Question:
Hello all
Any help would be much appreciated!
Three weeks ago we came across an abandoned, beautiful ginger girl about 8 months old. Although she was quite friendly to us, she was quite hissy-and-spitty at the other cats in the house but this seemed to fade with time.
Anyway, we got her sterilized and found an extremely loving home to take her in (1 1/2 weeks ago). The new owner has 11 other cats which all get on fine. But unfortunately, they are finding that she is really upsetting their other babies and is actually lashing out and attacking them (the owners and their other cats). A portion of their email to us is as follows:
Quote: Herewith some pictures of your/our baby, however I am getting a bit concerned, today she swung around twice in my arms and attacked me, I don't know what to make of it, I understand she' stressed but she sleeps with us on our bed out of her own choice, we pick her up regularly, which she never minds, she's actually quite smoochie, and then this. I go out of my way to ease her transition, and am starting to find these out bursts quite scary/they make me feel unsure and not at all confidant around her. If you know of any one who has no cats who might be interested in taking her please let me know, I am not giving up yet, but if this trend continues we will have to find alternative arrangements, she does struggle far more than any of the other cats ever did, to settle in and is continuously lashing out at the others, which unsettles all of them. I will also take her to the vet and see if all is ok.
As you cat see, they are taking her to the vet for a checkup, which I think is a good idea. What else can they try before looking for an alternative home?
We are really looking for input from the good people in this forum.

Answer:
She's had 2 homes and surgery in the last few weeks...she is understandably very upset. Did the people who took her do any sort of a a separation and gradual introduction process? How long have they had her?
I would recommend that the separate her and introduce her to the rest of the cats in a slow, controlled manner. Google "Cat Introduction" and you'll find tons of advice.
I think this is salvageable, but they are going to have to work at it.
Always remembering Onyx & Callie May
Answer:
Three weeks ago, her world was turned upside down and she was brought into a home with people she doesn't know, other cats she doesn't know. She finally starts to calm down and then she's put into yet another home she doesn't know with 11 other cats she doesn't know! She's freaked out. And rightfully so! 1 1/2 weeks is not a lot of time to get used to that environment. I think she needs time, patience, and love if they're planning on keeping her. That's a lot to get used to. There's no guarantee that she'll come around, but it's too much to expect her to be over the shock this soon. I hope everything works out for them!
Answer:
-Ann- wrote: Three weeks ago, her world was turned upside down and she was brought into a home with people she doesn't know, other cats she doesn't know. She finally starts to calm down and then she's put into yet another home she doesn't know with 11 other cats she doesn't know! She's freaked out. And rightfully so! 1 1/2 weeks is not a lot of time to get used to that environment. I think she needs time, patience, and love if they're planning on keeping her. That's a lot to get used to. There's no guarantee that she'll come around, but it's too much to expect her to be over the shock this soon. I hope everything works out for them!
Yep, I absolutely agree. This poor cat had had so much stress and fear! No wonder she is confused and is lashing out. She needs lots of care and love and reassurance. Poor baby.
On another note: How are you bearing up Ann?
Allie and ...

Answer:
melysion wrote: On another note: How are you bearing up Ann?
Thanks for asking! I'm doing pretty well. I miss her like crazy! I keep thinking I see her and I call her every now and then. But I'm not crying as much any more. She's better off now.
Answer:
This cat isn't use to being around other cats and to put her in with 11 other cats is very stressful. Doing the separation thing might work, but I think you and the other person ought to be asking yourselves whether maybe this cat would be better off as the only cat in a quiet household.