New Cat/ Food Issues

[on:]

I just introduced a new young cat into my one-cat household. After just three days they were playing, cuddling, sharing the litterbox and water dishes, etc. Things are going well, except for the food!

I wanted to introduce the new cat (was on some kinda cat chow) to the food we use (Iams dry) gradually, but the problem is whenever I put the new cat's old food down, my established cat comes and gobbles it all up, he likes it a lot. He's putting on weight, and I can't even tell if my new cat is eating, since I hardly see him do so.

Should I withold food until they're both really hungry, then put it down so they eat right away? Should I toss the cat chow and just feed Iams and hope my new cat adjusts easily?

New cat was used to being free-fed, my cat got fed morn/night just about as much as he would eat in a sitting. He always clamoured at feeding time, but now he doesn't even seem interested so I'm pretty sure he's been eating up new-cat's food whenever it's down. I did try separating them and feeding new cat in the room that was his introduction room, w/door shut so my cat wouldn't interrupt him, but he wouldn't eat, just cry at the door to get out.

Any help is appreciated!!
Thanks

[Reply #1 on:]

i guess i would try to meal feed both cats.

if the new cat ignores his meal and meows at the door, maybe you can feed him in an open room and feed the other cat in a room (if your older cat tolerates it better?) this coud work until the new cat adjusts to the meal schedule.

[Reply #2 on:]

Thanks. I actually tried that last night; fed the new cat in the kitchen and shut the old cat in the room, and it did work better.

[Reply #3 on:]

yay, i'm glad to hear that

[Reply #4 on:]

I might also help to gradually begin feeding them in the same room, but in two seperate dishes on opposite sides. This way your new kitty has a chance to eat before the established kitty gobbles it all down