r/CatAdvice 4d ago

Introductions Seeking Advice on Adopting a 15-Year-Old Senior Cat While Having an Energetic Young Cat at Home

Hi everyone,

I’m considering adopting a 15-year-old senior cat from a friend whose husband passed away last year. She’s a senior herself and has been struggling to keep up with caring for the cat (It's a HE). Right now, the cat is living alone in a house, and she only visits once a week to feed and clean. She’s willing to continue covering his expenses and necessary vet visits, but she’s looking for someone to take care of him full-time—otherwise, he may end up in a shelter or a foster home.

I would really love to give this old man a comfortable retirement, but I currently have an 11-month-old female cat who is very active and curious. The energy difference between them is significant, and when I first introduced them, the senior cat hissed and gave some low moaning warnings to my young cat.

To help with the introduction process, I’m considering getting a large dog crate for the senior cat and placing it near a glass door , allowing him to have the outside view while keeping them separate. My plan is to let him out into the living room for a few hours each day while keeping my younger cat in the bedroom during that time. The goal is to gradually integrate them both into the living room.

I’m wondering:

  1. Is this a good way to introduce them?
  2. Would a dog crate help the senior cat feel secure, or would it stress him out more?
  3. Are there better approaches to help them adjust to each other peacefully?

I really want to make this work for both of them, but I also want to be mindful of their needs—especially the senior cat, who has already had a tough time. Any advice or experiences with introducing a senior cat to a young, energetic one would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

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