Kenny has a new friend

**Suzygeorgie** · 16th February 2012, 11:23 PM

I'm using the word "friend" very loosely here.

My dear moggie Bobby, who was only 4 and a half, had to be put to his forever sleep at the weekend after suffering seizures and haemorraging because his blood wasn't clotting. We are really devastated as he was such an affectionate part of our family. In a coincidence that's hard to believe, while we were at the vets we came across a very nice lady who was trying to find a new home for her 5 year old maine coon as there were so many problems with his relationship with her dog. We have been thinking about getting another MC because as you all know one is never enough, and it seemed so strange to come across this person.

To cut a long story short Eric has now come to live with us. He is a beautiful boy, red silver tabby, but slightly lighter in markings than Kenny, and we are doing our best to settle him in. I've read previous topics about introducing a new at into the household and have indeed done this several times in the past. Kenny is curious but absolutely fine about it. Eric is findint it quite hard to adjust at the moment, and resorts to hissing whenever Kenny comes near him. Can't blame him, he must be quite stressed out, not having lived with other cats before. He's been here two days and hasn't really eaten anything yet, but he is making himself at home as best he can. I'm hoping he will settle and become an integrated part of our family. The agreement at the moment is that if he doesn't settle he will go back, so there's no obligation, but if we do decide to keep him she will transfer ownership to me.

Interesting days ahead! Will post photos when I get some.

**cooncatbob** · 17th February 2012, 12:45 AM

This is a very good article.
Cat-to-Cat Introductions | Little Big Cat

**Howlinbob** · 17th February 2012, 10:53 AM

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, how devastating for you, at such a young age as well.

Good for you, for taking on a rehome at such short notice. He sounds absolutely lovely and I can't wait to see some pics!
Poor lad must be very confused at the moment. Hopefully given plenty of time and patience he'll settle in fine.
As for sending him back....can't see that happening, can you? xxxx

**pralinehalo** · 17th February 2012, 11:06 AM

Sorry to hear about Bobby :( it's lovely of you to have taken Eric in and I hope he settles down quickly

PS photos please!

**Hema Baby** · 17th February 2012, 11:35 AM

so sorry to hear about Bobby..I can understand how u feel at the moment..at the same time happy for u that u got Eric..I am sure he will settle down soon n be an integrated part of ur family..like Boy..hope Eric is handsome..so anxious to see him...

**Suzygeorgie** · 17th February 2012, 12:51 PM

Thanks for the comments. I think our meeting with Eric's owner was fate and we were meant to take care of him. He's still not eating, which is a bit of a problem. His owner said he likes cheese so I have tempted him with a small amount and he ate about 4 little chunks, and then I gave him some milk and he drank that. He's not being tempted at all by his normal brand of cat food or biscuits. Don't know if anyone has any ideas on tempting him to eat? He's being very brave in other respects and not hiding away, and he's a gorgeous boy. Kenny really is a star and although curious his lovely happy-go-lucky nature means he's just watching and not being aggressive to him at all.

**Antonia** · 17th February 2012, 01:11 PM

First of all, my condolences with your loss of Bobby. And kudos to you for adopting Eric.

If he likes cheese so much, you could try sprinkling grated Parmesan on his food – preferably fresh Parmesan but if you can’t get it you can try the dried stuff. Parmesan contains a natural flavour enhancer which many cats like.
Alternatively you could sprinkle some canned tuna on his food.

Or you could try a different food altogether. Perhaps his usual food reminds him of his former home where he didn’t feel at ease.

Good luck! And hugs to Kenny for being such a saint.

**Howlinbob** · 17th February 2012, 01:12 PM

I think they're going to be fine. You have 2 nice-natured cats there, but sadly Eric is a bit traumatised. He wasn't happy in his previous home and now he's in a completely new place. But given the circumstances, things could be a lot worse.

I have a couple of suggestions: try spreading Eric's scent around the house by stroking him with a dry cloth and then rubbing the cloth around the house.
Spend some quiet time with him in the same room, just hanging out, not taking much notice of him, so that he understands that you're no threat.
The refusal to eat is a bit of a worry so try tempting him with other things like a bit of cooked chicken or ham, or open a tin of sardines? He must be hungry so he will want to eat something soon, even if it's not his regular food.
How about a Feliway diffuser? These can be quite effective.

*gentle nudge for some pics* x

**Suzygeorgie** · 17th February 2012, 01:23 PM

I just opened a can of tuna and all three cats are munching away including Eric!

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll try the cloth thing. He seems to be reasonably OK with us humans although of course on his terms. He will let me rub my hand around his chin and behind his ears and he nudges back for a while.

OK here are a couple of photos.