I’m new to this tribe and in need of help.
I have adopted a black fat cat that someone abandoned. My problem is I've now taken' in another cat with a terminal illness (something like HIV for cats). The two cats had spent there lives together outside from what I know. How can I get them to get along. I know the black cat (Yin) feels it is her temple. The other cat (Jimmy) just wants to be friends.
Any advice other than bad advice would be appreciated.
I have adopted a black fat cat that someone abandoned. My problem is I've now taken' in another cat with a terminal illness (something like HIV for cats). The two cats had spent there lives together outside from what I know. How can I get them to get along. I know the black cat (Yin) feels it is her temple. The other cat (Jimmy) just wants to be friends.
Any advice other than bad advice would be appreciated.
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Re: Need of help
Wed, May 10, 2006 - 5:53 AMAre you keeping them inside now? -
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Re: Need of help
Wed, May 10, 2006 - 8:15 AMYes, both of them.
Right now during the day they are separated. During the night they are together under my supervision. Because Jimmy can not drink or eat out of Yins bowls. ( jimmies condition is transferible through saliva). -
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Re: Need of help
Wed, May 10, 2006 - 8:19 AMOh, I just noticed your new post. Sorry, I didn't realize they were already introduced to eachother. Still, eventually, most cats learn to live together even if they don't particularly like eachother. -
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Re: Need of help
Wed, May 10, 2006 - 8:33 AMSamantha,
Thank you the same. I didn't know if I was doing the right think or not.
It scares me a some because of jimmies problem with "cat AIDS". I want him to live the rest of his life as happy as possible, but the same I need to protect Yin.
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Re: Need of help
Wed, May 10, 2006 - 8:15 AMI know it's hard, especially when one cat feels very protective of his/her territory! I have brought two cats together before, though. Start out with both in separate rooms for a week or so. They will still be able to smell eachothers presence, but the new guy will be able to explore without being harassed by the other one. Then, try letting Jimmy (cute name, by the way!) out for a little bit each day. They WILL fight at first! Then put Jimmy away again for the rest of the day. Gradually increase the amount of time they are in the same room. They may never like eachother, but generally, they learn to live with eachother eventually. It IS frustrating! Good luck and keep us posted.
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Re: Need of help
Wed, May 10, 2006 - 9:05 AMI assume you have vaccinated Yin already.
As far as the two getting along together, you hit the nail on the head. your house is Yins temple. It will take time for her to become comfortable with this intruder. From what you have said about Jimmy, he has no problems with Yin ruling the house, so things should settle withen a few weeks to a month and a half for the most part. The main trouble is that Yin has an established territory (all of your house) and Jimmy has none. Probably Jimmy will, if he hasnt already, stake out a spare room or a closet and slowly he will be tolerated in other parts of the house by Yin.
Unfortunately, the only real answer is time and patience, and a squirt from a water bottle if things get too heated. The same thing happened when I moved in with my wife before we married. She had 2 cats and I had one.
Let Yin know she hasnt been replaced, and let Jimmie know that this house is his home as well, and slowly things should get better. -
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Re: Need of help
Thu, May 11, 2006 - 3:18 AM<<I assume you have vaccinated Yin already. >>
Ivan that is very interesting.
Do you know if there is a vaccine for this problem? The vet here didn't mention it! -
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Re: Need of help
Thu, May 11, 2006 - 8:27 AMI sorry to say, I took Yin to the vet today and she is positive for 3000 Beta. It hurts me soo much. I'm sorry Yin. -
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Re: Need of help
Thu, May 11, 2006 - 9:25 AMOh poor Yin! I'm so sorry. Yes, it is HIGHLY contagious. I used to work at a vet clinic & the FIV and FIP cats were kept in a separate kennel & we had to step in a pan of bleach on our way out so as not to carry the viruses out to the other kitties.
Best of luck to you & your little guys.
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Re: Need of help
Thu, May 11, 2006 - 9:29 AMIm sorry to hear that. Im not sure what that means, but it doesn't sound good.
By the way, Sam Rosenthal made a compilation album after his cat died from FeLV (feline lukemia) called Cat-Shaped Hole in My Heart. I'm not sure what your musical tastes are, but you may find it interesting. I happen to like it.
www.projekt.com/projekt/product.asp -
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Re: Need of help
Mon, May 15, 2006 - 10:22 AMWell, one week later.
Thank you guys for your help. Yin is tolerating Jimmy more and more everyday.
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