we just got a Maine Coon type cat a few weeks ago. He seems to hate our other animals (dogs & cats both), hissing nonstop until he loses his voice. Currently we are keeping him separated from the others, trying to introduce him gradually, but thus far no change. I'd welcome any suggestions. Also, is it normal for MCs to follow so close at your feet? Is a waddle normal when they walk?

-- Anonymous, December 01, 1998

Answers

My MC is 8 months old. He adjusted well with my other 2 cats, within a day or two. My mc follows me around all the time. He also scoots away if my husband or myself try to pick him up.

He probably feel safe around you. Maybe give him a little more attention, he might just take a little longer to get use to your other animals. Just be patient, just keep on doing, introducing them gradually.

Let me know how it goes.

-- Anonymous, December 28, 1998

My Mc is 5 months old and we have a Beagle who is quite curious. In order to avoid making the cat even more uneasy, we have separated them for about one month, giving them partial contact at first introduction. In the months time the cat has become far more curageous but still growls and hisses at the dog. There is marked improvement, however. Keep up the positive attention and supervised visits and let me know how it goes if you have time!

-- Anonymous, March 16, 1999

I have an eleven month old neutered male that we got at 6 weeks. he walked up to my 2 year old Lhasa Apso, on first introduction, wrapped his four feet around Taz's leg, inserted all claws and said "OK, Dog, let's go for a ride". He has ruled the roost ever since and my dominant, bossy little Tazzie is his best buddy. they wrestle on the floor in the evening, just one big ball of fur and it's hard to tell where Taz ends and Tat starts. Tat leaves my 15 year old Lhasa Apso, Boomer alone, howevever, because Boomer is old and cranky and NOT playful, in fact he hates Tat as much as Taz likes him.

-- Anonymous, May 25, 1999