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- Mar 27, 2019
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Hi all! Long time reader, first time poster. I apologize in advance for the long-winded post.
I have a resident cat, Juliet, who is approximately 10 months old and I'm working on introducing almost-two-year-old Marta. Both cats are very playful, affectionate toward humans, and have similar energy levels—so I thought they might be a good match. I've read up on slow introductions and gotten as many tips from friends (as well as the internet) and that's what we've been working on for the last two weeks.
Week one went swimmingly.
Marta spend her time in the bathroom while Juliet had her normal run of the apartment. I fed them on opposite sides of the door and played with them in those spots also. The first two days or so, Marta (new kitty) would occasionally hiss at the door if she heard Juliet—or if Juliet would get ballsy and put her paws under. They shared swapped beds and toys and had no problems.
The hissing had stopped and all seemed well, so we transitioned to swapping their spots daily for three days. Then, we switched to having baby gates up in the doorway. Three of them, covering the entire entry. (Both gals found ways to get out otherwise.) Marta would occasionally hiss or growl but never showed any other signs of aggression. Juliet has shown no signs of aggression or dominance the entire time, despite being the resident cat.
They were comfortable eating at the baby gate together and would welcome blankets rubbed on each other. In fact, Marta would act excited and rub all over Juliet's scented objects. In fact, they both happily welcome a brush that was just used by the other. On top of that, they've been using each other's boxes. So, we transitioned to letting them be in apartment together. Marta continues to hiss any time Juliet gets near her. I may be wrong, but I think Juliet just wants a friend and does not understand personal space or the idea that a newcomer needs time to adjust.
Should I start the process over again? I'm confused as to why they clearly have no issue with each others scents, yet Marta continues acts aggressive. I understand it's still early in the game and introductions can sometimes take a long time. I just don't want to cause any permanent social damage as a relationship or to the individuals themselves!
I thought for sure this would've been the other way around, with Juliet not accepting someone new in her domain.
Here's a video. Juliet, the tabby is the resident kitty. Marta, the grey tuxy on the condo, is the new kitty.
I have a resident cat, Juliet, who is approximately 10 months old and I'm working on introducing almost-two-year-old Marta. Both cats are very playful, affectionate toward humans, and have similar energy levels—so I thought they might be a good match. I've read up on slow introductions and gotten as many tips from friends (as well as the internet) and that's what we've been working on for the last two weeks.
Week one went swimmingly.
Marta spend her time in the bathroom while Juliet had her normal run of the apartment. I fed them on opposite sides of the door and played with them in those spots also. The first two days or so, Marta (new kitty) would occasionally hiss at the door if she heard Juliet—or if Juliet would get ballsy and put her paws under. They shared swapped beds and toys and had no problems.
The hissing had stopped and all seemed well, so we transitioned to swapping their spots daily for three days. Then, we switched to having baby gates up in the doorway. Three of them, covering the entire entry. (Both gals found ways to get out otherwise.) Marta would occasionally hiss or growl but never showed any other signs of aggression. Juliet has shown no signs of aggression or dominance the entire time, despite being the resident cat.
They were comfortable eating at the baby gate together and would welcome blankets rubbed on each other. In fact, Marta would act excited and rub all over Juliet's scented objects. In fact, they both happily welcome a brush that was just used by the other. On top of that, they've been using each other's boxes. So, we transitioned to letting them be in apartment together. Marta continues to hiss any time Juliet gets near her. I may be wrong, but I think Juliet just wants a friend and does not understand personal space or the idea that a newcomer needs time to adjust.
Should I start the process over again? I'm confused as to why they clearly have no issue with each others scents, yet Marta continues acts aggressive. I understand it's still early in the game and introductions can sometimes take a long time. I just don't want to cause any permanent social damage as a relationship or to the individuals themselves!
I thought for sure this would've been the other way around, with Juliet not accepting someone new in her domain.
Here's a video. Juliet, the tabby is the resident kitty. Marta, the grey tuxy on the condo, is the new kitty.