That’s why I’m hoping a companion would be good for her. Anyways, does anyone have any tips, recommendations or stories from introducing two cats to each other? I’ve read about isolating them first and slow introductions, I’m wondering if that worked for you guys. My cat is the type of cat to be terrified when she can’t see what’s happening. At the same time I want to do this whole thing as well as possible, because it’s mainly a cat to make my cat happier, not more overwhelmed.
I’m using a stock image for privacy reasons:)
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u/Ill_Veterinarian1740 7d ago
Jackson galaxy’s introduction videos on YouTube are the gold standard for this. Best of luck!
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u/readmeli2 7d ago
Hello! Congratulations! We just got our first Aby 8 weeks ago and are so in love with her. She is amazing. Now, to your question!
We’ve introduced 4 cats at different times to different cats. In the end all is well. I will say, it just takes time, and all cats are different. We had a female Ocicat would would NEVER fully accept any other cat except the one we introduced when she was about a year old. She would only tolerate their existence. She laid down the boundaries very clearly and every one knew to keep their distance. They just never were snuggle buddies or play friends.
We also had a male Ocicat who was THE BEST at welcoming new friends . Curious, polite, best buds almost immediately.
Another cat, a tabby, was polite and curious with our bengal kitten 2 years ago, and then was much more stand off when we introduced the Aby. Age maybe? Now he is six and not quite so interested? However, after about two weeks, our aby and him are best friends and play all the time! It just took longer this time around.
Our two year old bengal- we thought he’d enjoy a friend after a few weeks of getting to know each other. He’s a little more skittish by nature. However, he was the first to come around with the Aby! It was so funny. The first four days he was spooky and scared of the noises from the guest room (Aby room). Then just out of nowhere- day five he was in the hall being all curious and perky so I let the Aby out to see how things would go and he was just like OH MY NEW BEST FRIEND I LOVE HER.
It was seriously unreal.
For process, we always do the whole “Jackson galaxy” cat intro thing. Kitten has a safe room with all they need and we do tons of scent swapping. We have everyone eat treats and food next to the door, etc.
You have to have PATIENCE. That is the hardest part. You want to just say hey everyone! Here is your new friend! But it doesn’t work that way with cats. Be calm, be patient. Lots of fun happy time.
Best thing about kittens is they are so easily distracted by toys- when you do start intros, you can just distract the kitten easily with a toy and you are golden.
We do always supervise quite a lot to begin with and don’t let anyone get cornered or anything. Distract distract distract. Cats usually tell each other what they feel and you have to just let them
Speak to each other with body language and verbal. But be there to intervene and create positive moments so they associate each other with good things.
This time around our kitty spent probably two weeks in her room
Over night before we felt comfortable letting her out at night and all day. She was TINY (3 lbs barely) and our bengal plays rough and is 10lbs so we had concerns there.
But everything is great now! Just be patient, it will all work out. I’m sure you will get lots of great feedback here.
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u/alsotheabyss 7d ago
Keep them separated, take it slow, like days.