Accepted Answer

Hi Gina,

I'm glad you have kept him isolated from the other cats, but you need to move on in the introduction process so they gradually get used to each other. No, it's not recommended to allow him free access to the house and other cats, as they must first get used to each others' presence and scents, so the introductions need to be more controlled.

First, take a slightly damp cloth or paper towel and pet each female cat with it, then pet your boy; then vice-versa. Do this frequently throughout the day. This is called the 'scent transfer method' to begin the introductions. If they all smell like each other, it will help them feel less stressed when they meet face to face. Allow your girls to see/smell him when you very slightly crack the door to your bedroom for a few minutes, several times a day. I'm sure they've been sniffing under the door all this time, too.

Put a couple of Feliway diffusers in the common rooms of the house (livingroom, kitchen, etc.), where they will spend time together. The Feliway in your bedroom is good for keeping your male less anxious, but your females need this too.

When you put him on a harness, he's powerless to do anything, but the girls are 'free', and this frightens him; he also might want to establish himself as 'alpha' cat, being the only male. Ignoring them sometimes, and growling, hissing, trying to get at them at other times, is very normal feline behavior. Here are some detailed descriptions of proper introduction techniques:

http://www.howardcountycatclub.org/introducingcats.html

http://www.pawschicago.org/PetCare/catintroductions.htm

I hope things improve for all your kitties, very soon!

Cher

Edited by Jessesmom on 11/5/2009 at 7:19 AM

Expert:	Jessesmom
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	11/5/2009

Feline Specialist Health/Behavior

Feline Healthcare and Behavior Specialist 40+ years Experience