Just Took In A 10 Yr. Old Cat...Need Some Help or Advice (UPDATE)

[lovinwdw]

Hi everyone. I just moved into a new home about 3 weeks ago. At that time, we already had a guinea pig (Francine), a 13 year old cat (Dumpster) and a 4 year old dog (Jack...my little baby). Anyway...my sister passed away last year, leaving her much beloved cat (Jingles) with her hubby & 2 daughters. Needless to say, they really weren't able to take care of him. So...I offered to take him because I know how much my sister adored him. We brought him into the house on Saturday and OMG, my house has been nothing but hissing and growling. The litter boxes are down in the basement (where Jingles has taken residence). Dumpter (our 13 year old cat) refuses to leave the upstairs bedroom. By the way they are both males. They are both very dominent. Dumpster marked his litter box and 20 minutes later Jingles marked on top of where Dumpster had just marked! I am praying that they won't start marking the house. I am beside myself. My DH keeps taking Dumpster down to the litter boxes, but he get clawed and hissed at all the way down. It has not been very pretty, to say the least!!! Someone please tell me this will get better. Anyone have any good advice?

By the way, the only one taking this well is the dog. He is in heaven. Now he has 2 cats to terrorize!!!

Just wanted to let everyone know that things are going much better. Dumpster is going to his litter box and eating and drinking and Jingles is much happier in our home. In fact, he has taken refuge on the bed in the spare bedroom and sleeps there at night. It has been much much better

Thank you all for all of your help

 

[lovinwdw]

 

[Honeibee]

But I've "meshed" cats from two households before. My suggestion would be to do it gradually.

I am assuming both males are neutered.

I'd keep Jingles in a room somewhere with a litter box and let him get used to his surroundings before I'd start introducing him to the rest of his new family. And certainly feed him seperately from everyone else.

He's been thru a lot. Give him a chance to get used to things. The two boys can sniff each other under the door.

Best of luck. Keep us posted.

 

[lovinwdw]

I am assuming both males are neutered.

Yes...they are both neutered. Unfortunately, Dumpster wasn't neutered until he was about 2 years old. My DH found him in a dumpster (hence the name) behind where he used to work (when he was around 19-20 years old). So...Dumpster has a tendency to spray!!!

We did leave Jingles in a room down in the basement and he has finally started to venture up. He is comfortable, it is Dumpster who is not very happy right now.

 

[Honeibee]

Maybe Dumpster needs some time to adjust to the new interloper. After all, this is his territory that is being infringed upon now.

Keep us posted. Good luck!

 

[Tigger_Magic]

It will definitely take time -- if they ever get along. I'd let them get acquainted through closed doors for awhile to avoid a "cat fight." Eventually, one may establish itself as the real alpha male, but it may take some time and lots of patience. Best of luck!