Tigger the street wise thug

This is NOT a Siberian - this is NOT even a purebred cat - HOWEVER this goes on every day in multiple households all over the world.  Also - I did not write this - I am just sharing because it is so so true and accurate.

Taken from a FB Group posting -

My name is Tigger and I am a bully. My new adopted family found me living under a car and took me to a shelter but decided the next day they couldn't let me stay so adopted me. I have 3 new sisters and a brother whom I chase, hiss and growl out. Needing info on how to become a nicer kitty so my sisters and brother isn't so afraid of me. I've only been here 6 days and don't want to leave my nice new home. Please help me know what to do so I can stay here forever.
— feeling concerned.

 

Response by one of our multiple Kender Kitty Family Moms - 

  OMGoodness, Tigger. Your family needs to start over. Create a sanctuary room for you. Tell them you are scared because it's like they picked you up and dropped you in the middle of New York City and thought you'd be fine.. when you are scared!! I'd be scared too, if someone just picked me up and dropped me in the middle of NYC!! It can take weeks for all kitties to get alone. Tell your family to give you a room all your own. No other cats can go in there for 2 weeks. It's called a sanctuary room. After 2 weeks, have your mom or dad rub a sock on the muzzle of one your new siblings, then put it in your room. It's called a Sock Exchange. Don't let them rub it on you... that's kind of rude. You can sniff it when you feel like it. Then have them take another sock, rub it on your muzzle and drop it where your new siblings can smell it. They will. Remind your family that you ARE the intruder cat and the other cats are the residents. After a few days, have them rub the sock in your room, on another cat.. add that smell.. then a few days later, the third cat. Oh and tell them to get some Feliway Diffusers!! I have 4 cats and the last cat I got, even though they all came from the same cattery and are used to having sisters.. it took 4 months, yes FOUR MONTHS for the last cat to get to know and get along with the other 3 cats. Sometimes it doesn't take that long. After about 2-3 weeks, have your family put the resident cats away, maybe in another bedroom, then let you out for about an hour or two, so you can get to know the house. You will also be leaving your scent around and smelling the other cats..so you can get used to them. When your family thinks you are ready, have them introduce YOU to the calmest, nicest cat. They can do nose to nose through a tiny crack in doors. (treats are great!!!) Then eventually they can let you out to meet that cat. They may have to introduce you to each
cat separately for a while. That is what I had to do. And we never have any fights (knock on wood). Also tell your family, that cats can take up to a YEAR to make friendships!! Yup. And.. lastly, before I step off my soap box lol, have them get Pam Johnson-Bennett's book, "Think Like a Cat."

 

 

Cats are NOT automatically "friends" or even "friendly" - cats are territorial. 

 Cats are unique finicky funny special creatures who take their space very seriously. 

Do them and your household the favor and learn how to integrate new family members so harmony reigns.