New additional cat today...HELP!!!

[Athanasian Creed]

My roommate and i just got another cat today off a friend of his who couldn't keep it due to allergies!

Bandit, the new cat, 4 mos. old is a playful, laid back cat (as far as we can tell) and EATS LIKE A HORSE (off topic). Smokey (go figure eh?!, Smokey and the Bandit) is the resident cat, 7 years old, playful at times and high strung (and DOESN'T eat like a horse).

Problem is (and i'm sure very common) Smokey is all jealous and hisses anytime my roommate, myself or Bandit try to approach her.

Question is, how do we go about getting the two to live together amicably. Do we just leave it for them to work out amongst themselves or what?? And, on another note, when is the best time to get the 4 mos. old cat fixed?? I heard around 6 mos. but not sure.




TIA,


Ray

 

[awashinlove]

Smokey's reaction is normal and usually a passing phase, so if there's no fighting let them work it out themselves. I'm no fan of forcing cats into close proximity to speed up felicity.

As for Bandit, he could've been fixed two months ago. For faster healing time with less pain and memory of the op, I'd get the fellow an appt. ASAP.

Blessings,
awashinlove

 

[Sabina41]

As for Bandit, he could've been fixed two months ago. For faster healing time with less pain and memory of the op, I'd get the fellow an appt. ASAP.

Yes, he could have, but check with the individual veterinarians. Many veterinarians will perform pediatric spays/neuters but some only do it for humane societies and rescues. He would be fine waiting another 2 months until he is 6 months; the hormones won't kick in for a while. Cat neuters take literally about 2 min to perform so pain and memory are not really an issue (I mean, they don't even suture the incision closed it's that minimally invasive). The biggest thing though is to get him in anyway and get him checked out. Make sure all vaccines are up-to-date, etc. and then move forward with the alter.

As far as the other cat goes he/she will probably warm up to Bandit, or at least become less confrontational. You've gotta think of it from his/her point of view. A complete stranger was just introduced into the living space that they'd claimed as theirs and now they're going to have to share with a bouncing little pip-squeak...I'd be miffed too. Give them time.

-Ashley