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Essential Oils and Cats

To put it in very simplified, not-technical terms: Many of the compounds in essential oils are rapidly absorbed orally, through the skin, and through inhalation, by a cat. These are then metabolized in the liver. Cats are known to be deficient in their ability to metabolize and eliminate certain compounds. Lack of this important ability may result in slower elimination and thus build up of the toxic compounds in the body, thus causing liver damage. The development of liver damage can be a slow process without any visible symptoms. Use extreme caution when using essential oils around cats. Never use undiluted oils directly on cats. If using oils in aromatherapy make sure the cat can leave the room freely to get fresh air if he needs to.

http://www.thelavendercat.com/3201/index.html

http://www.thelavendercat.com/3522.html

I would certainly begin using Feliway when you bring the little Rex home. Feliway helps reduce anxiety in cats and contains pheromones from the cat's face. Pheromones are chemicals, which are used to communicate with other members of the same species. Cats rubs their faces and chins on vertical surfaces. They are leaving a scent there, which contains these pheromones. The pheromones from the face have a calming effect on other cats. When Feliway is sprayed onto multiple vertical surfaces, the cat receives this calming effect.

Make sure that you make very slow introductions, but sometimes you may have to start off by confining the new cat (not your Tonk - after all, he/she is the resident cat) to a room with his own litter and water for a while. Allow your resident cat access to the rest of your house. By doing this, you provide a separate territory for each cat, and both cats have the opportunity to adapt to the smell and sounds of each other, without the possibility of direct contact or physical confrontation.

When Rex becomes more comfortable and shows no more fear or anxiety, then I would suggest letting him out for short periods of supervised exercise and play with Tonk. Be sure to reward each cat with treats during this time. In the meantime, don't give either cat treat - reserve the treats only during this reintroduction time. They will focus more on the prospect of the treat than each other.

Initially, you may want to place each cat in his own carrier that has mesh or wire openings (such as a carrying cage), or if one or both are harness/leash trained, try the leash, keeping them at safe distances from each other. The next time you have them out for a supervised exercise, put them in the opposite cage, so that they can smell each others' scents. Continue rewarding each session with treats. Gradually move the cages closer together.

When the cats are comfortable being in either cage when close together, keep one cat in the cage and let the other out during feeding. Reverse the situation at the next session. Last of all, increase the distance with both cats out of their cages. You may want to use a harness and leash at this time, even if they aren't trained to walk on a leash, as a precautionary measure against attacking each other. Gradually feed them closer together until the cats can eat in each other's presence.

You may also want to use interactive toys during these reintro sessions. These are the toys that are the wand or fishing pole type with feathers, catnip mouse, etc. on the end of the line for chasing and pouncing. At first, keep the cats away from each other, then gradually let them play with the toy together.

Here is a link for cat to cat introductions:

http://www.sniksnak.com/cathealth/aggression4.html

Please keep us updated and do tell us more about them. Good luck!