Old cat does not get along with new cat.?

We took in my Mom's friend's cat (Kirby, Male) after she had to move. We already had a cat (Penny, Female) that was around the same age. My mom didn't bother to do research on how to introduce them properly and they do not get along. Whenever Kirby see's Penny, he will chase after her and it will end up in a cat fight. It seems like Kirby is just doing it to play but Penny gets defensive, hissing and hew tail hair poofing out. Currently, Penny does not leave the two "safe" rooms that we made off limits to Kirby. Kirby has "taken over" the whole second floor and most of downstairs. Is there anything what can be done about Kirby's behavior or any techniques that will help them get along?

Any help is appreciated.

2012-04-06T10:58:19Z

They are both spayed and Neutered. They are both close to 7 years old.

2012-04-06T16:14:01Z

I'm in high school so I live in the same house as my mom who took the cat in. I didn't think it would be a good idea to bring Kirby into the house because I didn't think penny would be happy sharing her space with another cat.

Laurie2012-04-06T10:46:51Z

This does not sound like it will ever be a friendship but they may learn to tolerate one another. Penny the female looks at it as an intruder in HER house and a just doesn't like the mail. Kirby, like many male cats, can't understand why Penny finds him to be annoying. So the Penny doesn't retreat to only one area, buy a cat condo and put it in the living room. This way, Penny can be around the family but can go to this safe place if Kirby becomes to much of a pain for her to handle at the moment. lol

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?2012-04-06T10:52:47Z

Good answer from Laurie. You did not say how old the cats are. Are they spayed and neutered? If not do so immediately. Cats can be territorial. In time they will probably learn to tolerate each other. The cat tree idea is a good one. I am a firm believer in cat trees. Cats are climbers and feel more secure when they can survey their world from high up. I have a 5' tree for my 6 month old and will be building a new one for my 5 week old in a month or two.

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Laura Henri2012-04-06T11:01:52Z

first, if you took kirby in? it was up to you to research how to blend them..not your mom.

If you have sequestered Penny to two rooms only, and have given kirby the rest of the house, its going to make it worse. He has now marked everything with his scent and she will feel even more helpless, defensive and stressed.

You must give them a way to acclimate, without touching. a screen door would work. you must give her a place to retreat if needed, and give him a lot of play to tire him out so he isnt depending on HER for play.

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Anonymous2012-04-06T10:47:58Z

Animals are pretty dominant, and any newcomers will try to take that away. Just keep at what you're doing for a while, then try to gradually bring them together. Or take them to a park or something, somewhere that could be considered common ground for them. That's what I think may work.

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