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Beyond Confused

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Hey there!

"Now, we'll have to watch that he doesn't get too "amped" up and get too much energy ." Nah...Duncan loves chasing the laser, but once the laser is put away, he is right back to normal. He doesn't get wild with anything, I don't think.

Regarding the rx wet food: "Is it ok for Indy to have? Just ask the vet as I don't know if it is prescription, etc. " Oh yeah - it's just a bland diet. I asked my vet at Indy's appt yesterday, and she was good with him being on the same diet. The canned food is just the wet version of the dry that Duncan eats.

"One of our rituals in the morning is that I pick him up (which he loves first thing in the morning), and we go around, opening the blinds and windows. He had just walked by the bathroom a minute or so before I went to pick him up. When I picked him up, he started meowing and trying to get down." - It may be that he felt it wasn't on his terms. But I am not worried. (Yeah, that's what I was thinking. He's been back and forth in front of that door so many times since I wrote that, and not one hiss. So he's definitely fine if he goes on his own.)

I went in and played with Indy a couple times this morning, probably 15-20 minutes each time. He loves the fishing pole toys!
Duncan is currently sleeping (and snoring) in one of his cat tree boxes, so he's as happy as he can be right now. I was making breakfast a little bit ago, and he was in the kitchen with me and didn't pay much attention to the bathroom door.

I think that's where we are right now. I will also note that, when I come from playing with Indy, even if I haven't had a chance to wash my hands, Duncan is just fine. It's as if he's saying, "OK...my turn!" :)
 

calicosrspecial

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Hey there!

"Now, we'll have to watch that he doesn't get too "amped" up and get too much energy ." Nah...Duncan loves chasing the laser, but once the laser is put away, he is right back to normal. He doesn't get wild with anything, I don't think.

Regarding the rx wet food: "Is it ok for Indy to have? Just ask the vet as I don't know if it is prescription, etc. " Oh yeah - it's just a bland diet. I asked my vet at Indy's appt yesterday, and she was good with him being on the same diet. The canned food is just the wet version of the dry that Duncan eats.

"One of our rituals in the morning is that I pick him up (which he loves first thing in the morning), and we go around, opening the blinds and windows. He had just walked by the bathroom a minute or so before I went to pick him up. When I picked him up, he started meowing and trying to get down." - It may be that he felt it wasn't on his terms. But I am not worried. (Yeah, that's what I was thinking. He's been back and forth in front of that door so many times since I wrote that, and not one hiss. So he's definitely fine if he goes on his own.)

I went in and played with Indy a couple times this morning, probably 15-20 minutes each time. He loves the fishing pole toys!
Duncan is currently sleeping (and snoring) in one of his cat tree boxes, so he's as happy as he can be right now. I was making breakfast a little bit ago, and he was in the kitchen with me and didn't pay much attention to the bathroom door.

I think that's where we are right now. I will also note that, when I come from playing with Indy, even if I haven't had a chance to wash my hands, Duncan is just fine. It's as if he's saying, "OK...my turn!" :)
""Now, we'll have to watch that he doesn't get too "amped" up and get too much energy ." Nah...Duncan loves chasing the laser, but once the laser is put away, he is right back to normal. He doesn't get wild with anything, I don't think." - Perfect. That is very good and helpful.

"Regarding the rx wet food: "Is it ok for Indy to have? Just ask the vet as I don't know if it is prescription, etc. " Oh yeah - it's just a bland diet. I asked my vet at Indy's appt yesterday, and she was good with him being on the same diet. The canned food is just the wet version of the dry that Duncan eats." - GREAT!!! We will definitely be using this then. The fact it it good for Duncan is the most important thing. So it is good for him, he likes it, and it can be used to create a positive association. Perfect. Hopefully Indy still likes it over time so we don't waste it.........

"One of our rituals in the morning is that I pick him up (which he loves first thing in the morning), and we go around, opening the blinds and windows. He had just walked by the bathroom a minute or so before I went to pick him up. When I picked him up, he started meowing and trying to get down." - It may be that he felt it wasn't on his terms. But I am not worried. (Yeah, that's what I was thinking. He's been back and forth in front of that door so many times since I wrote that, and not one hiss. So he's definitely fine if he goes on his own.)" - Agreed.

"I went in and played with Indy a couple times this morning, probably 15-20 minutes each time. He loves the fishing pole toys!" - Perfect. Play is a great in so many ways.

"Duncan is currently sleeping (and snoring) in one of his cat tree boxes, so he's as happy as he can be right now." - Perfect, GREAT to hear!! He seems to be adjusting surprisingly well. You are doing a great job!!

"I was making breakfast a little bit ago, and he was in the kitchen with me and didn't pay much attention to the bathroom door." - Perfect. Exactly what we want to see.

"I think that's where we are right now." - Great. I am really, really happy where we are now. MUCH better than I would have expected. Let's keep up the great work.

"I will also note that, when I come from playing with Indy, even if I haven't had a chance to wash my hands, Duncan is just fine. It's as if he's saying, "OK...my turn!" :) " - Good, some scent swapping. Positive association with Indy's scent. That is exactly what we want to achieve. So Duncan smells Indy and has a good encounter with mom and has positive association. Indy scent = something positive. Exactly what we want. Great job!!

Keep up the great work.
 

Beyond Confused

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By asking this, I'm not trying to push it, but I don't want to keep reporting on the same occurrences. At what point will i know it's safe to start on with the next step, and what is the next step?

I did just put Duncan's food (free feeding) back in its normal place. When I put it down later after his meds, I'll move it a little closer to the bathroom again. He's been responding well so far to it being down there on the floor (and close to the bathroom).
 

calicosrspecial

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By asking this, I'm not trying to push it, but I don't want to keep reporting on the same occurrences. At what point will i know it's safe to start on with the next step, and what is the next step?

I did just put Duncan's food (free feeding) back in its normal place. When I put it down later after his meds, I'll move it a little closer to the bathroom again. He's been responding well so far to it being down there on the floor (and close to the bathroom).
The next step will be formal scent swapping. So we'll want to get Indy's scent on an old shirt and have it around where Duncan is most confident and then give love, feed, etc with that old shirt around. And watch the response from Duncan. And vice versa, getting Duncan's scent on an old shirt and having it around Indy.

We also, want to continue feeding by the door. Ideally slowly moving the bowl closer to the door and reassuring to make it as positive as possible. So distracting Duncan if he is focusing on what is behind the door.

Now for feeding it can either be his free feeding bowl or we could use the wet food "treat" inside leaving his free feed bowl in the original place. It really depends on how well and how accepting Duncan is to moving his bowl (so far it sounds like Duncan is accepting it well but we need to monitor).

We will need to think a few steps forward as well and if financially possible we will need some baby gates for the bathroom door to allow for some visual contact when appropriate. We'll put baby gates and then hang a blanket or sheet and allow some visual. Then when done we'll take the baby gates down and close the door.

We'll stay in this phase for probably the next 2 weeks or so (in a week do the formal scent swapping).

I hope that helps a little.

It is really all about Duncan. Getting him to trust and then accept. That is the way it always is since it is the resident cat's territory that is being "invaded" which causes insecurity and issues.

Let me know if you have any questions. Hopefully that helps you understand the roadmap a bit.
 

Beyond Confused

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Yeah, my parents have baby gates, so I'll get theirs. I had 3 of them with that last kitty I tried to bring home, but now I can't find them. I may have sold them in a garage sale. I'll start checking around.
 

calicosrspecial

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Yeah, my parents have baby gates, so I'll get theirs. I had 3 of them with that last kitty I tried to bring home, but now I can't find them. I may have sold them in a garage sale. I'll start checking around.
Great. We'll probably need them in about 2 weeks or so. So a little time. Great that you can get a hold of some instead of purchasing.
 

Beyond Confused

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I know I didn't want to keep giving updates if I didn't have anything specific to say, but...
I just got done taking a shower in the bathroom that Indy is staying in. He was cool when I was in there, but as soon as I left, he started screaming his little head off. Well, Duncan was trailing behind me in the hall when the first bit of bellowing started. He stopped in his tracks, whipped his head around, and looked at the door, NO HISSING! He hasn't hissed all day, that I've heard, and he's been by that door a lot. He ate near there again tonight, too, and he was golden.

But yeah, Indy screaming and Duncan not hissing or showing aggression is what I really wanted to mention. :yess:
 

calicosrspecial

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I know I didn't want to keep giving updates if I didn't have anything specific to say, but...
I just got done taking a shower in the bathroom that Indy is staying in. He was cool when I was in there, but as soon as I left, he started screaming his little head off. Well, Duncan was trailing behind me in the hall when the first bit of bellowing started. He stopped in his tracks, whipped his head around, and looked at the door, NO HISSING! He hasn't hissed all day, that I've heard, and he's been by that door a lot. He ate near there again tonight, too, and he was golden.

But yeah, Indy screaming and Duncan not hissing or showing aggression is what I really wanted to mention. :yess:
This update is worth it!!

I just got done taking a shower in the bathroom that Indy is staying in.

"He was cool when I was in there" - THAT is impressive on its own.

" but as soon as I left, he started screaming his little head off. Well, Duncan was trailing behind me in the hall when the first bit of bellowing started. He stopped in his tracks, whipped his head around, and looked at the door, NO HISSING!" - THAT is amazing. Would not have expected that. I would have expected Duncan to get a bit aggressive. Good sign but w need to see continued positives like this.

"He hasn't hissed all day, that I've heard, and he's been by that door a lot. He ate near there again tonight, too, and he was golden." - This is really good. Eating there = positive association. And hanging out there with only positivity = great. I am so proud of you, Duncan and Indy. Keep up the great work!!!

'But yeah, Indy screaming and Duncan not hissing or showing aggression is what I really wanted to mention" - Agreed!! I am glad you did. Breaking your "rule" is a good thing. I am honestly surprised at Duncan's response. But in a very good way. I am impressed.

Indy is neutered, correct?

Keep doing what you are doing. SO far things are going much better than expected. Let's keep it up. Keep feeding, building confidence, and making the "encounters" as positive as possible. Still no visual for a while.

Keep up the great work and thank you for the update!!
 

Beyond Confused

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Yes, Indy is fixed and healed.

Duncan did let out a little hiss, but I can't remember if it was this morning or late last night. 99.9% of the time, though, he had either just walked by or sat outside without incident.

I got up to go to the bathroom around 2:30 this morning. I used a different bathroom, but Indy heard me up, so he started meowing, loudly. Duncan had been sleeping with me, but he got up when I did. When I crawled back into bed, Duncan partially followed me, but then he stopped, sat halfway between the bed and the bathroom. There was no hissing. It was if he was torn between exploring the meowing and coming back to bed. He eventually came back, and everything calmed down in the bathroom.
 

calicosrspecial

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Yes, Indy is fixed and healed.

Duncan did let out a little hiss, but I can't remember if it was this morning or late last night. 99.9% of the time, though, he had either just walked by or sat outside without incident.

I got up to go to the bathroom around 2:30 this morning. I used a different bathroom, but Indy heard me up, so he started meowing, loudly. Duncan had been sleeping with me, but he got up when I did. When I crawled back into bed, Duncan partially followed me, but then he stopped, sat halfway between the bed and the bathroom. There was no hissing. It was if he was torn between exploring the meowing and coming back to bed. He eventually came back, and everything calmed down in the bathroom.
Great on Indy being fixed.

"Duncan did let out a little hiss, but I can't remember if it was this morning or late last night." - That is fine, totally normal. Hissing is communication so the fact nothing negative happened after the hiss would suggest in Duncan's mind that it was communicated and respected. Which is great. So really, what is more important is what happens after the hiss and then any change in behavior (or fast rebound to normal).

"99.9% of the time, though, he had either just walked by or sat outside without incident." - That is very good. The more encounters were nothing negative happens is a positive. It is really all about building positives and trust so that the cat gets to know that "they know that cat and nothing bad happens".

"I used a different bathroom, but Indy heard me up, so he started meowing, loudly." - Totally normal and expected.

"Duncan had been sleeping with me, but he got up when I did." - Totally normal and expected that he would get up as well especially with the meowing.

"When I crawled back into bed, Duncan partially followed me, but then he stopped, sat halfway between the bed and the bathroom. There was no hissing. It was if he was torn between exploring the meowing and coming back to bed. He eventually came back, and everything calmed down in the bathroom." - And this is really important and good. He knows Indy is there but he isn't fearful, doesn't feel the need to defend his territory. And then he chooses to chose you and the bed over the cat meowing. :yess: :clap2: And everything is good, everything normal, no change. So that new cat doesn't make life worse, it is as good as ever. It highlights Duncan's confidence. Really positive.

When we eventually get to visual contact the one thing I will be looking for is exactly that reaction repeated. Where the cat thinks about the "intruder" and chooses something good or something else rather than the other cat.

Really great update (again).

Just keep up the great work! You and the cats are doing fantastically!!
 

Beyond Confused

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I've seen several articles that say that when a cat hisses, like in this situation where I'm trying to introduce them, that I should just ignore it and go about my business.

Duncan has been extra hissy already this morning. We woke up about 30 minutes ago. Once Indy heard us up and about, he started yelling from the bathroom. Duncan has been mostly parked in that general vicinity, and when Indy gets extra riled up, Duncan lets out long hisses, and Indy settles down for a couple minutes. He starts again, and then Duncan hisses again. Rinse and repeat. I've been ignoring it because I'm thinking this is Duncan letting lil bite know that this is his house and they play by his rules.

I've also been watching his tail last night and this morning, as well. (For the past 3 days) His tail had been low and slightly swishy every time he was at the door, but now, I'd say that more and more, his tail is moving higher and less swishy. Last night, even, when we walked through the hallway a few times, he was walking through that area with his tail held high.

It's been 5 minutes or so since Duncan's last sound off, and he's sitting next to me, getting brushed and purring. Indy is silent in the bathroom.

I need to get Duncan's meds, and in 30 minutes, I'll be ready to put their food down. Right after that, I'll play with Indy for a bit.

I'm going to try more of a scheduled feeding situation. Last night, I picked Duncan's food up at bedtime. I left a small bowl out with just enough to get him through the night, in case he needed it. I didn't want him to puke white foam. Indy also didn't have food because he downs his when I give it to him.
 

calicosrspecial

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I've seen several articles that say that when a cat hisses, like in this situation where I'm trying to introduce them, that I should just ignore it and go about my business.

Duncan has been extra hissy already this morning. We woke up about 30 minutes ago. Once Indy heard us up and about, he started yelling from the bathroom. Duncan has been mostly parked in that general vicinity, and when Indy gets extra riled up, Duncan lets out long hisses, and Indy settles down for a couple minutes. He starts again, and then Duncan hisses again. Rinse and repeat. I've been ignoring it because I'm thinking this is Duncan letting lil bite know that this is his house and they play by his rules.

I've also been watching his tail last night and this morning, as well. (For the past 3 days) His tail had been low and slightly swishy every time he was at the door, but now, I'd say that more and more, his tail is moving higher and less swishy. Last night, even, when we walked through the hallway a few times, he was walking through that area with his tail held high.

It's been 5 minutes or so since Duncan's last sound off, and he's sitting next to me, getting brushed and purring. Indy is silent in the bathroom.

I need to get Duncan's meds, and in 30 minutes, I'll be ready to put their food down. Right after that, I'll play with Indy for a bit.

I'm going to try more of a scheduled feeding situation. Last night, I picked Duncan's food up at bedtime. I left a small bowl out with just enough to get him through the night, in case he needed it. I didn't want him to puke white foam. Indy also didn't have food because he downs his when I give it to him.
"I've seen several articles that say that when a cat hisses, like in this situation where I'm trying to introduce them, that I should just ignore it and go about my business." - Yes, some do believe that. I think these things are more art than science. I think there are principles but no real rules. In other words, whatever works is the right answer. I personally tend to intervene to turn that communication into a positive as I believe positivity leads to more confidence, trust and therefore success. I believe anytime we can change the course and avoid a negative then it builds that trust and confidence. So I intervene BUT to a more positive result. And if a cat looks away from a potential "threat" and nothing bad happens then it reinforces that positive. I am sure others have had success with their methods. And of course, the human has to believe in it and therefore be more calm and confident and trusting as cats take on the humans emotions.

"Duncan has been extra hissy already this morning." - Totally normal, happens all the time.

"We woke up about 30 minutes ago. Once Indy heard us up and about, he started yelling from the bathroom. Duncan has been mostly parked in that general vicinity, and when Indy gets extra riled up, Duncan lets out long hisses, and Indy settles down for a couple minutes. He starts again, and then Duncan hisses again. Rinse and repeat. I've been ignoring it because I'm thinking this is Duncan letting lil bite know that this is his house and they play by his rules." - You bring up a very important part. Duncan IS doing his part in the intro process. Communicating to Indy to "watch it" and "don't think about it". It is VERY GOOD that Indy seems to be getting the message (though it may not last long). That is part of the process. Now, what I do is I do intervene and reassure the communicating cat that "everything is ok". To let them know that that other cat is not a threat, that everything is ok, normal, just fine. So I tend to reassure,try to turn it into a positive. Now some people think that is "rewarding" which I don't necessary buy into. I view it as avoiding negativity which is a positive.

"I've also been watching his tail last night and this morning, as well. (For the past 3 days) His tail had been low and slightly swishy every time he was at the door, but now, I'd say that more and more, his tail is moving higher and less swishy. Last night, even, when we walked through the hallway a few times, he was walking through that area with his tail held high." - EXCELLENT on two fronts. The first that you are watching the body language which tells us a lot. Great job!! The second that he is acting more confident. And a more confident cat is more likely to accept and be accepted. So THAT is a great sign. That Duncan is feeling more confident and secure with that "intruder" on the other side of the door. That he doesn't fear being under threat.

"It's been 5 minutes or so since Duncan's last sound off, and he's sitting next to me, getting brushed and purring. Indy is silent in the bathroom." - GREAT job!!! This is what I call "Love". Letting the cat know all is ok, everything is fine. Reassuring. Giving love. That everything is normal, that new cat is not a threat, there is no change to their life, life is still good, they are loved. And his purring tells me that he buys into it. GREAT job!!

"I need to get Duncan's meds, and in 30 minutes, I'll be ready to put their food down. Right after that, I'll play with Indy for a bit." - I am a bit late but exactly the right thing. Good job!!

"I'm going to try more of a scheduled feeding situation." - Ok, but just do what you think is best so that Duncan stays healthy, feels well. THAT is the most important thing. We can works around that.

"Last night, I picked Duncan's food up at bedtime. I left a small bowl out with just enough to get him through the night, in case he needed it." - Ok, again, do what you think is best for Duncan.

"I didn't want him to puke white foam." - Totally agree. We want him feeling well. An unwell cat has a more difficult time adjusting. We don;t want to add any stress if at all possible.

"Indy also didn't have food because he downs his when I give it to him." - That is fine. We don't want him overeating.

Remember food is just one part of the process and we can work around any limitations. Please don't get too worried about the situations, etc. We can work around things. This is a multi-faceted approach with back-ups to support or replace areas that need reinforcement.

I am not at all worried so please don't worry. You are doing great. I deal with a lot of people that have little or no experience. Your knowledge and instincts have been really good. And to get a successful intro takes knowledge and effort/desire (which again you seem to have). It is more art than science so don't worry if we don't always go "by the book". We respond to what the cats tell us. They will let us know if we need to change tactics.

So do what is best on feeding Duncan as his health is most important. Don't feel like you have to be on a strict schedule. Whatever is best for Duncan.

I am not at all worried about Duncan hissing, as I said he is doing his part in the process.

Indy has shown every indication he will do his part.

You are doing a great job.

And I am highly confident they will be intro'd. I don't see any reason why they wouldn't.

Keep up the great work and let me know if you have any questions or need clarifications and feel free to update anytime.
 

Beyond Confused

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Good morning!

Things have been going pretty well here. Duncan walks down the hallway with ease. Sometimes his tail is up, sometimes it's halfway but curled up at the tip. He will stand outside the door sometimes, and hissing is pretty minimal. The last couple days, I have sat outside the bathroom door with him, and he's calm and happy. I have given them both a couple treats (Duncan has received one full size and 1 or 2 smaller pieces to keep from getting too many). Yesterday, Duncan waited until he downed his treats to then walk over and hiss at the door. lol

They still haven't seen each other.

I've been going in and spending time with Indy, and I haven't washed my hands when I come out. I'm sure that, in addition to Indy's smell on my hands, it's also all over my clothes since I pick him up and hug on him. Yesterday, I tried to clip his nails, which was insane, so I KNOW he was all over my clothes then. I have left there and picked Duncan up or let him smell my hands, and he's just purred. :banana1:

Today, I'm thinking about opening the bathroom door to let Indy out. I'll make sure Duncan is safely put in the bedroom first, door closed. Indy desperately needs to stretch his legs, and I desperately need to clean my one full bathroom. It's been something trying to take a shower after cleaning everything out of the tub, drying everything down, putting everything back in, stepping around litter on the floor after, etc. I'm a tad OCD, so this has been me that past few days... :runaround:

Obviously, Indy won't be allowed in the bedroom, and I'll probably lower the door on Duncan's carrier (That's Duncan's "fifth wheel," as I call it, and he loves sleeping in there.) The other place that Duncan loves to be is in the sun room, but I can't close the doors there, since this is where I work, too. I want to be able to keep a closer eye on Indy, and I wouldn't be able to do that, if I kept the doors closed.
Indy is trying to break out of the bathroom, so I don't think he'll be on sensory overload or anything like that last cat I tried to bring in. I'm thinking that it's time, but I wanted to get your opinion.

Thanks!
 

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Bless your heart!!

I personally think that swapping them as you've described will be good, although going back into the bathroom may bring about some yowling about being cooped up again :)
 

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Good morning!

Things have been going pretty well here. Duncan walks down the hallway with ease. Sometimes his tail is up, sometimes it's halfway but curled up at the tip. He will stand outside the door sometimes, and hissing is pretty minimal. The last couple days, I have sat outside the bathroom door with him, and he's calm and happy. I have given them both a couple treats (Duncan has received one full size and 1 or 2 smaller pieces to keep from getting too many). Yesterday, Duncan waited until he downed his treats to then walk over and hiss at the door. lol

They still haven't seen each other.

I've been going in and spending time with Indy, and I haven't washed my hands when I come out. I'm sure that, in addition to Indy's smell on my hands, it's also all over my clothes since I pick him up and hug on him. Yesterday, I tried to clip his nails, which was insane, so I KNOW he was all over my clothes then. I have left there and picked Duncan up or let him smell my hands, and he's just purred. :banana1:

Today, I'm thinking about opening the bathroom door to let Indy out. I'll make sure Duncan is safely put in the bedroom first, door closed. Indy desperately needs to stretch his legs, and I desperately need to clean my one full bathroom. It's been something trying to take a shower after cleaning everything out of the tub, drying everything down, putting everything back in, stepping around litter on the floor after, etc. I'm a tad OCD, so this has been me that past few days... :runaround:

Obviously, Indy won't be allowed in the bedroom, and I'll probably lower the door on Duncan's carrier (That's Duncan's "fifth wheel," as I call it, and he loves sleeping in there.) The other place that Duncan loves to be is in the sun room, but I can't close the doors there, since this is where I work, too. I want to be able to keep a closer eye on Indy, and I wouldn't be able to do that, if I kept the doors closed.
Indy is trying to break out of the bathroom, so I don't think he'll be on sensory overload or anything like that last cat I tried to bring in. I'm thinking that it's time, but I wanted to get your opinion.

Thanks!
Good morning.

"Things have been going pretty well here. Duncan walks down the hallway with ease. Sometimes his tail is up, sometimes it's halfway but curled up at the tip. He will stand outside the door sometimes, and hissing is pretty minimal." - Great. Keep watching for any changes in body language, etc.

"The last couple days, I have sat outside the bathroom door with him, and he's calm and happy." - Perfect. This is what I call "Love". And that "Love" is making a "Positive Association". Exactly what to do (as long as you are safe). GREAT job!!

"I have given them both a couple treats (Duncan has received one full size and 1 or 2 smaller pieces to keep from getting too many)." - Yes, just be careful given his health issues. Would the wet food be a healthier option since he loves it?

" Yesterday, Duncan waited until he downed his treats to then walk over and hiss at the door. lol" - Hahaha, yep, he just wanted to let Indy know not to try anything. When he stops that that will be a great sign. But that is totally normal.

"They still haven't seen each other." - Great, for now let's keep it that way.

"I've been going in and spending time with Indy, and I haven't washed my hands when I come out. I'm sure that, in addition to Indy's smell on my hands, it's also all over my clothes since I pick him up and hug on him. Yesterday, I tried to clip his nails, which was insane, so I KNOW he was all over my clothes then. I have left there and picked Duncan up or let him smell my hands, and he's just purred. :banana1: " - Perfect, you are doing scent swapping and with you making a positive association again. So Duncan smells Indy, loves you and thinks "life is good, everything is ok". That is great. Purring with indy's scent is so what we want. Positive association!!

"Today, I'm thinking about opening the bathroom door to let Indy out. I'll make sure Duncan is safely put in the bedroom first, door closed." - So as long as Duncan feels like it is positive. That he doesn't feel like he is being "constrained" into a smaller territory. That he is not having territory taken away. So if he is sleeping and not aware the door is closed that would be fine.

"Indy desperately needs to stretch his legs, and I desperately need to clean my one full bathroom. It's been something trying to take a shower after cleaning everything out of the tub, drying everything down, putting everything back in, stepping around litter on the floor after, etc. I'm a tad OCD, so this has been me that past few days... :runaround: " - Understand totally. Yes it is easier to clean if the cat is out of the bathroom. As long as Duncan is happy the it is fine. If he is having trouble then try to contain Indy somewhere since he is not as sensitive to territory loss (since he doesn't feel much ownership at this point).I hope that makes sense?

"Obviously, Indy won't be allowed in the bedroom" - GReat.

"and I'll probably lower the door on Duncan's carrier (That's Duncan's "fifth wheel," as I call it, and he loves sleeping in there.) " - I don;t think you need to. I don't want him having any negative association.

"The other place that Duncan loves to be is in the sun room, but I can't close the doors there, since this is where I work, too." - I am a little confused? If you are cleaning in the bathroom you couldn't just close the door to the sunroom when Duncan is in there? Are you afraid he might harm the computer or work papers?

"I want to be able to keep a closer eye on Indy, and I wouldn't be able to do that, if I kept the doors closed." - So you are thinking of having Indy out for a while while you are working? As long as there aren't too many places to hide, get in trouble etc then he could be out for a little while. Ideally, if he is out you should be with him a bit, maybe play with him, etc. Make sure to block off any hiding areas, watch for any breakable things, watch cords, etc.We don;t want Indy to go under something and not want to come out and go back in the bathroom. That is always an issue when we do some site swapping.

"Indy is trying to break out of the bathroom" - Yes, they do get that way.

" so I don't think he'll be on sensory overload or anything like that last cat I tried to bring in." - Well, we never know. Sometimes when the genie gets let out of the bottle it is difficult to get them back in. I am totally focused on Duncan and how he responds. Indy will be fine if all he has in the bathroom for a while. It is not perfect of course but it is best for Duncan.

"I'm thinking that it's time, but I wanted to get your opinion." - well, I think it is maybe a touch early for Duncan.BUT you have to clean. So if you think you can get Indy back in the bathroom easily then it is ok for a while. What I am worried about is Indy might be a challenge getting him back into the bathroom and it might cause some issues. Also, make sure you try to block off hiding places for Indy. AND be very careful handling him trying to get him back in. I don't want you injured in any way.

Sorry for the delay in response. Let me know what you think.
 

Beyond Confused

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"Today, I'm thinking about opening the bathroom door to let Indy out. I'll make sure Duncan is safely put in the bedroom first, door closed." - So as long as Duncan feels like it is positive. That he doesn't feel like he is being "constrained" into a smaller territory. That he is not having territory taken away. So if he is sleeping and not aware the door is closed that would be fine."

-Good point. I'll put Duncan in the bedroom a little earlier so that he'll be asleep by the time I let Indy out.

"The other place that Duncan loves to be is in the sun room, but I can't close the doors there, since this is where I work, too." - I am a little confused? If you are cleaning in the bathroom you couldn't just close the door to the sunroom when Duncan is in there? Are you afraid he might harm the computer or work papers?"

-Sorry for the confusion. The point I was trying to make is that i'll be trying to keep Duncan's favorite spaces relatively "Indy-free" for right now, which is also why I thought I would zip the carrier door shut. Duncan sleeps in there all the time. For the sun room, this is Duncan's other favorite room. I was thinking that I might need to close it off to Indy, while he's out racing around the house, so his scent wouldn't be on everything and Duncan wouldn't think he was losing his favorite places. No? (Duncan will be in the bedroom with the door closed, hopefully sleeping. The sun room doors are glass french doors, so I wouldn't leave Duncan in here. They would be able to see each other.)

I probably wouldn't be letting Indy out quite so early, but yeah - the cleaning...it has to be done. It's amazing I've gone this long in this situation without losing my mind. Plus, my bathroom just isn't very big. I play with Indy in there all the time. He LOVES the fishing pole toys, but there's only so much room to flip and flop around, so I want to give him a little space for a bit. He really wouldn't be out all that long, maybe an hour or so. My house is clean, so I will just be touching it up. And yes - I'll be playing with Indy, too. I don't think he'll be difficult to get back in the bathroom. My house is all of 895 sq on the main floor, and the only other spaces are an attic and basement, which are both closed off. You add the sun room and bedroom being closed, there aren't too many other places for him to go - the kitchen, dining room, his bathroom, and the living room.

I'll let you know how it goes!
 

Beyond Confused

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I let Indy out for about an hour. I put Duncan in my room with his food, and it was super cozy in there. I don't think HE thought that because he knew something was going on. Nonetheless, that's where he was while Indy was out.

I opened the bathroom door, and Indy walked to the edge of the bathroom and hallway and looked both ways. lol But from that moment on, he confidently strutted around the house, checking everything out. He was quite taken with the handsome boy he saw in the dishwasher reflection. :lol:

Every time I would walk back into the bathroom to do something, he'd follow right behind. As you can imagine, this made it quite easy to get him back in there the last time. :)

After getting the bathroom all cleaned and put back together, I came out and sat on the couch. He quickly followed, hopping into my lap and finally sprawling out on the couch next to me. We played with his fishing pole toy for a few minutes, and then I put him back in the bathroom.

I released Duncan, and he came out with no issues. He did walk by the bathroom at one point and let out a couple long hisses. Soon after, I sat down there with him and gave them a treat. Duncan walked away right after, though. He wanted no part of the little rugrat.


As of right now, about 15 minutes after letting Duncan back out, he's walking around the house, inspecting things. He came right over when I called him and rubbed against my hand. Now, he's crawling into his carrier.

Note: I did close the doors to the sun room and zipped shut the carrier, so Indy couldn't get into either of those.

All in all, I'd say it was a really positive experience for both of them. :yess:
 
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