Getting two kitties to like (at least tolerate) each other.

[Fenfen]

For the past 7 years I've had only one cat, a black maine coon/norwegian forest cat/siberian cat look alike who is absolutely anti-social, takes long to get used to new people and absolutely despises change. I saved her from a shelter as a kitten since no one else wanted her due to her extremely scared personality, malnourishment and not in your face kitten'ess.

Yesterday, my aunt and I rescued a homeless cat who is very much domesticated (came charging ignoring us as soon as she heard the can of food open) and is in a horrible state, extremely malnourished, I'm guessing rather traumatized and extremely latchy. I am planning on helping her recover and hopefully keeping her. She seems extremely excited to meet my other cat, but unfortunately Bell isn't returning the enthusiasm. Does anyone have any tips as to how I could get Bell to at least tolerate the love that Tinker(or Scraps) is trying to give to her?
(both are females)


I have already heard some tips about getting them used to each others scent, or making both their scent the same with cooking vanilla, having their food bowls on either side of the same door and just letting time take its course.
But I feel really bad about leaving Tinker alone in that one room and don't know what I can do to make her not feel as lonely cause she seems to get extremely jittery if left alone.

[Regina Dickerson]

It will take a while sometimes. But the first thing which is a good idea is put the new one in the bathroom for a few days until your older cat gets used to it scent and then you will have to get them in a neutral room(which you think will be)and introduce them and stay with them a few days. Your older cat will hiss probably many times before getting used to the new one. You will need to pay more attention to your older one(the one you had the longest) so she won't fear that her position has been taken over. Sometimes it takes awhile. Just be patience and with hope she will begin to tolerate her. Don't be surprise if your new cat gets close to your old one Your older one may hiss at or try to attack her.
They will need to understand each position the cats have until they both understand each other. Again, it may take a while. Hope this helps. There maybe other ideas that other people might have.