You tried to introduce the cats *much* too quickly.  If you ever decide to
adopt another cat, please ask for advice here first.  There is a lot of
material available on how to successfully bring a new cat into the
household, but it takes time and patience -- you cannot simply put the two
cats together and expect it to work.

As to your current problem, I do think you should consult a vet.  My guess
is that your cat is still undergoing stress induced by being confronted with
the new cat (and possibly the loss of the former companion cat).  Frequent
swallowing can be a sign of stress, but it is important *first* to rule out
any medical problems because there are a variety health-related issues that
can be related to this sympton.

Also:  Buy several feliway plug-in diffusers and position them around the
house.  Feliway is used for behavior modification and can be very useful in
reducing stress. It is available in plug-in diffusers (with refills
available) and as a spray. I used the plug-ins when I brought a new cat into
my household and wanted to introduce him to my resident cat. The spray is
excellent for an occasional use, such as spraying the carrier about 20
minutes before you take your cat to the vet, but the plug-in diffuser is
better for long-term use because it releases premeasured doses. Refills can
be purchased for the dispenser. One bottle lasts a little more than a month.
I bought mine from ValleyVet (www.valleyvet.com). The last time I checked,
the diffuser plus one bottle of feliway sold for $24.95 ; the refill was
$14.95; and feliway spray was $15.95. Shipping is free. Be careful *not* to
order Feliway with D.A.P. because that formulation is for dogs.  I have also
seen references to www.petguys.com.  They had the plug-in dispenser and one
bottle on sale for $20.99 (but I haven't checked their site recently).

MaryL
(take out the litter to reply)

Photos of Duffy and Holly:      >'o'<
http://tinyurl.com/8y54 (Introducing Duffy to Holly)
http://tinyurl.com/8y56 (Duffy and Holly "settle in")

A good and decent try on your behalf has netted no results. Don't be
too down on yourself. We went thru the exact same thing a few years
back. The best thing we ever did (even though it was painful) was to
rid ourselevs of the newcomer. I had to make the decision ... before
the little lady got too attracted to her. But it was the best thing we
ever did, cat-wise. Our existing cat (a male) quickly returned to his
old self. I argued that not only should we have been concerned with
the new cat's well-being (what might have befallen her by putting her
back outside), but that we owed an equal something to our original
cat.. we owed him a NORMAL LIFE. Without all the bad-azzing and all
the fear (he was a wimp ... what can I say?).
Now, all as is as it was. And we have gained a good outside cat who
is there every day for us, waiting for us to come home (plus, we have
our boy back like he was before).

                              IBen G.
                             IBen G.