Yesterday while I was getting ready for bed, I heard a cat cry, so doing what I knew most of you would I went out to investigate. I opened the door and there was a thin ginger cat just outside, I live on a 3rd floor and don´t really know my neighbours. Meanwhile the cat was trying to get into the house and he ventured into the hall, Merlin bristled and came forward and the newcomer backed out a bit. So not knowing if he was a very clever stray or he belonged to one of my neighbours I put him a plate with a tin of food outside and got ready to search for his owner. To all this, Merlin had to be taken out hissing. When I went out he followed me rubbing himself against my legs while I rang diff bells. he belonged to my neighbour who was surprised at how he got out. When I got back home, Merlin was very restless, he kept looking everywhere and smelling everything. I don´t think he´d take well to another cat, especially as he has always been on his own.

You have to remember that to him, this cat was invading his territory. Most cats react like this to a newcomer which is why a gradual introduction of a new cat is recommended rather than just opening the carrier, plonking them in the house and hoping everything works out. Most cats will get along with another if introductions are done propperly.

I was surprised to see how he quickly reacted.