Adopting a Second Cat - Smooth Transition!

By:  Jo Maslanka

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.