Fought with cat, how intro?

[Becker1116]

Hi! My bun Hades lives in my room with the door shut. He just got neutered less than a week ago and is recovering well. But today the house cat, Maddie, pushed open my door (first time she’s ever done this) and I guess went in to have a look around. I don’t think she expected to find anyone in there. I heard her and Hades growling at each other from my WFH office in the basement. Ran upstairs and got her out of there. She was scared and yowling, he was scared and thumping, but they both seem to be unharmed. No serious injuries (or even any scratches) from what I can tell so far. (I’ll be continuing to monitor that.)

I was planning to introduce them in a couple weeks, once some of Hades’ more territorial hormones leave his system. I was planning to bring him out into a shared space (not his territory) and have him in his carrier zipped shut, at first, so they can sniff each other. And then provide a wide area with plenty of hidey holes for him to dart into as needed, once I unzip the carrier. And supervision.

Obviously their spat throws a wrench in the works. Now they’re no doubt pretty wary of each other. I don’t think either of them were looking for a fight – I think they surprised each other and both reacted out of fear. I’m just not sure how to go about introducing them, now. Stick with the plan? Opt not to introduce them at all? Introduce them sooner so they don’t each sit around on edge, thinking there’s an intruder afoot?

Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank you!

Becker & Hades

[Willowsanimalworld]

I would not even try to introduce them after that, for one, its never a good idea to introduce a rabbit and a cat. Just make sure you close your door and you should be fine. hope this helps!

 

[Becker1116]

@willowsanimalworld thank you for your reply!

I introduced my previous bunny successfully to a few cats. During her lifetime she was good friends with several dogs and several cats. So, it’s definitely a possibility to introduce them successfully.

Persephone (my previous bun) was smaller, but in this case it might be pertinent for me to add that Hades (my current bun) is a New Zealand, and currently weighs 8 lbs at 6 months old. And still growing. He weighs more than Maddie (the cat) and is slightly larger than her. Certainly heftier in terms of muscle, as well. He seemed pretty unperturbed after their scuffle, whereas she was spooked and yowling……. I get the feeling he kicked her ass. Haha.

For now I’ll give the zipped up carrier tactic a try in a few weeks once the hormones have settled in his system (and they’ve forgotten their scuffle) and see how that goes. They will both be safe and supervised. If I learn anything interesting I’ll share here!

Becker & Hades (also Maddie)

[DanaNM]

It sounds like they mostly just scared each other but didn’t actually fight? To me that sounds like it’s not the end of the world. I would be more concerned if your cat had a very strong prey drive and had attacked him.

I think waiting till Hades is less territorial is a good move. This will also allow more time to sniff each other through the door.

For the introductions, I would do it at a time of day when everyone is sleepy and full of food (so maybe mid-day?). I think picking a large room and adding some hides would be good. Then I would place bun and cat on opposite sides of the room (with lots of escape routes), and just let them slowly check each other out. Would be good to have a spray bottle handy if your cat gets feisty. I think having one animal in the carrier might make that animal feel trapped.

Cats and rabbits are usually fine together, but some need supervision if the cat can get rambunctious, of if the bunny bullies the cat (which is very common!).

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[LBJ10]

I agree with Dana. I wouldn’t be too worried, especially since he’s a bigger bunny. They just need some time to calm down and also for his hormones to settle.

[Willowsanimalworld]

That is great! I had no idea hat you cats and dogs have been introduced to them previously… my dog on the other hand is afraid of my rabbits! I don’t know why, but he just is. Good luck bonding your cat and rabbit! 🙂

[pinkiemarie]

I have to disagree that cats and rabbits should not be introduced because I have 3 of each in my house and we’re doing fine. That said, depending on your cat’s personality she may need a lot of training. Introduce their scent to each other now so it isn’t so shocking later. No unsupervised time until the cat is trained and trustworthy. Spray bottles are your friends, and at my house we have a rule that cats may never hit bunnies but bunnies may always defend themselves (this is luckily not an issue but occasionally was while the cats were training with them).

[DanaNM]

Totally agree Pinkiemarie! My cat is never allowed to lay a paw on the buns (squirt bottle is essential) but they are definitely allowed to boss him around if he gets in their space!

I also have to be aware of the types of hides I give them and where I put them. At one point I got a hide for the buns but my cat just saw it as a perfect place to hide and pounce on them. 🙄

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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