cat question .....

[mypadme]

hi, i have not been on here in a long time,have had many serious health issues,but i use to be on lots along time ago,was wondering if anyone had any experience with cat introductions,i have 5 great kittys and recently took in a awsome boy that really needed a home,he has been with us 2 weeks,he is as sweet as pie to us,but he beats up my other cats and now they are fighting back and everyone is getting pretty scratched up,we dont want to give up on him,the foster home he was in had 30 cats,they said he had a hard time for a week or so but then settled down,i am not to experinced as we had our first two cats whom were litter mates and mommy was already with babes when we adopted her and we kept all 3 kittens so there was no getting to know you fights,should we give it more time or if cats are like this is it how they will stay..we love him so much but want whats best for him and our others..any info would be helpful,thank you and many blessings

[balletcat]

Usually things will quiet down - any time now.  It's almost as if cats feel obligated to fight and protest any new member of the family at first.  Just make sure you don't punish any of them for what they are doing.  Sort of let them work it out.  You must make the already established cats feel that their security is not being threatened by the newcomer while at the same time making the newbie feel safe and secure.  It helps if you are an octopus at this ..... hahaha. 

[meezermom]

Listen to the pro there!! Ballet is quite right.....there is always a certain amount of squabbling and pushing and threatening..... I just added a pair here and it is two weeks now......and it is starting to settle down... Not so many threats and only an occasional hiss....Much of the threats are coming from Asher and the dogs now...Asher never saw a dog before and he still can't quite believe his eyes....Although yesterday Jay and Sarah stopped by with Buttons, the chihuahua, and oh my god....Asher's eyes about popped out of his head! He simply could not believe what he was seeing! He wanted to get down and thump her a few times but the big dogs were there.....just go with the flow and remind the original cats they are your first loves with extra cuddling and hugging and be slow to give attention to the new guy....the others need reinforcement that they are not being replaced...

[mypadme]

thank you guys,we really love this new guy so much ,and our others,just did not know if their was hope in them calming down,i am encouraged now that we will just keep letting them work it out,next is to see how he takes to the seven fuzzies ,we havent even gone there yet,he does love the dogs which was a good thing ,cause our 100 pound yellow lab thinks all animals are for him to lick and care for,thank you again and many blessings