Adopting a Second Cat - Smooth Transition!
On 2/14/00, I adopted Valentine and brought her home to meet her new sister,
Smidge, my 3.5 year-old DLH cat. As a single person, I thought the information
below might be useful to others who work during the day and need to leave
their pets alone.
I purchased an epoxy-coated cage for $50 at a local feed store. I placed
a dishpan and a small double feeding dish I found at Marc's for which
I paid less than $5 for both in the cage along with a small quilt and
toys. I placed the cage in my living room (the advantage of having laminate
floors) and placed Valentine in the cage. Smidge and her were then able
to get acquainted and neither was in any danger of being hurt. At night,
I would put Smidge in the basement while I cleaned the cage and let Valentine
run around the upstairs. For about 3 days, I would hold Valentine while
Smidge was in the room. After those 3 days, I started leaving the two
together while I supervised for short periods, perhaps 5-to-10 minutes
several times a day. By Sunday, Valentine was out of the cage. It is now
Thursday and both cats are adjusting well even coming to my bed at the
same time at night.
For people who can afford the cost of a cage, I feel it is an easy way
to train both cats to get adjusted to each other.
Help us find their way home. Spread the word about the Parma Animal Shelter!
Thanks for visiting!
