Introducing cats requires patience

Dear Cathy: I have a oneyear-old male cat named Remy. He appeared on the doorstep this winter. He is neutered and vaccinated, and an energetic companion. We started to have issues during introductions to the other family cats. I have two 15-year-old cats and a sixyear-old cat named Tika. Remy has only come in contact with Tika. It has been over two weeks and I have not let them all meet yet because Remy is aggressive towards Tika. Tika growls at him through the door. Remy attacks me whenever he gets a strong scent of her. I have pheromone plug-ins, calming spray, and toys to distract him. — Amanda, Aurora, Illinois

Dear Amanda: Cats are very territorial and introductions in a multi-cat household can take time. When introducing multiple cats, put the new cat in a room with food, water and a litterbox and leave the door closed so the new cat can’t get out and the other cats can’t get in. During this time, facilitate scent exchanges by brushing Remy and then brushing the other cats with the same brush or wiping down Remy with a towel and then dropping the towel somewhere in the house for the other cats to check out. Then return the towel to Remy’s room for him to check out.

Every cat in the house should be wearing a pheromone collar since this will provide a shared common scent that also reduces anxiety.

As for Remy’s aggression, do not touch or pick him up, and do not allow yourself to be close enough for him to scratch or attack you.

After a few more days, reintroduce Tika and Remy in a large room where they can be far apart. Let them meet for 15 or 20 minutes. Repeat these meetings with all three cats, one at a time, over the next few week until you see their comfort level with each other growing.

It takes patience to get those introductions right.