Introducing a New cat into the home A little background about me and cats:
I adopted two kittens in 1989, Miranda in May and Mapfumo in August. I had Mapfumo until she passed away on November 5th, 2004 and Miranda until she passed away on November 3rth, 2007. Both were indoors.
I adopted a new kitten on November 5th who as about 3 months. He is a great, active little guy. He is indoor only. However, I decided I could play with him to the extent he needed (he would play attack, etc... I didn't mind it so much except when I had to tend other things)....
So, 2 weeks ago, I adopted a 3 year old cat who is very socialable at the pound and was listed as getting along with cats. He was formally outdoor, ferral and neutered by the clip of his ear. In part, I went for the older cat with the idea to balance out the kitten.
Over night, while I am at work and for other periods of more than 1-2 hours, I keep them in separate rooms for now.
Both cats get along... neither hisses for the most part. The older guy, though, just kind of sits there ignoring the play of the younger one. Tonight, though, the younger one annoyed the older one and got a swat in the eye. He's okay, but I think he got 'put in his place'.
Anyway, the older one, has one particular problem and I want to make sure I am handling it correctly. Basically, he hides all the time. And he runs off when I approach him. However, if i catch him and hold him, he accepts the attention from me and even starts to purrs. But, he won't be socialable on his own and he hides when I around.
How long do you all think this will continue? And should I continue now and again to pick him up and to help him acclimate to me?
Thanks. |