Hello. I have had cats for 30 years and have 'fostered' several before they were re-homed. When you bring her into the house, take her straight in to a room where there is her litter tray and her food, close the door and stay with her whilst she acclimatises. During this time the other animals will be on the other side of the door trying to work out who is in there. They will be able to smell and hear each other but not see each other. Give her a couple of days to feel safe in that room (a radio is always a good idea, the sound of voices really comforts them) go in and out regularly but don't let the other animals in. On about day 3, when you enter the room, let her catch a glimpse of your other cat, the next day let him come in for a few minutes (supervised!) and then longer.....
When you introduce her to the dog. Make sure that she is on a high surface that the dog can't reach...so he's on the floor, she's on a high windowsill something like that. Hold his collar and again make the exposure time limited. If the dog barks at her, make sure she can see that you don't approve of that. You will undoubtedly find that she puts him in his place!
She will be fine with the other cat within a couple of weeks. I have recently introduced a HUGE 8 year old male cat to my 20 year old female. There was alot of spitting and diving under the beds but as I type they are both asleep on the same sofa!
You sound to me as though you really care about your pets. I think she will be a very happy and lucky little girl!
When you introduce her to the dog. Make sure that she is on a high surface that the dog can't reach...so he's on the floor, she's on a high windowsill something like that. Hold his collar and again make the exposure time limited. If the dog barks at her, make sure she can see that you don't approve of that. You will undoubtedly find that she puts him in his place!
She will be fine with the other cat within a couple of weeks. I have recently introduced a HUGE 8 year old male cat to my 20 year old female. There was alot of spitting and diving under the beds but as I type they are both asleep on the same sofa!
You sound to me as though you really care about your pets. I think she will be a very happy and lucky little girl!
