Introducing new cats

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
"Let's be real here - it could totally be because someone is eating on the other side of the gate. That cat is INSANE with food." - Hahahahaha. That could be part of it. do get a sense Indy likes Duncan. And surprisingly (to me to some degree) I actually think Duncan likes Indy. It is cool.
:lol: I hope you're right!

How are you feeling about this weekend? Using a toy to bring Indy out into the rest of the house? Playing with him, then feeding Indy in that room. Hopefully Duncan will just watch. Given the logistics issues I think we wont try to feed them both at the same time. You may need to distract Duncan. Then we would just end it and put Indy back. Then feed Duncan by the gate. How does that sound? It will be all about quality over quantity and it is a test for Duncan. To see how they interact. They passed in the rest of the house. So now it will be in Duncan's territory so the bar is a bit higher and an area where Indy probably feels less secure. So it is a big test. So being prepared is important.
I'll give it a shot! I'm looking over at Duncan snoozing, thinking - this poor cat has no idea. :lol:
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
:lol: I hope you're right!



I'll give it a shot! I'm looking over at Duncan snoozing, thinking - this poor cat has no idea. :lol:
":lol: I hope you're right! " - So far so good. How does Duncan's interactions with Admiral differ vs Indy (at this stage or even later one?)

"I'll give it a shot! I'm looking over at Duncan snoozing, thinking - this poor cat has no idea. :lol: " - Hahahahaha. Well, we shall see. I think we'll have some fireworks but nothing serious. How easily distracted will be a good tell and watch how they act after it. Think of this as a mid-term. We figure out where they are and what we need to improve on.

I will say, Duncan has handled this MUCH BETTER than I ever imagined. I think he is more comfortable with Indy than we may realize. Of coruse, this weekend will be in "his" territory so it is the next level. Duncan is more confident than I thought he would be. Which is very helpful. Duncan will probably have to tell Indy what is acceptable, if Indy respects it it will be really positive.

Just be prepared for some wildness. Try to keep an eye on the details (I know it is hard as things move quickly) but it will be very telling. I will say, I have no worry about "IF" they will be intro'd, just "WHEN". Whatever happens the base you have built is strong. I have no doubt about that.
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
":lol: I hope you're right! " - So far so good. How does Duncan's interactions with Admiral differ vs Indy (at this stage or even later one?)
Well, they were only a little over a year apart in age. And when I brought Admiral home, he was less than 2 months old. He wasn't a threat to anyone. I think I only separated them for 2 weeks, but that was for health reasons.
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
Friday night:
I just got done with one more bedroom session.

They both ate right away, and they took turns checking each other out but going right back to eating.
After a couple minutes, Duncan stood by the hallway door, so I opened it. He didn't go out, though. He just kept hanging around in the hallway.
I put my fist out, and he came by several times for a head bump. His tail was at half mast, but when he was rubbing against my hand, it was straight in the air.
Then, he came back for more food...then stood in the hallway some more, some of the time with his back to Indy. Indy ate with his back to Duncan the whole time.

More food and water for Duncan.

I would say this went on for 10 minutes. At this point, Duncan got kind of curious about Indy and slowly made his way a few steps into the bedroom. When Indy noticed him, he dropped to the floor, kind of sitting on his paws. It wasn't a pounce position, I don't think. Duncan hissed a couple times and then turned and walked out. I might've encouraged him to turn and walk out, but I can't remember. Anyway, I opened the door for him again, and he walked right out.

Other than Duncan's slight outburst at the end, I'd say that was quite successful.
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
Friday night:
I just got done with one more bedroom session.

They both ate right away, and they took turns checking each other out but going right back to eating.
After a couple minutes, Duncan stood by the hallway door, so I opened it. He didn't go out, though. He just kept hanging around in the hallway.
I put my fist out, and he came by several times for a head bump. His tail was at half mast, but when he was rubbing against my hand, it was straight in the air.
Then, he came back for more food...then stood in the hallway some more, some of the time with his back to Indy. Indy ate with his back to Duncan the whole time.

More food and water for Duncan.

I would say this went on for 10 minutes. At this point, Duncan got kind of curious about Indy and slowly made his way a few steps into the bedroom. When Indy noticed him, he dropped to the floor, kind of sitting on his paws. It wasn't a pounce position, I don't think. Duncan hissed a couple times and then turned and walked out. I might've encouraged him to turn and walk out, but I can't remember. Anyway, I opened the door for him again, and he walked right out.

Other than Duncan's slight outburst at the end, I'd say that was quite successful.
"Friday night: I just got done with one more bedroom session."

"They both ate right away" - Perfect.

"and they took turns checking each other out but going right back to eating." - That is fine and the best part is nothing orrying was happening and they went right back to eating. Builds trust.

"After a couple minutes, Duncan stood by the hallway door, so I opened it. He didn't go out, though. He just kept hanging around in the hallway." - Very interesting.

"I put my fist out, and he came by several times for a head bump. His tail was at half mast, but when he was rubbing against my hand, it was straight in the air." - Awwwwwww, awesome. Love!!! Confidence building. Positive encounter.

"Then, he came back for more food...then stood in the hallway some more, some of the time with his back to Indy. Indy ate with his back to Duncan the whole time." - Fantastic.

"More food and water for Duncan." - Hungry boy.

"I would say this went on for 10 minutes." - Perfect.

" At this point, Duncan got kind of curious about Indy and slowly made his way a few steps into the bedroom." - That is really good. First time he has done this? Without food being there.

"When Indy noticed him, he dropped to the floor, kind of sitting on his paws. It wasn't a pounce position, I don't think." - There would have been other signs if it was something bad.

"Duncan hissed a couple times and then turned and walked out. I might've encouraged him to turn and walk out, but I can't remember. " - Duncan tells him to watch it. Indy respects. Duncan thinks "alright" and leaves. Do you think Duncan may have wanted to initiate some play but was not quite sure?

"Anyway, I opened the door for him again, and he walked right out." - Perfect. Positive encounter, not negativity. Builds trust and confidence.

"Other than Duncan's slight outburst at the end, I'd say that was quite successful." - I say it was extremely successful especially seeing the nuance. The "outburst" at the end actually is positive. Duncan told Indy something and Indy respected which gives Duncan confidence. The other nuance is Duncan's curiosity. Going into the bedroom where Indy was without food being the motivator. Getting love. So I say it was really positive. Another test passed.

Now the difference in cats (and human relationships) is repetition. Continued repetitive positive behavior. We don't ask someone to live with us on a nice first date or a smile on the street. We have to see continued positive traits. Same with cats. And of course, people can be nice the first few times then the true colors come out. Same with cats. But it is positive nonetheless.

"Well, they were only a little over a year apart in age. And when I brought Admiral home, he was less than 2 months old. He wasn't a threat to anyone. I think I only separated them for 2 weeks, but that was for health reasons." - Ok, so Duncan was 1.5 yrs old or so. And how long did you have Duncan at that point? Over a year?

Keep up the great work. When you do the rest of the house session if Duncan is tired or more relaxed etc that could be helpful. I can't remember if Duncan plays or can play but playing with him before bringing in Indy to play could be helpful. Just to reduce some of the energy that may be present.
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
"Duncan hissed a couple times and then turned and walked out. I might've encouraged him to turn and walk out, but I can't remember. " - Duncan tells him to watch it. Indy respects. Duncan thinks "alright" and leaves. Do you think Duncan may have wanted to initiate some play but was not quite sure?
I don't think he wanted to play, I think he just wanted to say what was on his mind and leave.



"Well, they were only a little over a year apart in age. And when I brought Admiral home, he was less than 2 months old. He wasn't a threat to anyone. I think I only separated them for 2 weeks, but that was for health reasons." - Ok, so Duncan was 1.5 yrs old or so. And how long did you have Duncan at that point? Over a year?
Correct on the age difference, and I got Duncan 1/1/2009 and Admiral in July 2009.


Keep up the great work. When you do the rest of the house session if Duncan is tired or more relaxed etc that could be helpful. I can't remember if Duncan plays or can play but playing with him before bringing in Indy to play could be helpful. Just to reduce some of the energy that may be present.
This reminds me - I was thinking that I could put some rescue remedy on Duncan's ears throughout the day, and that should help.


This morning, I just put their food bowls directly on opposite sides of the gate, up next to the gate, and they both ate just fine. I don't notice Duncan hissing anymore when they're in that setting, so that's good.

Tonight, I will give the living room a shot. Pray for me. lol
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
I don't think he wanted to play, I think he just wanted to say what was on his mind and leave.





Correct on the age difference, and I got Duncan 1/1/2009 and Admiral in July 2009.




This reminds me - I was thinking that I could put some rescue remedy on Duncan's ears throughout the day, and that should help.


This morning, I just put their food bowls directly on opposite sides of the gate, up next to the gate, and they both ate just fine. I don't notice Duncan hissing anymore when they're in that setting, so that's good.

Tonight, I will give the living room a shot. Pray for me. lol
"I don't think he wanted to play, I think he just wanted to say what was on his mind and leave." - Ok, not a problem. He told, Indy respected. Positive.

"Correct on the age difference, and I got Duncan 1/1/2009 and Admiral in July 2009." - Ok

"This reminds me - I was thinking that I could put some rescue remedy on Duncan's ears throughout the day, and that should help." - Sounds good if you think it may help. Usually having them tired from play, or full from food, etc tends to work reasonably well. I like to try to do it when they are least energetic (usually daytime). When they think "ahhh, I'd rather just relax than deal with that cat".

"This morning, I just put their food bowls directly on opposite sides of the gate, up next to the gate, and they both ate just fine. I don't notice Duncan hissing anymore when they're in that setting, so that's good." - That is great. Seems like they are most comfortable/confident there (since that is where it began) and it has expanded into the hallway and starting to in the bedroom. The key is to slowly expand the circle and the territory.

I suspect Duncan will be more "on edge" as it will be his territory being "invaded" while Indy will probably be a bit uneasy as it is new territory. Duncan may chase Indy out. Indy may try to hold his ground but I suspect will flee if that is the case. IF Indy can be focused on anything other than Duncan and Duncan can be reassured and not go after Indy it would be wonderful. Just stay as calm and confident as possible as the cats take on our emotions. Use distraction and reassurance.

If you want to try a feeding session that would be fine if you think this might be a bit too boundary pushing as food is always a bit easier. Since Indy is so food focused.

If there is a negative encounter try to observe how they do after, how they act, how they rebound (how fast).

If you have something with Indy's scent on it you can put it kind of just inside the area you are bringing him into.

I know there is a lot here and it is poorly presented but hopefully it makes sense.

I do want to understand how much time Duncan spends in the bedroom in the evening/night/early morning.

"Tonight, I will give the living room a shot. Pray for me. lol " - Hahaha, will do!!! It will be fine. There will be some negativity but that is normal. It is like a mid -term. We are trying to find out exactly where they are at. So far they are doing great, this is the next pushing of the boundary.

The good news is, neither wants to hurt the other so it does not seem like an existential risk. You have done a great job so I know you will do a great job. If I was there I would have no worries. But i have done a ton of these and just kinda know.

Just distract as needed, reassure, and focus on quality over quantity. All about maximizing positive encounters and minimizing or avoiding negative encounters.

You'll do great. They will do fine. I am honestly not worried. They are going to be intro'd. You are way closer than you realize.
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
I do want to understand how much time Duncan spends in the bedroom in the evening/night/early morning.
If I'm in there, he's in there. I get ready in there everyday and sleep in there, so I'm in there quite a bit. If I take a nap, he's right there next to me. On cold or rainy, nasty days, I will leave my bed unmade (much to the disatisfaction of my OCD) because Duncan likes to snuggle in. He'll sleep the entire day away in there. He's spends a good amount of time in there.
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
If I'm in there, he's in there. I get ready in there everyday and sleep in there, so I'm in there quite a bit. If I take a nap, he's right there next to me. On cold or rainy, nasty days, I will leave my bed unmade (much to the disatisfaction of my OCD) because Duncan likes to snuggle in. He'll sleep the entire day away in there. He's spends a good amount of time in there.
Awwwwwwww, that is good to know. Thank you.
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
I've got a living room update!

I would say the whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. The first 5 or so, Duncan kept hanging around the LR/hallway door and wouldn't go to the other side of the room, so I stood there holding Indy. They looked at each other, there were little meows on both sides, but no one seemed too bothered.

Eventually, I gave up trying to get Duncan to go somewhere else, so I put Indy's bowl right in the LR/hallway doorway, on the LR side. He was so squirmy that I put him down and hoped for the best. That cat attacked his food bowl and didn't look back!

Duncan was, I'd say, 3.5 feet away the entire time. Half of that time, he stood with his back to Indy, giving himself a bath. I don't really know if it was a stress bath because Duncan has always been ridiculous with his bathing. In fact, it's a running joke in my family that he will bathe even if you simply look in his direction. So I'm guessing part of it could've been the stress of the moment, the other part just Duncan. His tail was in all positions at different times - low, swishing, medium, and up high. There was also no hissing and no little meows once I put the food down.

But yeah - he stood with his back to Indy a good share of the time. He also came over for several head scratches and head bumps.

Eventually, I decided to pull the plug because, even though they weren't getting testy, I didn't want to push my luck. I picked Indy's bowl up to move it back to the hallway, and Indy kept his eyes on the bowl until I put it down and closed the door.

I gave Duncan his food soon after, and he's out there eating right now. :cheerleader:
 

pearl99

Pearl, my labrador who loved cats. RIP.
Top Cat
Joined
Aug 28, 2016
Messages
3,089
Purraise
11,396
Location
Colorado, USA
I've got a living room update!

I would say the whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. The first 5 or so, Duncan kept hanging around the LR/hallway door and wouldn't go to the other side of the room, so I stood there holding Indy. They looked at each other, there were little meows on both sides, but no one seemed too bothered.

Eventually, I gave up trying to get Duncan to go somewhere else, so I put Indy's bowl right in the LR/hallway doorway, on the LR side. He was so squirmy that I put him down and hoped for the best. That cat attacked his food bowl and didn't look back!

Duncan was, I'd say, 3.5 feet away the entire time. Half of that time, he stood with his back to Indy, giving himself a bath. I don't really know if it was a stress bath because Duncan has always been ridiculous with his bathing. In fact, it's a running joke in my family that he will bathe even if you simply look in his direction. So I'm guessing part of it could've been the stress of the moment, the other part just Duncan. His tail was in all positions at different times - low, swishing, medium, and up high. There was also no hissing and no little meows once I put the food down.

But yeah - he stood with his back to Indy a good share of the time. He also came over for several head scratches and head bumps.

Eventually, I decided to pull the plug because, even though they weren't getting testy, I didn't want to push my luck. I picked Indy's bowl up to move it back to the hallway, and Indy kept his eyes on the bowl until I put it down and closed the door.

I gave Duncan his food soon after, and he's out there eating right now. :cheerleader:
:banana1: :banana2::bunnydance:
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
Sunday morning:

More great news!

This morning, I put Indy's food bowl in the LR and then closed the door to the hallway. I figured that Duncan could sniff and get used to the bowl, while I played with Indy in the other room.
We played for about 15 minutes, and then made our way to the LR.

Duncan kept milling around Indy's bowl, and Indy was struggling to be put down (he's not much of a fan of being held). I decided the only way this was going to work was if I put Duncan's food bowl out, too.

I put that on the other side of the living room, and Duncan immediately started eating. I put Indy down next to his own bowl, and he ate as well. There was a significant amount of space between them, so neither was bothered in any way.

Duncan ate for maybe 5 minutes, which is huge for him, in general. As soon as he finished, he easily made his way over to our side of the room. He didn't hesitate or anything. He walked right over to within 3.5-4 feet of Indy's bowl. Indy continued eating, and Duncan just watched him. No hissing or other signs of aggression or stress. I put my hand out for Duncan, and he walked over a few times to head bump or get his ears scratched. Eventually, after maybe 3 minutes of watching Indy, he turned around and headed out to the dining room. Indy continued eating. lol Are you seeing a pattern with that one? :)

At this point, I called it a success and moved Indy's bowl into the hallway and closed the door. I put Duncan's food back on the other side of the gate.

Since then, and as always, every time I put my hand down, Duncan has come running over for head scratches. He's been sitting on the arm of the recliner and that sort of thing. He's acting very normal.
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
I've got a living room update!

I would say the whole thing lasted about 15 minutes. The first 5 or so, Duncan kept hanging around the LR/hallway door and wouldn't go to the other side of the room, so I stood there holding Indy. They looked at each other, there were little meows on both sides, but no one seemed too bothered.

Eventually, I gave up trying to get Duncan to go somewhere else, so I put Indy's bowl right in the LR/hallway doorway, on the LR side. He was so squirmy that I put him down and hoped for the best. That cat attacked his food bowl and didn't look back!

Duncan was, I'd say, 3.5 feet away the entire time. Half of that time, he stood with his back to Indy, giving himself a bath. I don't really know if it was a stress bath because Duncan has always been ridiculous with his bathing. In fact, it's a running joke in my family that he will bathe even if you simply look in his direction. So I'm guessing part of it could've been the stress of the moment, the other part just Duncan. His tail was in all positions at different times - low, swishing, medium, and up high. There was also no hissing and no little meows once I put the food down.

But yeah - he stood with his back to Indy a good share of the time. He also came over for several head scratches and head bumps.

Eventually, I decided to pull the plug because, even though they weren't getting testy, I didn't want to push my luck. I picked Indy's bowl up to move it back to the hallway, and Indy kept his eyes on the bowl until I put it down and closed the door.

I gave Duncan his food soon after, and he's out there eating right now. :cheerleader:
"I've got a living room update!"

"I would say the whole thing lasted about 15 minutes." - Wow, great!!

"The first 5 or so, Duncan kept hanging around the LR/hallway door and wouldn't go to the other side of the room, so I stood there holding Indy." - So Duncan was kind of "blocking" the access? I know he wasn't really blocking but he was there (probably expecting what normally happens in that area).

"They looked at each other, there were little meows on both sides, but no one seemed too bothered." - Great

"Eventually, I gave up trying to get Duncan to go somewhere else, so I put Indy's bowl right in the LR/hallway doorway, on the LR side. " - Perfect, well done!!!

A question. Is there where the gates are or is this in another access point?

"He was so squirmy that I put him down and hoped for the best. That cat attacked his food bowl and didn't look back!" - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: This is where he shows Duncan that he is not a threat. Builds trust and confidence. Awesome!!!

"Duncan was, I'd say, 3.5 feet away the entire time." - WOW, THAT is amazing.

"Half of that time, he stood with his back to Indy, giving himself a bath." - Whoa. AWESOME!!! Back to a "potential threat"? WOW!!! And even better, Grooming????? DOESN"T get any better than that!!

"I don't really know if it was a stress bath because Duncan has always been ridiculous with his bathing." - Oh, ok. What was his body language like? Was it very fast or out of the ordinary? I guess MAYBE if he wasn't turning his back on Indy it could be but....... You know Duncan though.

"In fact, it's a running joke in my family that he will bathe even if you simply look in his direction." -Awwwwwww. Does he gets stressed with those family members? Or does he act pretty good?

"So I'm guessing part of it could've been the stress of the moment, the other part just Duncan. His tail was in all positions at different times - low, swishing, medium, and up high." - Those tail positions would be expected. Up high though is really good. The fact you got that for some time is VERY good.

"There was also no hissing and no little meows once I put the food down." - Perfect.

"But yeah - he stood with his back to Indy a good share of the time." - Amazing!!

" He also came over for several head scratches and head bumps." - This is really important and good. In confidence we use the term "Love" which is many things. The human (you) give that love and confidence and Duncan coming over and getting that reassurance is really good and important. GREAT job!!! You are that conduit to building that trust between them. Fantastic!!

"Eventually, I decided to pull the plug because, even though they weren't getting testy, I didn't want to push my luck." - Perfect. It is all about quality, maximizing positive associations and positive encounters and avoiding or minimizing negatives. You did it perfectly.

"I picked Indy's bowl up to move it back to the hallway, and Indy kept his eyes on the bowl until I put it down and closed the door." - Perfect!!

"I gave Duncan his food soon after, and he's out there eating right now. :cheerleader: " - Perfect!!!

Just want to say, you handled it like a pro. Not only are you intelligent but you also have a great instinct. Helps so much.

"Sunday morning: More great news!"

"This morning, I put Indy's food bowl in the LR and then closed the door to the hallway. I figured that Duncan could sniff and get used to the bowl, while I played with Indy in the other room." - Great.

"We played for about 15 minutes, and then made our way to the LR." - Perfect. Hunt, Capture, Kill, Eat. Confidence building.

"Duncan kept milling around Indy's bowl" - I would imagine. Curiosity.

" and Indy was struggling to be put down (he's not much of a fan of being held)." - Yes. :/ And he wants to get to the food. How was Duncan responding to Indy's struggling? Usually it would cause some unease among the resident cat.

"I decided the only way this was going to work was if I put Duncan's food bowl out, too." - Great.

"I put that on the other side of the living room, and Duncan immediately started eating." - Wow, THAT is great. Duncan chose food over Indy. GREAT sign. Positive association. Choosing something good.

"I put Indy down next to his own bowl, and he ate as well." - Perfect.

"There was a significant amount of space between them, so neither was bothered in any way." - Great. I think there is more than space helping that outcome.

"Duncan ate for maybe 5 minutes, which is huge for him, in general." - Perfect.

" As soon as he finished, he easily made his way over to our side of the room. He didn't hesitate or anything. He walked right over to within 3.5-4 feet of Indy's bowl. Indy continued eating, and Duncan just watched him." - WOW!!!! :yess::hyper::clap2: I LOVE that Duncan felt secure enough to do that. I LOVE that Indy didn't get defensive and trusted Duncan was not going to try anything. And that helps Duncan trust that Indy doesn't mean harm. Wow, I am speechless honestly.

"No hissing or other signs of aggression or stress." - Perfect

"I put my hand out for Duncan, and he walked over a few times to head bump or get his ears scratched." - Great job!! Again, the Love part of it. Building confidence, trust. Reassuring. Positive association. Positive encounter.

"Eventually, after maybe 3 minutes of watching Indy, he turned around and headed out to the dining room." - :yess::hyper::clap2: EXACTLY what we want to see. That mindset of "I know that cat, that cat is cool".

"Indy continued eating. lol Are you seeing a pattern with that one? :)" - Hahahahaha. LOVE it. He has no issue with Duncan. Love it!!

"At this point, I called it a success and moved Indy's bowl into the hallway and closed the door. I put Duncan's food back on the other side of the gate." - Perfect. EXACTLY the right thing to do. Honestly, you are doing this like a pro.

"Since then, and as always, every time I put my hand down, Duncan has come running over for head scratches. He's been sitting on the arm of the recliner and that sort of thing. He's acting very normal." - Yep, he is not having any issues. He is accepting. It is MUCH faster than I would have thought. He is doing great, I am SO PROUD of him. And with Indy as he is doing his part (though his is easier). And of course, without your efforts they would not be here so I am EXTREMELY PROUD of how you are dong this. It is like a pro.

I am really impressed with Duncan. He was not as territorial as I thought he may be which is great AND he tends to view Indy much more favorably than we may have realized. I am so proud of him!!

Rinse and repeat.

But overall, I would say this went amazingly well. Better than I would have expected. But I think that is because they were in a better place than I imagined/thought AND that you handled it extremely well.

They are going to be just fine. Let's continue doing what you are doing and we'll finish up the last loose ends and get them fully intro'd. There will be ups and downs, blips. There always are, it is never linear. BUT the foundation of trust and respect is there and those can be overcome I suspect fairly easily.

Oh, the test grade is an A+. I think it was well deserved!! :cheerleader: GREAT JOB!!!
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
A question. Is there where the gates are or is this in another access point?
A different one.


"In fact, it's a running joke in my family that he will bathe even if you simply look in his direction." -Awwwwwww. Does he gets stressed with those family members? Or does he act pretty good?
He's totally fine. He's just a very fastidious creature.


"So I'm guessing part of it could've been the stress of the moment, the other part just Duncan. His tail was in all positions at different times - low, swishing, medium, and up high." - Those tail positions would be expected. Up high though is really good. The fact you got that for some time is VERY good.
Anytime I pet him or show him attention, he raises his tail high.



"Sunday morning: More great news!"


" and Indy was struggling to be put down (he's not much of a fan of being held)." - Yes. :/ And he wants to get to the food. How was Duncan responding to Indy's struggling? Usually it would cause some unease among the resident cat.
He didn't seem bothered.


I am really impressed with Duncan. He was not as territorial as I thought he may be which is great AND he tends to view Indy much more favorably than we may have realized. I am so proud of him!!
Me, too! :party:


Oh, the test grade is an A+. I think it was well deserved!! :cheerleader: GREAT JOB!!!
:dazzler: We'll give it another shot tonight.
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
A different one.




He's totally fine. He's just a very fastidious creature.




Anytime I pet him or show him attention, he raises his tail high.



"Sunday morning: More great news!"




He didn't seem bothered.




Me, too! :party:




:dazzler: We'll give it another shot tonight.
"A different one." - Great. Even better as they aren't as comfortable there as it is new "territory" - not somewhere where they have had prior positive encounters.

"He's totally fine. He's just a very fastidious creature." - Great. So it may not be a good stress warning sign?

"Anytime I pet him or show him attention, he raises his tail high." - Great. He loves you and you bring him confidence, love, happiness, etc.

"Me, too! :party: " - :) I didn't expect him to do so well. It is wonderful!!!

":dazzler: We'll give it another shot tonight." - Perfect. Keep up the great work!!! :cheerleader:
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
"A different one." - Great. Even better as they aren't as comfortable there as it is new "territory" - not somewhere where they have had prior positive encounters.
I'm sorry - I think I've confused you...the doorway is the same hallway where the gates are...just a different "entrance." I only have 1 hallway in my house.
 

Beyond Confused

TCS Member
Alpha Cat
Joined
May 18, 2017
Messages
450
Purraise
398
Sunday night:

It went very well again.

Again, I put Indy's empty bowl out in the living room, so Duncan could examine it. While he did that, I played with Indy to try to wear him out. It never seems to work, as I believe he is the energizer kitty, but I'm sure it helps some.

Before bringing him out to the LR, I got Duncan settled with his food on the opposite side of the LR. I moved his bowl a little closer than last time. He went to it immediately, so I snatched up Indy and brought him out. He went straight to his bowl. Duncan ate for a couple of minutes, and then he came straight over to me, so I could rub his head and scratch his ears. There was no hesitation on his part. He did look over at Indy a few times, but he didn't seem concerned.
After a minute or two of that, he turned around and walked straight over to his bowl and starting eating again...this time, he had his back to Indy the whole time he ate.
After another minute or so of that, he came right back over for some more love. There were periods during that that he sat with his back to Indy.

Indy paid little to no attention to Duncan while he ate. Eventually, after maybe 10 minutes of eating, Indy looked like he was slowing down, and I noticed him eyeing Duncan. I'm not sure what he would've done, but I didn't want to find out. I picked up his food bowl, and he followed immediately, as I put it in the hallway and closed the door.

As I type this, moments after ending their session, Duncan is sprawled out on the LR floor, across the room from me - no worries or concern. Yay!
 

calicosrspecial

TCS Member
Top Cat
Joined
Mar 14, 2016
Messages
4,428
Purraise
2,542
Sunday night:

It went very well again.

Again, I put Indy's empty bowl out in the living room, so Duncan could examine it. While he did that, I played with Indy to try to wear him out. It never seems to work, as I believe he is the energizer kitty, but I'm sure it helps some.

Before bringing him out to the LR, I got Duncan settled with his food on the opposite side of the LR. I moved his bowl a little closer than last time. He went to it immediately, so I snatched up Indy and brought him out. He went straight to his bowl. Duncan ate for a couple of minutes, and then he came straight over to me, so I could rub his head and scratch his ears. There was no hesitation on his part. He did look over at Indy a few times, but he didn't seem concerned.
After a minute or two of that, he turned around and walked straight over to his bowl and starting eating again...this time, he had his back to Indy the whole time he ate.
After another minute or so of that, he came right back over for some more love. There were periods during that that he sat with his back to Indy.

Indy paid little to no attention to Duncan while he ate. Eventually, after maybe 10 minutes of eating, Indy looked like he was slowing down, and I noticed him eyeing Duncan. I'm not sure what he would've done, but I didn't want to find out. I picked up his food bowl, and he followed immediately, as I put it in the hallway and closed the door.

As I type this, moments after ending their session, Duncan is sprawled out on the LR floor, across the room from me - no worries or concern. Yay!
I am short on time right now as I need to make dinner, feed cats,etc.

But :yess: :hyper::clap2:

I will address it tomorrow.

GREAT job!!!
 
Top