Sphynx cat introductions

[VeritySphynx]

We just got today a new kitten and my 2 and a 1/2 year old sphynx is not happy!! We got the cat for her so she can have a friend as we recently lost our other other sphynx cat.
Shes hissed and growled even at the smell and not the new cat - we put the kitten in its own room so it can aclimatise and give the other cat her space. It is very sad because she clearly isnt happy and cannot settle (as we all know sphynxes loveeee sleep so its a bit unfortuante she cant rest)
I went out and purchased feliway so hopefully that can calm her - any tips or tricks?
I really want them to be friends (i know its only been like 4 hours but still its making me a bit anxious that she keeps growling and hissing at the scent)

Tips are gratefully needed

 

[limitofdistance]

Hi Verity!

Sorry you're having such a stressful time, but hopefully/it should be temporary! You've done the right thing to separate them for now. I would suggest trying to speed up the scent recognition process by giving meals and offering treats to both cats on opposite sides of the door, so they begin to associate each other's scent with positive things. Eventually as the older cat starts to calm down a bit, introduce play. If you have someone else there to help, you can then you can try supervised intros where you give treats and play with each cat on opposite sides of the room. From my experience (many years ago), each cat adjusts at their own pace.. but eventually the 2.5 y.o. should start to get used to the presence and smell of the kitten, and even start sleeping/cuddling with it.

 

[VeritySphynx]

Hi Verity!

Sorry you're having such a stressful time, but hopefully/it should be temporary! You've done the right thing to separate them for now. I would suggest trying to speed up the scent recognition process by giving meals and offering treats to both cats on opposite sides of the door, so they begin to associate each other's scent with positive things. Eventually as the older cat starts to calm down a bit, introduce play. If you have someone else there to help, you can then you can try supervised intros where you give treats and play with each cat on opposite sides of the room. From my experience (many years ago), each cat adjusts at their own pace.. but eventually the 2.5 y.o. should start to get used to the presence and smell of the kitten, and even start sleeping/cuddling with it.

Hii,
Thanks so much for your response.
I am not sure why everytime she smells him she growls and hisses even though he is in his own room upstairs.
She is a nervous cat so I am sure she is terrified so is using the hiss and growl as a defence mechanism but I am not sure how to get over this - should i give a treat everytime she smells him?
I feel like I want a lot more out of their first day together but I am feel like I am asking too much haha

 

[Catzzzmeow]

You can wrap the kitten in a blanket and then just give your other cat the blanket so they smell the kitten and get used to it without stressing them seeing the kitten. It is just a matter of time. It can take a couple of weeks until you feel comfortable and they settle down.

 

[VeritySphynx]

You can wrap the kitten in a blanket and then just give your other cat the blanket so they smell the kitten and get used to it without stressing them seeing the kitten. It is just a matter of time. It can take a couple of weeks until you feel comfortable and they settle down.

Why does she growl and hiss at the smell - is that normal behaviour?

 

[Catzzzmeow]

@VeritySphynx yes very normal…all of ours hissed every time we introduced a new kitten. They do it mostly from fear of the new smell. Cat’s biggest sense is smell and they are threatened…it is not a sign of aggression.