Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK

Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: Tiggy's Mum on June 09, 2008, 21:01:46 PM

Title: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on June 09, 2008, 21:01:46 PM
Lucas and Riley stayed in a cattery for the first time last week.  As they were originally indoor only and now have a catproofed garden to play in they have never met or seen another cat, other than each other.  The cattery pens were separated by clear perspex and as soon as I put them in a little black cat who was staying next door rushed up to the barrier.  Neither of the boys were in the slightest bit bothered by her presence, now this could be because they had only been at the cattery for a few seconds so were more worried about what the hell was happening!

Do people think this bodes well for any potential new brothers or sisters?  Do cats that don't get on with other cats generally hiss at catteries or in rescue pens? 
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: blackcat on June 09, 2008, 21:12:35 PM
I have never noticed any cat in a cattery hissing at its neighbours. I think they are all in such a state of shock that they don't respond as they might at home. Mind, most catteries mine have stayed at have complete separation between pens, so not really a reliable indicator ...

The only cat I have been responsible for who responded badly to a cattery was Ralph who refused to come out of his travel box for the entire stay, and only relaxed when they faced it to the wall. He was very relieved when I arrived to take him home, lol
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Gillian Harvey on June 09, 2008, 23:06:51 PM
Quote from: Tiggy's Mum - Helen on June 09, 2008, 21:01:46 PM
Do people think this bodes well for any potential new brothers or sisters? 

new brothers or sisters Helen? whats this you're planning?  :evillaugh:
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Millys Mum on June 09, 2008, 23:11:44 PM
Yes you should get 2 girls  :naughty:
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on June 09, 2008, 23:24:47 PM
Quote from: Gillian (Ambercat) on June 09, 2008, 23:06:51 PM
Quote from: Tiggy's Mum - Helen on June 09, 2008, 21:01:46 PM
Do people think this bodes well for any potential new brothers or sisters? 

new brothers or sisters Helen? whats this you're planning?  :evillaugh:

I wish!  Definitely can't afford any more at the moment but just thinking for the future.  It would be nice to know they are cat friendly  :)
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Desley (booktigger) on June 10, 2008, 08:10:21 AM
Gauging their reaction in a cattery isn't an indication as to how they will accept a cat in their house Helen.
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Dawn F on June 10, 2008, 08:59:39 AM
at the blue cross I volunteer cats are allowed in the corridor when we clean the pens, the doors are clear and they can see the inhabitants of the other pens, some play footsie under the door and some run a mile - I know the staff always look on the footsie players as ones who will be good with other cats
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Tiggy's Mum on June 10, 2008, 10:25:18 AM
Aww, how sweet  :) There were no gaps so no footsie going on!

I guess Desley is right, even if it was a positive sign it still wouldn't mean they would accept intruders into their home.  Will just have to wait and see, maybe one day...
Title: Re: Reactions to other cats in rescue pens or at catteries?
Post by: Dawn F on June 10, 2008, 10:58:12 AM
just for the record its only a tiny tiny gap, they are very germ aware!