Help/Advice for introductions

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Graham18

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Positive update #2.
"Tonight's session started as normal. Fluffy was eating on the floor as usual and Sapphire was relaxing on the cushions." - Perfect

" Immediately after he was done eating, Fluffy turned around, walked around a bit, then laid down and started lazily playing with a toy on the ground." - Perfect

" Sapphire started eating her food which I put up on the cushions (I don't put it on the ground anymore because I know she will only nibble a bit, and when Fluffy sees the bowl of food that isn't his on the ground, he gets really fixated on it)." - Great

"Fluffy was laying down again a bit closer to me and when Sapphire was done eating, she jumped to the ground and walked a few feet out to the middle of the living room and just sat there." - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: LOVE that she was confident enough to come down and sit in the middle (own it).

" Fluffy did get up but was easily distracted with a treat and then laid down again and started to play with the small ball right beside him and was half watching Sapphire and half focusing on the toy." - Perfect, GREAT job with him.

" His tail was really wagging but he didn't seem like he was going to get up." - Ok

" Since he was being really good and didn't seem like he was going to get up, I started moving Da Bird with a brand new attachment back and forth in front of Sapphire because she actually didn't seem tense or nervous at all (her eyes were really wide and she actually looked pretty happy). She just watched the toy at first but then she took a few quick swats at her as I was putting it down. Out of the blue, Sapphire started to play like crazy on her own with the attachment piece that was laying on the ground for about 10/15 seconds." - :yess::hyper::clap2: Fantastic

" Fluffy immediately got really excited and got into his ready to play/chase/pounce position, but I was able to distract him with another treat " - Wow!!! I thought for sure he was going to start playing with the toy.

"and he calmed down before I gave them each another treat and then brought Fluffy to his room for bird videos and bed time." - Wow, fantastic!! I LOVE that they had a treat together.

" Sapphire didn't seem at all phased so I'd say it was a really positive encounter." - EXACTLY what we want to se. I am SO PROUD of her and Fluffy AND you!!!

"I want to add that I did get a new type of calming chew today from a small locally owned cat shop and gave one to Sapphire about half an hour before the session so that may have helped the tension levels as well." - Ok

" Fluffy didn't like the new ones, but I have another daily calming/anti anxiety chew I've been giving them for months to help with separation anxiety that he loves to eat with his breakfast." - Ok

"I'm thinking that when I'm not alone for the introductions, I'll try and get them both playing at the same time, that way Sapphire can keep playing and I won't have to worry about Fluffy getting too excited by her. " - Great idea.

Also, if you can just get Sapphire to play in that same area (with Fluffy in his room) that could be helpful.

Overall, this is a big step forward. GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!
She does seem to be much less afraid of him now, but of course he's been good and hasn't tried to jump on her haha

She does like to lay near him in a box when they are seperated by gates. He usually lays just on the other side of the gate relaxed.

Here is a picture of sapphire relaxing watching him play with his puzzle feeder. When he saw her, he snuck over to the gate playfully and then he laid down.
20211006_075109.jpg
 

calicosrspecial

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She does seem to be much less afraid of him now, but of course he's been good and hasn't tried to jump on her haha

She does like to lay near him in a box when they are seperated by gates. He usually lays just on the other side of the gate relaxed.

Here is a picture of sapphire relaxing watching him play with his puzzle feeder. When he saw her, he snuck over to the gate playfully and then he laid down.
View attachment 397693
"She does seem to be much less afraid of him now, but of course he's been good and hasn't tried to jump on her haha" - Yes BUT she now knows that he isn't so bad and isn't such a threat. And hopefully the novelty is wearing off for him with her. They are going to be just fine.

"She does like to lay near him in a box when they are seperated by gates. He usually lays just on the other side of the gate relaxed." - Awwwwwwww, she does want to be by him. She just needs to get over that last bit of caution.

"Here is a picture of sapphire relaxing watching him play with his puzzle feeder. When he saw her, he snuck over to the gate playfully and then he laid down. " - Awwwwwwwwwwwww. I LOVE that he laid down.

I just think you might have made lasting progress. Just keep it up and in a few days (maybe the weekend) we'll give more leeway. :)

GREAT JOB!!! :)
 
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Sapphire was a bit more nervous tonight, kind of crouched over in the corner again. She would come close for a treat and then return to the corner. They did have treats pretty close at least once. Sapphire did hiss at Fluffy once which got him excited (he gets really focused and into a pouncing position and starts huffing and puffing when I have to hold him back). Eventually he did end up laying down and Sapphire came a bit closer on her own my my partner had her playing slightly but not as much as last night, just a few small swats at the feather attachment, but nothing crazy.

After I put Fluffy back behind the baby gates, I did eventually after a minute or two get Sapphire to chase a little jingly ball a few times up and down and the length of the house while Fluffy watched. I could tell he really wanted to play with her because he was pushing his nose against the baby gates trying to dislodge them and he was pacing back and forth. After a few times running, sapphire laid down a few feet from the baby gates and Fluffy laid down as well.

I went to play with him but he wasn't really interested but he got a bit frustrated and tried to bite my arm as he does when he gets frustrated. I couldn't tell if it's because he was upset he couldn't go see his sister or if it was because he was ready for his feeder ball and bed time. I told him no and he backed up a bit looking a little bit scared which was odd. He was walking backwards but his body was facing sideways towards me and then he just sat down and was completely quiet until I brought him his feeder ball.

Not as positive as the night before but no real issues either.
 

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Sapphire was a bit more nervous tonight, kind of crouched over in the corner again. She would come close for a treat and then return to the corner. They did have treats pretty close at least once. Sapphire did hiss at Fluffy once which got him excited (he gets really focused and into a pouncing position and starts huffing and puffing when I have to hold him back). Eventually he did end up laying down and Sapphire came a bit closer on her own my my partner had her playing slightly but not as much as last night, just a few small swats at the feather attachment, but nothing crazy.

After I put Fluffy back behind the baby gates, I did eventually after a minute or two get Sapphire to chase a little jingly ball a few times up and down and the length of the house while Fluffy watched. I could tell he really wanted to play with her because he was pushing his nose against the baby gates trying to dislodge them and he was pacing back and forth. After a few times running, sapphire laid down a few feet from the baby gates and Fluffy laid down as well.

I went to play with him but he wasn't really interested but he got a bit frustrated and tried to bite my arm as he does when he gets frustrated. I couldn't tell if it's because he was upset he couldn't go see his sister or if it was because he was ready for his feeder ball and bed time. I told him no and he backed up a bit looking a little bit scared which was odd. He was walking backwards but his body was facing sideways towards me and then he just sat down and was completely quiet until I brought him his feeder ball.

Not as positive as the night before but no real issues either.
"Sapphire was a bit more nervous tonight, kind of crouched over in the corner again." - Ok, it is a process but as long as he behaves she will get to full trust.

" She would come close for a treat and then return to the corner." - OK, that is fine.

" They did have treats pretty close at least once." - Great

" Sapphire did hiss at Fluffy once which got him excited (he gets really focused and into a pouncing position and starts huffing and puffing when I have to hold him back). " - Ok, as long as he behaved that is fine.

"Eventually he did end up laying down" - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: That is so great.

" and Sapphire came a bit closer on her own' - PERFECT!!! She responded to his being good.

" my my partner had her playing slightly but not as much as last night, just a few small swats at the feather attachment, but nothing crazy." - OK, that is very good though.

"After I put Fluffy back behind the baby gates, I did eventually after a minute or two get Sapphire to chase a little jingly ball a few times up and down and the length of the house while Fluffy watched." - Great

"I could tell he really wanted to play with her because he was pushing his nose against the baby gates trying to dislodge them and he was pacing back and forth. " - Awwwwwww, poor guy. :/


"After a few times running, sapphire laid down a few feet from the baby gates and Fluffy laid down as well." - PERFECT!!! EXACTLY what we would want to see.

"I went to play with him but he wasn't really interested" - :/ Ok

" but he got a bit frustrated and tried to bite my arm as he does when he gets frustrated. I couldn't tell if it's because he was upset he couldn't go see his sister or if it was because he was ready for his feeder ball and bed time." - :/ Yes, a little redirection

" I told him no and he backed up a bit looking a little bit scared which was odd. He was walking backwards but his body was facing sideways towards me and " - Ok, so he knew he should not do that. That is good


"then he just sat down and was completely quiet until I brought him his feeder ball." - PERFECT!!!

"Not as positive as the night before but no real issues either." - Yes BUT I would say VERY positive.

Overall, another step forward. Terrific.

Keep up the great work!!!
 
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"Sapphire was a bit more nervous tonight, kind of crouched over in the corner again." - Ok, it is a process but as long as he behaves she will get to full trust.

" She would come close for a treat and then return to the corner." - OK, that is fine.

" They did have treats pretty close at least once." - Great

" Sapphire did hiss at Fluffy once which got him excited (he gets really focused and into a pouncing position and starts huffing and puffing when I have to hold him back). " - Ok, as long as he behaved that is fine.

"Eventually he did end up laying down" - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: That is so great.

" and Sapphire came a bit closer on her own' - PERFECT!!! She responded to his being good.

" my my partner had her playing slightly but not as much as last night, just a few small swats at the feather attachment, but nothing crazy." - OK, that is very good though.

"After I put Fluffy back behind the baby gates, I did eventually after a minute or two get Sapphire to chase a little jingly ball a few times up and down and the length of the house while Fluffy watched." - Great

"I could tell he really wanted to play with her because he was pushing his nose against the baby gates trying to dislodge them and he was pacing back and forth. " - Awwwwwww, poor guy. :/


"After a few times running, sapphire laid down a few feet from the baby gates and Fluffy laid down as well." - PERFECT!!! EXACTLY what we would want to see.

"I went to play with him but he wasn't really interested" - :/ Ok

" but he got a bit frustrated and tried to bite my arm as he does when he gets frustrated. I couldn't tell if it's because he was upset he couldn't go see his sister or if it was because he was ready for his feeder ball and bed time." - :/ Yes, a little redirection

" I told him no and he backed up a bit looking a little bit scared which was odd. He was walking backwards but his body was facing sideways towards me and " - Ok, so he knew he should not do that. That is good


"then he just sat down and was completely quiet until I brought him his feeder ball." - PERFECT!!!

"Not as positive as the night before but no real issues either." - Yes BUT I would say VERY positive.

Overall, another step forward. Terrific.

Keep up the great work!!!
Thank you :)
She was still pretty nervous when I brought Fluffy out this morning but after a few minutes she got less scared and moved a bit closer.
Fluffy was trying to be a bit mischievous this morning. A few times, he tried to sneak around me to go and pounce on her and at one point while Sapphire was a few feet away scratching on a cardboard scratching pad, he got really excited and I could tell he was ready to charge at her so I distracted him with a treat.
 

calicosrspecial

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Thank you :)
She was still pretty nervous when I brought Fluffy out this morning but after a few minutes she got less scared and moved a bit closer.
Fluffy was trying to be a bit mischievous this morning. A few times, he tried to sneak around me to go and pounce on her and at one point while Sapphire was a few feet away scratching on a cardboard scratching pad, he got really excited and I could tell he was ready to charge at her so I distracted him with a treat.
"Thank you :) " - You are welcome

"She was still pretty nervous when I brought Fluffy out this morning" - Ok, not a big deal if the fear isn't realized

"but after a few minutes she got less scared and moved a bit closer." - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: Exactly what we want to see

"Fluffy was trying to be a bit mischievous this morning." - Young cat stuff ;)

" A few times, he tried to sneak around me to go and pounce on her and at one point while Sapphire was a few feet away scratching on a cardboard scratching pad," - Yep, THAT will do it, get them excited.

" he got really excited and I could tell he was ready to charge at her so I distracted him with a treat. " - Great AND he was distracted? So it was positive? How did she respond?

Must have ended well so great job!!
 
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"Thank you :) " - You are welcome

"She was still pretty nervous when I brought Fluffy out this morning" - Ok, not a big deal if the fear isn't realized

"but after a few minutes she got less scared and moved a bit closer." - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: Exactly what we want to see

"Fluffy was trying to be a bit mischievous this morning." - Young cat stuff ;)

" A few times, he tried to sneak around me to go and pounce on her and at one point while Sapphire was a few feet away scratching on a cardboard scratching pad," - Yep, THAT will do it, get them excited.

" he got really excited and I could tell he was ready to charge at her so I distracted him with a treat. " - Great AND he was distracted? So it was positive? How did she respond?

Must have ended well so great job!!
She didn't really seem to notice I don't think. He will be distracted with a treat however, when he does get excited like that I'll usually have to use my hand first to break his focus before distracting him with a treat. He's just so fast when he wants to be. He's definitely been frustrated all morning that he can't play with her.
 

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She didn't really seem to notice I don't think. He will be distracted with a treat however, when he does get excited like that I'll usually have to use my hand first to break his focus before distracting him with a treat. He's just so fast when he wants to be. He's definitely been frustrated all morning that he can't play with her.
"She didn't really seem to notice I don't think." - Fantastic!!! Even better. I LOVE that!!! That tells me she had her guard down. Terrific.

" He will be distracted with a treat however, when he does get excited like that I'll usually have to use my hand first to break his focus before distracting him with a treat. He's just so fast when he wants to be. " - Yes, just be safe. Good that he can be distracted, that tells me it isn't existential (which we did know a long time ago).

"He's definitely been frustrated all morning that he can't play with her." - Poor guy. She is definitely not giving him strong signals she doesn't want to play. I wonder if she will eventually play with him. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Well, that update is even better :)
 
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"She didn't really seem to notice I don't think." - Fantastic!!! Even better. I LOVE that!!! That tells me she had her guard down. Terrific.

" He will be distracted with a treat however, when he does get excited like that I'll usually have to use my hand first to break his focus before distracting him with a treat. He's just so fast when he wants to be. " - Yes, just be safe. Good that he can be distracted, that tells me it isn't existential (which we did know a long time ago).

"He's definitely been frustrated all morning that he can't play with her." - Poor guy. She is definitely not giving him strong signals she doesn't want to play. I wonder if she will eventually play with him. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Well, that update is even better :)
I feel like she kind of wants to play but she's also been still acting quite nervous around him, at least for a bit. I think that she more likely wants to hangout with him and just relax, and he wants to wrestle and play rough with her.

The signals she gives are so hard to read, but she definitely still hisses at him when he gets too close to her.

I wish I had a camera on my head so I could record all of their interactions.
 

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I feel like she kind of wants to play but she's also been still acting quite nervous around him, at least for a bit. I think that she more likely wants to hangout with him and just relax, and he wants to wrestle and play rough with her.

The signals she gives are so hard to read, but she definitely still hisses at him when he gets too close to her.

I wish I had a camera on my head so I could record all of their interactions.
"I feel like she kind of wants to play" - It sure seems like it

" but she's also been still acting quite nervous around him, at least for a bit." - Yes but that is not uncommon.

" I think that she more likely wants to hangout with him and just relax, " - Yes BUT I do get a sense that she wants some chasing, etc. But you are there and seeing it.

"and he wants to wrestle and play rough with her." - Yes which she definitely does not want or like. :/

"The signals she gives are so hard to read," - Yes, they can be

"but she definitely still hisses at him when he gets too close to her." - Yes which is absolutely fine but she doesn't do it seriously enough in my opinion.

"I wish I had a camera on my head so I could record all of their interactions. " - Me too BUT I am not sure it would change anything really. I know they are going to be fine, keep doing what they are doing and she will come around. We all are on her time schedule which is absolutely common. We only can go as fast as she is willing.

It is not going as fast as you would like but it is going well. I still think they are sooooooooooooooo close.
 
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"I feel like she kind of wants to play" - It sure seems like it

" but she's also been still acting quite nervous around him, at least for a bit." - Yes but that is not uncommon.

" I think that she more likely wants to hangout with him and just relax, " - Yes BUT I do get a sense that she wants some chasing, etc. But you are there and seeing it.

"and he wants to wrestle and play rough with her." - Yes which she definitely does not want or like. :/

"The signals she gives are so hard to read," - Yes, they can be

"but she definitely still hisses at him when he gets too close to her." - Yes which is absolutely fine but she doesn't do it seriously enough in my opinion.

"I wish I had a camera on my head so I could record all of their interactions. " - Me too BUT I am not sure it would change anything really. I know they are going to be fine, keep doing what they are doing and she will come around. We all are on her time schedule which is absolutely common. We only can go as fast as she is willing.

It is not going as fast as you would like but it is going well. I still think they are sooooooooooooooo close.
Tonight, Sapphire didn't seem scared at all of Fluffy. She ate her full bowl of food on the ground, even after he was done eating and then just casually sat in the middle of the room watching him. Fluffy was good for the most part. He completely ignored her quite a few times and just walked the other way or laid down to relax and didn't need much distraction (still needed a bit but only a few times).

Then, to my surprise, Sapphire decided she wanted to go to the kitchen and got up and began to casually walk right passed Fluffy. Fluffy got SUPER excited and tried to lunge at her, but I managed to stop him with one hand while I got a treat with the other. While I was holding him back, he did give a small hiss (not at me, but in Sapphires direction). I'm trying not to look into it too much because he does hiss when he's excited/playing, etc, and he was probably upset that I wouldn't let him jump on her. I threw a treat into his room and he went for it and seemed fine after that so I put the baby gates up and let him relax.

I didn't see Sapphire when he tried to lunge at her, but I think she was probably startled a bit. She did see perfectly fine right after though, and went off to the kitchen and then came out and sat under the dining room table where she likes to watch Fluffy.

I was caught completely off guard to really notice the details of what was going on. Fluffy is very fast and I don't believe his intent was aggressive, but his hiss did catch me off guard as well. I suppose there is a possibility that he saw her coming to "his" territory but I'm not too sure.

Either way, Sapphire seems perfectly content, and other than a lot of meowing from Fluffy after the baby gates were up, he seemed fine to go to bed.
 

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Tonight, Sapphire didn't seem scared at all of Fluffy. She ate her full bowl of food on the ground, even after he was done eating and then just casually sat in the middle of the room watching him. Fluffy was good for the most part. He completely ignored her quite a few times and just walked the other way or laid down to relax and didn't need much distraction (still needed a bit but only a few times).

Then, to my surprise, Sapphire decided she wanted to go to the kitchen and got up and began to casually walk right passed Fluffy. Fluffy got SUPER excited and tried to lunge at her, but I managed to stop him with one hand while I got a treat with the other. While I was holding him back, he did give a small hiss (not at me, but in Sapphires direction). I'm trying not to look into it too much because he does hiss when he's excited/playing, etc, and he was probably upset that I wouldn't let him jump on her. I threw a treat into his room and he went for it and seemed fine after that so I put the baby gates up and let him relax.

I didn't see Sapphire when he tried to lunge at her, but I think she was probably startled a bit. She did see perfectly fine right after though, and went off to the kitchen and then came out and sat under the dining room table where she likes to watch Fluffy.

I was caught completely off guard to really notice the details of what was going on. Fluffy is very fast and I don't believe his intent was aggressive, but his hiss did catch me off guard as well. I suppose there is a possibility that he saw her coming to "his" territory but I'm not too sure.

Either way, Sapphire seems perfectly content, and other than a lot of meowing from Fluffy after the baby gates were up, he seemed fine to go to bed.
"Tonight, Sapphire didn't seem scared at all of Fluffy." - Fantastic!!!

" She ate her full bowl of food on the ground, even after he was done eating and then just casually sat in the middle of the room watching him." - LOVE IT!!!

" Fluffy was good for the most part. He completely ignored her quite a few times and just walked the other way or laid down to relax and didn't need much distraction (still needed a bit but only a few times)." - TERRIFIC!!!

"Then, to my surprise, Sapphire decided she wanted to go to the kitchen and got up and began to casually walk right passed Fluffy." _ WOW!!! AMAZING!!!

" Fluffy got SUPER excited and tried to lunge at her, - Understandable.

" but I managed to stop him with one hand while I got a treat with the other. " - Ok, just be careful so you aren't at risk of being hurt.

"While I was holding him back, he did give a small hiss (not at me, but in Sapphires direction). " - Yes, that can happen. As long as he didn't bite, or really go after her, etc I am not bothered by it.

"I'm trying not to look into it too much because he does hiss when he's excited/playing, etc," - Agreed and ahhhhhhhhh, that makes even more sense that it was not a big deal.

" and he was probably upset that I wouldn't let him jump on her." - Agreed, cats want to play not to be held back. ;)

" I threw a treat into his room and he went for it and seemed fine after that so I put the baby gates up and let him relax." - And THAT tells us everything. He wasn't "after" her (which we knew) and he got over it quickly. All is well. :)

"I didn't see Sapphire when he tried to lunge at her, " - Ok, undersatandable

"but I think she was probably startled a bit." - I would imagine

" She did see perfectly fine right after though, and went off to the kitchen and then came out and sat under the dining room table where she likes to watch Fluffy." - FANTASTIC!!! THAT tells me that she wasn't bothered by it. GREAT!!! :)

"I was caught completely off guard to really notice the details of what was going on." - Absolutely

" Fluffy is very fast and I don't believe his intent was aggressive," - TOTALLY agree supported by how he acted after AND how she acted.

" but his hiss did catch me off guard as well."- Yes, it can be startling.

" I suppose there is a possibility that he saw her coming to "his" territory but I'm not too sure." - I don't think so as he would have been more after her, more "different" after the incident. I suspect he just wanted to play with her and was annoyed he couldn't.

"Either way, Sapphire seems perfectly content," - THAT is the key. How she feels about it. Seems like she was not bothered which is TERRIFIC!!!

" and other than a lot of meowing from Fluffy after the baby gates were up, " - Yes because he wanted to be out with her to play. :/

"he seemed fine to go to bed. " - Great!!!

Another big step forward!!! FANTASTIC!!!

GREAT JOB!!! :clap2:
 
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"Tonight, Sapphire didn't seem scared at all of Fluffy." - Fantastic!!!

" She ate her full bowl of food on the ground, even after he was done eating and then just casually sat in the middle of the room watching him." - LOVE IT!!!

" Fluffy was good for the most part. He completely ignored her quite a few times and just walked the other way or laid down to relax and didn't need much distraction (still needed a bit but only a few times)." - TERRIFIC!!!

"Then, to my surprise, Sapphire decided she wanted to go to the kitchen and got up and began to casually walk right passed Fluffy." _ WOW!!! AMAZING!!!

" Fluffy got SUPER excited and tried to lunge at her, - Understandable.

" but I managed to stop him with one hand while I got a treat with the other. " - Ok, just be careful so you aren't at risk of being hurt.

"While I was holding him back, he did give a small hiss (not at me, but in Sapphires direction). " - Yes, that can happen. As long as he didn't bite, or really go after her, etc I am not bothered by it.

"I'm trying not to look into it too much because he does hiss when he's excited/playing, etc," - Agreed and ahhhhhhhhh, that makes even more sense that it was not a big deal.

" and he was probably upset that I wouldn't let him jump on her." - Agreed, cats want to play not to be held back. ;)

" I threw a treat into his room and he went for it and seemed fine after that so I put the baby gates up and let him relax." - And THAT tells us everything. He wasn't "after" her (which we knew) and he got over it quickly. All is well. :)

"I didn't see Sapphire when he tried to lunge at her, " - Ok, undersatandable

"but I think she was probably startled a bit." - I would imagine

" She did see perfectly fine right after though, and went off to the kitchen and then came out and sat under the dining room table where she likes to watch Fluffy." - FANTASTIC!!! THAT tells me that she wasn't bothered by it. GREAT!!! :)

"I was caught completely off guard to really notice the details of what was going on." - Absolutely

" Fluffy is very fast and I don't believe his intent was aggressive," - TOTALLY agree supported by how he acted after AND how she acted.

" but his hiss did catch me off guard as well."- Yes, it can be startling.

" I suppose there is a possibility that he saw her coming to "his" territory but I'm not too sure." - I don't think so as he would have been more after her, more "different" after the incident. I suspect he just wanted to play with her and was annoyed he couldn't.

"Either way, Sapphire seems perfectly content," - THAT is the key. How she feels about it. Seems like she was not bothered which is TERRIFIC!!!

" and other than a lot of meowing from Fluffy after the baby gates were up, " - Yes because he wanted to be out with her to play. :/

"he seemed fine to go to bed. " - Great!!!

Another big step forward!!! FANTASTIC!!!

GREAT JOB!!! :clap2:
Its definitely hard to tell with him as it usually happens so fast that I can't see his intent. In the case of last night, he tried to bolt towards her about a foot and a half way, and the only reason I was able to stop him was because of the laminate flooring and he wasn't able to get a grip at first (imagine tires of a car spinning on ice).

Things seemed pretty chill and relaxed with them this morning. I even managed to take two short (and fairly uneventful) videos. There was a point between video 1 and 2 that I didn't catch on video where Sapphire started to walk towards the bowl bed she is in in the second video and he went down really low to the ground and started towards her in the crouched down pouncing position as she had her back to him, but that was the only issue.

Fluffy and Sapphire Oct 8/21
Fluffy and Sapphire Oct 8/21 PT2
 

calicosrspecial

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Its definitely hard to tell with him as it usually happens so fast that I can't see his intent. In the case of last night, he tried to bolt towards her about a foot and a half way, and the only reason I was able to stop him was because of the laminate flooring and he wasn't able to get a grip at first (imagine tires of a car spinning on ice).

Things seemed pretty chill and relaxed with them this morning. I even managed to take two short (and fairly uneventful) videos. There was a point between video 1 and 2 that I didn't catch on video where Sapphire started to walk towards the bowl bed she is in in the second video and he went down really low to the ground and started towards her in the crouched down pouncing position as she had her back to him, but that was the only issue.

Fluffy and Sapphire Oct 8/21
Fluffy and Sapphire Oct 8/21 PT2
"Its definitely hard to tell with him as it usually happens so fast that I can't see his intent." - Yes, that is why how they act after is really telling.

" In the case of last night, he tried to bolt towards her about a foot and a half way, " - Yes, normal for a normal cat.

"and the only reason I was able to stop him was because of the laminate flooring and he wasn't able to get a grip at first (imagine tires of a car spinning on ice)." - ;) Yep.

"Things seemed pretty chill and relaxed with them this morning." - GREAT and THIS is another data point as to why I am not at all worried.

"I even managed to take two short (and fairly uneventful) videos." - Great, I will take a look. Uneventful is great. ;)

" There was a point between video 1 and 2 that I didn't catch on video where Sapphire started to walk towards the bowl bed she is in in the second video and he went down really low to the ground and started towards her in the crouched down pouncing position as she had her back to him, but that was the only issue. " - OK, it sounds like Fluffy wanted to play. And how she acted after will confirm that (given you said the videos are "uneventful" so it is a safe assumption).

Video 1 - I just LOVE how ADORABLE they look!! GORGEOUS cats!!! And Fluffy, how cute. And Sapphire watching. Perfect (and really ADORABLE)!!!

Video 2 - My goodness are they ADORABLE!! I know I keep saying that but seriously, I LOVE them!! Body language looks great, actions look great. IF I just saw that video in isolation I would say they are intro'd!!!

Perfect!!!

Wanna try to give them some leeway Sunday?

GREAT job!!!!
 
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"Its definitely hard to tell with him as it usually happens so fast that I can't see his intent." - Yes, that is why how they act after is really telling.

" In the case of last night, he tried to bolt towards her about a foot and a half way, " - Yes, normal for a normal cat.

"and the only reason I was able to stop him was because of the laminate flooring and he wasn't able to get a grip at first (imagine tires of a car spinning on ice)." - ;) Yep.

"Things seemed pretty chill and relaxed with them this morning." - GREAT and THIS is another data point as to why I am not at all worried.

"I even managed to take two short (and fairly uneventful) videos." - Great, I will take a look. Uneventful is great. ;)

" There was a point between video 1 and 2 that I didn't catch on video where Sapphire started to walk towards the bowl bed she is in in the second video and he went down really low to the ground and started towards her in the crouched down pouncing position as she had her back to him, but that was the only issue. " - OK, it sounds like Fluffy wanted to play. And how she acted after will confirm that (given you said the videos are "uneventful" so it is a safe assumption).

Video 1 - I just LOVE how ADORABLE they look!! GORGEOUS cats!!! And Fluffy, how cute. And Sapphire watching. Perfect (and really ADORABLE)!!!

Video 2 - My goodness are they ADORABLE!! I know I keep saying that but seriously, I LOVE them!! Body language looks great, actions look great. IF I just saw that video in isolation I would say they are intro'd!!!

Perfect!!!

Wanna try to give them some leeway Sunday?

GREAT job!!!!
Its too bad the videos only catch the good moments, probably because the good moments are the only times I can record videos haha.

I was thinking about letting another interaction happening this weekend now that I know what it will most likely be like with the yelling and screaming and rolling around on the ground. Sunday would work best as I will be out tomorrow night for the first time in months so my mom will come by to feed the cats and put Fluffy to bed.

Sapphire seemed a bit more nervous tonight, but she gradually got a bit more comfortable. They ate together on the floor again and then as usual Sapphire sat and watched Fluffy, though this time she started hunched over on the ground. He was pretty good, but there were a few times when he got down low into his pouncing position and tried to sneak up on Sapphire. I could also tell when I needed to distract him as his tail would start going and he starts making a sound, almost like a deep sigh (sounds kind of like he's breathing out really heavy). I noticed that he was more likely to lay down and relax when Sapphire wasn't moving and he would get excited when she was moving, either away from him or towards him. Eventually, she slowly inched her way forward and got to a spot where she was sitting about three ish feet away and Fluffy was trying to creep up on her so I gave them each a treat and then put Fluffy to bed. Sapphire then started to run around like crazy back and forth all over the house.

I forgot to mention she did hiss at him once because I think he looked at her funny or something. I'm not really sure.

One thing to note was, I didn't give Sapphire the calming treat tonight to see how she was without it. She started off a bit more tense and definitely didn't get as brave as she was yesterday when she walked right to him, but overall she seemed okay, possibly just a bit on the tense side.

Do you have any further advice for when I allow them to interact?
 
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calicosrspecial

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Its too bad the videos only catch the good moments, probably because the good moments are the only times I can record videos haha.

I was thinking about letting another interaction happening this weekend now that I know what it will most likely be like with the yelling and screaming and rolling around on the ground. Sunday would work best as I will be out tomorrow night for the first time in months so my mom will come by to feed the cats and put Fluffy to bed.

Sapphire seemed a bit more nervous tonight, but she gradually got a bit more comfortable. They ate together on the floor again and then as usual Sapphire sat and watched Fluffy, though this time she started hunched over on the ground. He was pretty good, but there were a few times when he got down low into his pouncing position and tried to sneak up on Sapphire. I could also tell when I needed to distract him as his tail would start going and he starts making a sound, almost like a deep sigh (sounds kind of like he's breathing out really heavy). I noticed that he was more likely to lay down and relax when Sapphire wasn't moving and he would get excited when she was moving, either away from him or towards him. Eventually, she slowly inched her way forward and got to a spot where she was sitting about three ish feet away and Fluffy was trying to creep up on her so I gave them each a treat and then put Fluffy to bed. Sapphire then started to run around like crazy back and forth all over the house.

I forgot to mention she did hiss at him once because I think he looked at her funny or something. I'm not really sure.

One thing to note was, I didn't give Sapphire the calming treat tonight to see how she was without it. She started off a bit more tense and definitely didn't get as brave as she was yesterday when she walked right to him, but overall she seemed okay, possibly just a bit on the tense side.

Do you have any further advice for when I allow them to interact?
"Its too bad the videos only catch the good moments, probably because the good moments are the only times I can record videos haha." - Hahahaha, well, if the bad were really so bad we wouldn't be seeing the good sooooooo.....................

"I was thinking about letting another interaction happening this weekend now that I know what it will most likely be like with the yelling and screaming and rolling around on the ground. Sunday would work best as I will be out tomorrow night for the first time in months so my mom will come by to feed the cats and put Fluffy to bed." - Well, given you are going out tonight (a change) I think maybe we should hold off until the routine (normal) is for a few days. Change can cause uncertainty and uncertainty can cause issues.

"Sapphire seemed a bit more nervous tonight, but she gradually got a bit more comfortable. " - As long as the fear is not realzied it is fine. The fact she got better is great!!

"They ate together on the floor again and then as usual Sapphire sat and watched Fluffy," - Fantastic!!!

" though this time she started hunched over on the ground." - OK, that body language can cause issues but if he behaves it should go away and she can show more confidence.

" He was pretty good," - GREAT that is SO HELPFUL!!

" but there were a few times when he got down low into his pouncing position and tried to sneak up on Sapphire." - Ok, probably play. But if her body language is lacking confidence and she has a loo of prey it can set him off.

" I could also tell when I needed to distract him as his tail would start going and he starts making a sound, almost like a deep sigh (sounds kind of like he's breathing out really heavy). " - Great job distracting

"I noticed that he was more likely to lay down and relax when Sapphire wasn't moving and he would get excited when she was moving, either away from him or towards him." - Exactly. Probably play driven.

" Eventually, she slowly inched her way forward and got to a spot where she was sitting about three ish feet away " - WOW!! AMAZING. Hopefully he behaved.

"and Fluffy was trying to creep up on her" - Yep, what cat can resist????

" so I gave them each a treat and then put Fluffy to bed." - GREAT JOB!!!

"Sapphire then started to run around like crazy back and forth all over the house." - Awwwwww, she so wants to play with him but jsut can't get there yet. :/

"I forgot to mention she did hiss at him once because I think he looked at her funny or something. I'm not really sure." - Not an issue. They both were not bothered by it given what I just read.

"One thing to note was, I didn't give Sapphire the calming treat tonight to see how she was without it." - Ok, that is fine

" She started off a bit more tense and definitely didn't get as brave as she was yesterday when she walked right to him, but overall she seemed okay, possibly just a bit on the tense side." - That is fine. She did great. As long as any fear isn't realized it is helpful and builds trust and confidence.

"Do you have any further advice for when I allow them to interact?" - Try to drain some energy from him through play during the day. Then I think make sure he is a bit hungry and feed him and let her watch. The only other is to sense their body language. Make sure they are comfortable, etc. Then try to give them a bit more leeway. I would like to see Sapphire act a bit more confident because that might just make him think twice. But the last incident they recovered fine so I think they are well past any real risk point. Sure it might cause a blip BUT they do need to do their part.

Let me know if that answers it a bit. I wish I could just go in there and do it. :/ Sometimes it is hard to communicate. BUT you are doing great so I know you can handle it.
 
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"Its too bad the videos only catch the good moments, probably because the good moments are the only times I can record videos haha." - Hahahaha, well, if the bad were really so bad we wouldn't be seeing the good sooooooo.....................

"I was thinking about letting another interaction happening this weekend now that I know what it will most likely be like with the yelling and screaming and rolling around on the ground. Sunday would work best as I will be out tomorrow night for the first time in months so my mom will come by to feed the cats and put Fluffy to bed." - Well, given you are going out tonight (a change) I think maybe we should hold off until the routine (normal) is for a few days. Change can cause uncertainty and uncertainty can cause issues.

"Sapphire seemed a bit more nervous tonight, but she gradually got a bit more comfortable. " - As long as the fear is not realzied it is fine. The fact she got better is great!!

"They ate together on the floor again and then as usual Sapphire sat and watched Fluffy," - Fantastic!!!

" though this time she started hunched over on the ground." - OK, that body language can cause issues but if he behaves it should go away and she can show more confidence.

" He was pretty good," - GREAT that is SO HELPFUL!!

" but there were a few times when he got down low into his pouncing position and tried to sneak up on Sapphire." - Ok, probably play. But if her body language is lacking confidence and she has a loo of prey it can set him off.

" I could also tell when I needed to distract him as his tail would start going and he starts making a sound, almost like a deep sigh (sounds kind of like he's breathing out really heavy). " - Great job distracting

"I noticed that he was more likely to lay down and relax when Sapphire wasn't moving and he would get excited when she was moving, either away from him or towards him." - Exactly. Probably play driven.

" Eventually, she slowly inched her way forward and got to a spot where she was sitting about three ish feet away " - WOW!! AMAZING. Hopefully he behaved.

"and Fluffy was trying to creep up on her" - Yep, what cat can resist????

" so I gave them each a treat and then put Fluffy to bed." - GREAT JOB!!!

"Sapphire then started to run around like crazy back and forth all over the house." - Awwwwww, she so wants to play with him but jsut can't get there yet. :/

"I forgot to mention she did hiss at him once because I think he looked at her funny or something. I'm not really sure." - Not an issue. They both were not bothered by it given what I just read.

"One thing to note was, I didn't give Sapphire the calming treat tonight to see how she was without it." - Ok, that is fine

" She started off a bit more tense and definitely didn't get as brave as she was yesterday when she walked right to him, but overall she seemed okay, possibly just a bit on the tense side." - That is fine. She did great. As long as any fear isn't realized it is helpful and builds trust and confidence.

"Do you have any further advice for when I allow them to interact?" - Try to drain some energy from him through play during the day. Then I think make sure he is a bit hungry and feed him and let her watch. The only other is to sense their body language. Make sure they are comfortable, etc. Then try to give them a bit more leeway. I would like to see Sapphire act a bit more confident because that might just make him think twice. But the last incident they recovered fine so I think they are well past any real risk point. Sure it might cause a blip BUT they do need to do their part.

Let me know if that answers it a bit. I wish I could just go in there and do it. :/ Sometimes it is hard to communicate. BUT you are doing great so I know you can handle it.
Things seem to be going well with the face to face times so far. For the most part Sapphire hasn't seemed too tense. Last night, Fluffy was playing with a toy on his own while Sapphire just sat and watched him a few feet away. I did try and get her to play but she seemed more content just watching him.

This morning they ate breakfast together and then Sapphire went and laid on her round scratching pad/bowl. Fluffy just kind of wandered a bit and every so often would decide okay maybe I should go try and see her now. Eventually, Sapphire actually just completely ignored him and went and jumped up on the back of the couch to look outside.

I will see how they are tonight if letting them interact a bit. I'm already expecting more rolling around and screaming, but I'm still trying to think of a way to maybe try and avoid it. Seeing how playful Fluffy gets I don't think that will be an option yet.
 

calicosrspecial

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Things seem to be going well with the face to face times so far. For the most part Sapphire hasn't seemed too tense. Last night, Fluffy was playing with a toy on his own while Sapphire just sat and watched him a few feet away. I did try and get her to play but she seemed more content just watching him.

This morning they ate breakfast together and then Sapphire went and laid on her round scratching pad/bowl. Fluffy just kind of wandered a bit and every so often would decide okay maybe I should go try and see her now. Eventually, Sapphire actually just completely ignored him and went and jumped up on the back of the couch to look outside.

I will see how they are tonight if letting them interact a bit. I'm already expecting more rolling around and screaming, but I'm still trying to think of a way to maybe try and avoid it. Seeing how playful Fluffy gets I don't think that will be an option yet.
"Things seem to be going well with the face to face times so far." - Great

" For the most part Sapphire hasn't seemed too tense." - Terrific

" Last night, Fluffy was playing with a toy on his own while Sapphire just sat and watched him a few feet away. I did try and get her to play but she seemed more content just watching him." - Perfect!! I LOVE that he played with something appropriate ( a toy rather than a cat that at this point doesn't want to play) AND that she watched!!!!

"This morning they ate breakfast together and then Sapphire went and laid on her round scratching pad/bowl." - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: Awesome!!!

" Fluffy just kind of wandered a bit and every so often would decide okay maybe I should go try and see her now. " - SO GREAT!!! I am so proud of him!!!

"Eventually, Sapphire actually just completely ignored him and went and jumped up on the back of the couch to look outside." - :yess::hyper::clap2: WHOA!!! SAPPHIRE!!!!!! GREAT JOB!!! I am SO PROUD of her!!!

"I will see how they are tonight if letting them interact a bit." - Well, let's do exactly what you did to get the above result. If we get a week more of the above next weekend we can do the leeway. No real risk doing that.

" I'm already expecting more rolling around and screaming," - Well, maybe, I am not totally sure. BUT a week more of the above the risk of that is probably even less.

" but I'm still trying to think of a way to maybe try and avoid it." - Yes.

" Seeing how playful Fluffy gets I don't think that will be an option yet. " - Yes.

I think it all really depends on Sapphire's confidence. If she says "knock if off" in a strong way he may just avoid it. She is doing great. maybe next week she will totally be there. Ad it might even just make him think that a toy is a better and more fun option than playing with her. So keep playing with him.

Sound good?

I am SO HAPPY at where they are. They are almost there!! (If they aren't already).

GREAT JOB!!! :cheerleader:
 
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"Things seem to be going well with the face to face times so far." - Great

" For the most part Sapphire hasn't seemed too tense." - Terrific

" Last night, Fluffy was playing with a toy on his own while Sapphire just sat and watched him a few feet away. I did try and get her to play but she seemed more content just watching him." - Perfect!! I LOVE that he played with something appropriate ( a toy rather than a cat that at this point doesn't want to play) AND that she watched!!!!

"This morning they ate breakfast together and then Sapphire went and laid on her round scratching pad/bowl." - :yess: :hyper: :clap2: Awesome!!!

" Fluffy just kind of wandered a bit and every so often would decide okay maybe I should go try and see her now. " - SO GREAT!!! I am so proud of him!!!

"Eventually, Sapphire actually just completely ignored him and went and jumped up on the back of the couch to look outside." - :yess::hyper::clap2: WHOA!!! SAPPHIRE!!!!!! GREAT JOB!!! I am SO PROUD of her!!!

"I will see how they are tonight if letting them interact a bit." - Well, let's do exactly what you did to get the above result. If we get a week more of the above next weekend we can do the leeway. No real risk doing that.

" I'm already expecting more rolling around and screaming," - Well, maybe, I am not totally sure. BUT a week more of the above the risk of that is probably even less.

" but I'm still trying to think of a way to maybe try and avoid it." - Yes.

" Seeing how playful Fluffy gets I don't think that will be an option yet. " - Yes.

I think it all really depends on Sapphire's confidence. If she says "knock if off" in a strong way he may just avoid it. She is doing great. maybe next week she will totally be there. Ad it might even just make him think that a toy is a better and more fun option than playing with her. So keep playing with him.

Sound good?

I am SO HAPPY at where they are. They are almost there!! (If they aren't already).

GREAT JOB!!! :cheerleader:
I do wish she was a bit more assertive with Fluffy, although he may see it as play from her.

Things seem to be going well for the most part. I did the usual breakfast and dinner together last night and this morning. Fluffy is starting to ignore her a bit more and she isn't seeming as nervous or tense and will sort of move around a little bit more and come a bit closer without any problems. This morning, she let out a tiny tiny hiss but that was it.

A little later in the morning, I brought Fluffy out from upstairs while Sapphire was resting on a dining chair. He just wandered a bit, several times right passed her (me keeping an eye on him of course), and she looked a little bit nervous. At one point he did get more focused on Sapphire and he started to get excited and she started to growl and hiss at him from up on the chair, so I brought him back upstairs before he got too excited.

That's all for today :)
 

calicosrspecial

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I do wish she was a bit more assertive with Fluffy, although he may see it as play from her.

Things seem to be going well for the most part. I did the usual breakfast and dinner together last night and this morning. Fluffy is starting to ignore her a bit more and she isn't seeming as nervous or tense and will sort of move around a little bit more and come a bit closer without any problems. This morning, she let out a tiny tiny hiss but that was it.

A little later in the morning, I brought Fluffy out from upstairs while Sapphire was resting on a dining chair. He just wandered a bit, several times right passed her (me keeping an eye on him of course), and she looked a little bit nervous. At one point he did get more focused on Sapphire and he started to get excited and she started to growl and hiss at him from up on the chair, so I brought him back upstairs before he got too excited.

That's all for today :)
"I do wish she was a bit more assertive with Fluffy, although he may see it as play from her." - Well, she will figure it out. I am sure he will view it like that unless it isn't serious. BUT I get a sense she kinda wants to wants to play with him so I think she is in a bit of "limbo" land. :/ It is working albeit slowly. But as long as we get there that is all that matters and they are almost there.

"Things seem to be going well for the most part." - Great

" I did the usual breakfast and dinner together last night and this morning." - Great

" Fluffy is starting to ignore her a bit more" - LOVE IT!!! SO helpful!!

" and she isn't seeming as nervous or tense and will sort of move around a little bit more and come a bit closer without any problems." - FANTASTIC!!! Exactly what we want to see and a direct response to his good behavior.

" This morning, she let out a tiny tiny hiss but that was it." - If that is it that is GREAT!!!

"A little later in the morning, I brought Fluffy out from upstairs while Sapphire was resting on a dining chair. He just wandered a bit, several times right passed her (me keeping an eye on him of course)," - AMAZING!!! THAT is so helpful!!

" and she looked a little bit nervous." - Understandable. BUT the amount of nervousness is key.

" At one point he did get more focused on Sapphire and he started to get excited and she started to growl and hiss at him from up on the chair," - That is fine. Sounds like she handled it pretty well. Exactly what we want to see from her.

" so I brought him back upstairs before he got too excited." - Great. So she didn't run, etc? Great!!!

"That's all for today :) " - Hahahaha, "that's all". Too funny. THAT is FANTASTIC!!! :) THAT is a GREAT DAY!!!! :cheerleader:

Keep up the great work!!!
 
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