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Introducing Ink and Charcoal Together
Introducing your new cat to another cat is very tricky. The very first step to introducing our new kitten was to get to know him. While Ink had the run of the place, we kept the kitten separated from him in his own room for a period of time. Not only to make sure there were no illnesses that were passed between them but also because Ink felt pretty threatened by the new presence. He stalked the door, hissing, and scratching whenever Charcoal got close, for a few days.
However, once he had accepted that there was a new little one in the house and he was more curious than angry, we decided that it was time to introduce them.
Charcoal was a rambunctious but tiny black cat. We weren’t sure how he would get along with a bigger, older black cat. But he had no problems with wanting to meet his new big brother. He played at the door and stuck his paws under any time Ink came to see if he was gone yet.
Things we considered…
Before letting them meet, we asked some questions: Do they seem happy with each other’s presence? Do they want to fight, or play? Would we be around if something were to go wrong? Would Charcoal’s energy be too much for a cat 5 years his senior? A cat that had claimed most of the territory in the home?
What we did was allow them to meet through a propped-open door. Not open wide enough to let either of them poke through – cats have floating collar bones and can fit anywhere their head can – but enough to see and bat at with their paws. We used hand weights against the door to make sure they couldn’t pull or push it open while we watched.
Once the initial hissing was over from both of them, Charcoal wanted to play. Ink, however, didn’t. Not right away.
Playtime!
It took us about a week and a half to truly allow them to be together with supervision. Another four days of supervised playtime with plenty of opportunities to step in and they were able to be left alone. It was a quick process for Ink and Charcoal, but that’s because we had a little help from their past.
Ink had already been around other cats, and so had Charcoal. We knew they would get along with a bit of patience and coaxing because we took the time to get to know each of them.
Plenty of treats helped during this time. Love and play and treats, with no punishments or yelling when they did something wrong, only a gentle removal and time outs, proved to work wonderfully.
Now, Charcoal and Ink have been playing and loving each other for just over a year!
This was just what worked for Ink and Charcoal. You can also find them on Instagram. Remember to do your own research when introducing two or more cats together, all cats are unique and will respond differently to one another.
You can also view the story on Introducing your Cat and Dog. Similar procedures to the introduction will help you and all your pets get along better. Step by Step Instructions.
Milo is also an author. They write under the pen name Tia Liet, and you can find more about them on their website, or on Twitter, Facebook, or Itch.io
Pet Frenzy Suggests
Keep These In Mind
Most of all DO NOT YELL at them. This only will confuse them and make it a bad experience. Keep all experiences positive at all times possible. Be patient, they really are no different than teaching a child manners. Use a soft voice and use lots of praise when they are doing great. Separate them when it does not go so good, without punishing them. They do not understand. You need to understand they were not ready yet. It takes time and a lot of commitment.
You must be consistent, loving and patient. They will pick up on that and trust that you are not exposing them to any threats or harm.
Don’t give up if it doesn’t work on the first day. It takes time. You can do it! If not and you’re finding it frustrating. You can call a professional trainer. Most of them have a lot of experience and can be a great help when you’re trying to do it alone. Remember the cost is worth it. You will only need one or two sessions with a good trainer. – Pet Frenzy
