Help/Advice for introductions

calicosrspecial

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Thank you :)
Fluffy has gotten way better over the months with his biting. It used to be that he would start biting within minutes just because and now I think he just does it mostly when he wants something or has built up energy. If he wants to go downstairs to his room and I'm ignoring him the biting will start. Other than that it's mostly just play biting which we're working on.

Sapphire is still quite up and down with whether she wants to see Fluffy or not. Sometimes she won't even eat her food if he is in sight, even behind a gate and these passed few days she really doesn't come downstairs or even to the stairs to watch him and only comes down once she's sure he's gone to bed. Something I'm hoping wio improve. To be fair, she did make it to the top of the stairs yesterday while I was playing with Fluffy, but when he jumped onto the crinkle sack he was playing near, the sound scared her and she took off back to her room.
"Sapphire is still quite up and down with whether she wants to see Fluffy or not. Sometimes she won't even eat her food if he is in sight, even behind a gate" - The key is "sometimes".

" and these passed few days she really doesn't come downstairs or even to the stairs to watch him" - Ok, that is fine I am not at all bothered by that.

" and only comes down once she's sure he's gone to bed. " - Are you sure about that?

"Something I'm hoping wio improve. " - It will

"To be fair, she did make it to the top of the stairs yesterday while I was playing with Fluffy, but when he jumped onto the crinkle sack he was playing near, the sound scared her and she took off back to her room." - That is fine as long as nothing negative happened to reinforce her fear.
 
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"Sapphire is still quite up and down with whether she wants to see Fluffy or not. Sometimes she won't even eat her food if he is in sight, even behind a gate" - The key is "sometimes".

" and these passed few days she really doesn't come downstairs or even to the stairs to watch him" - Ok, that is fine I am not at all bothered by that.

" and only comes down once she's sure he's gone to bed. " - Are you sure about that?

"Something I'm hoping wio improve. " - It will

"To be fair, she did make it to the top of the stairs yesterday while I was playing with Fluffy, but when he jumped onto the crinkle sack he was playing near, the sound scared her and she took off back to her room." - That is fine as long as nothing negative happened to reinforce her fear.
I decided to try a little test tonight to see if Sapphire would come downstairs after Fluffy went to bed. Sure enough, I think when she hears the baby gates go up in the hallway as I'm getting him ready for bed, she's down about 30 seconds later wanting to play. He was near perfectly silent for the last ten minutes he was out, just laying on the ground, but she didn't come down until the gates were up.

Tonight seemed pretty good overall. Fluffy seems to be getting a bit more calm and Sapphire briefly came downstairs at one point for about 30 seconds before she went back upstairs but nothing negative happened. As per our usual routine we went upstairs and this time Sapphire was on my bed relaxing so Fluffy went to sniff and explore her room for a bit and overall didn't pay much attention to her.

I've been trying to bring him downstairs a bit earlier than usual, partly so he has more time out and about, partly in hopes that if Sapphire stays downstairs, they can be in the same space longer, and of course, partly because he starts yelling at me that he wants to go downstairs. I just make sure he doesn't try and sneak upstairs and keep an eye to make sure I don't miss Sapphire coming down. I've been trying to get to about an hour, but usually about 30-40 minutes I just start to get too tired. Unfortunately work schedules have changed again due to the slow winter season and omicron, so I'm down to only about 30 minutes of relaxation time after work before having to go to sleep.

I think slowly we're getting better. I can still tell that Sapphire is a bit scared just with how she ran yesterday when Fluffy jumped onto his crinkle bag but still an improvement overall.
 

calicosrspecial

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I decided to try a little test tonight to see if Sapphire would come downstairs after Fluffy went to bed. Sure enough, I think when she hears the baby gates go up in the hallway as I'm getting him ready for bed, she's down about 30 seconds later wanting to play. He was near perfectly silent for the last ten minutes he was out, just laying on the ground, but she didn't come down until the gates were up.

Tonight seemed pretty good overall. Fluffy seems to be getting a bit more calm and Sapphire briefly came downstairs at one point for about 30 seconds before she went back upstairs but nothing negative happened. As per our usual routine we went upstairs and this time Sapphire was on my bed relaxing so Fluffy went to sniff and explore her room for a bit and overall didn't pay much attention to her.

I've been trying to bring him downstairs a bit earlier than usual, partly so he has more time out and about, partly in hopes that if Sapphire stays downstairs, they can be in the same space longer, and of course, partly because he starts yelling at me that he wants to go downstairs. I just make sure he doesn't try and sneak upstairs and keep an eye to make sure I don't miss Sapphire coming down. I've been trying to get to about an hour, but usually about 30-40 minutes I just start to get too tired. Unfortunately work schedules have changed again due to the slow winter season and omicron, so I'm down to only about 30 minutes of relaxation time after work before having to go to sleep.

I think slowly we're getting better. I can still tell that Sapphire is a bit scared just with how she ran yesterday when Fluffy jumped onto his crinkle bag but still an improvement overall.
"I decided to try a little test tonight to see if Sapphire would come downstairs after Fluffy went to bed. Sure enough, I think when she hears the baby gates go up in the hallway as I'm getting him ready for bed, she's down about 30 seconds later wanting to play. " - Interesting

"He was near perfectly silent for the last ten minutes he was out, just laying on the ground, but she didn't come down until the gates were up." - Yes, that seems to be the "all clear" sign.

"Tonight seemed pretty good overall. Fluffy seems to be getting a bit more calm and Sapphire briefly came downstairs at one point for about 30 seconds before she went back upstairs but nothing negative happened. " - GREAT!!!

"As per our usual routine we went upstairs and this time Sapphire was on my bed relaxing so Fluffy went to sniff and explore her room for a bit and overall didn't pay much attention to her." - GREAT!!!

"I've been trying to bring him downstairs a bit earlier than usual, partly so he has more time out and about, partly in hopes that if Sapphire stays downstairs, they can be in the same space longer, and of course, partly because he starts yelling at me that he wants to go downstairs." - Ok, good

" I just make sure he doesn't try and sneak upstairs and keep an eye to make sure I don't miss Sapphire coming down. I've been trying to get to about an hour, but usually about 30-40 minutes I just start to get too tired. " - OK, that is fine. Whatever you are doing is working so not an issue at all.

"Unfortunately work schedules have changed again due to the slow winter season and omicron, so I'm down to only about 30 minutes of relaxation time after work before having to go to sleep." - Ok, that is fine. Just take care of yourself first and the cats will come along. They are doing great.

"I think slowly we're getting better." - I think it is better than slowly. I think the progress is really impressive.

" I can still tell that Sapphire is a bit scared just with how she ran yesterday when Fluffy jumped onto his crinkle bag but still an improvement overall. " - Yes and we may deal with that all their time together. It may just be her. But as long as they are safe and happy and you are enjoying them that is all that matters. I do think she will make more progress as well. I am not at all worried. I love what I am reading.

Great work!!
 
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"I decided to try a little test tonight to see if Sapphire would come downstairs after Fluffy went to bed. Sure enough, I think when she hears the baby gates go up in the hallway as I'm getting him ready for bed, she's down about 30 seconds later wanting to play. " - Interesting

"He was near perfectly silent for the last ten minutes he was out, just laying on the ground, but she didn't come down until the gates were up." - Yes, that seems to be the "all clear" sign.

"Tonight seemed pretty good overall. Fluffy seems to be getting a bit more calm and Sapphire briefly came downstairs at one point for about 30 seconds before she went back upstairs but nothing negative happened. " - GREAT!!!

"As per our usual routine we went upstairs and this time Sapphire was on my bed relaxing so Fluffy went to sniff and explore her room for a bit and overall didn't pay much attention to her." - GREAT!!!

"I've been trying to bring him downstairs a bit earlier than usual, partly so he has more time out and about, partly in hopes that if Sapphire stays downstairs, they can be in the same space longer, and of course, partly because he starts yelling at me that he wants to go downstairs." - Ok, good

" I just make sure he doesn't try and sneak upstairs and keep an eye to make sure I don't miss Sapphire coming down. I've been trying to get to about an hour, but usually about 30-40 minutes I just start to get too tired. " - OK, that is fine. Whatever you are doing is working so not an issue at all.

"Unfortunately work schedules have changed again due to the slow winter season and omicron, so I'm down to only about 30 minutes of relaxation time after work before having to go to sleep." - Ok, that is fine. Just take care of yourself first and the cats will come along. They are doing great.

"I think slowly we're getting better." - I think it is better than slowly. I think the progress is really impressive.

" I can still tell that Sapphire is a bit scared just with how she ran yesterday when Fluffy jumped onto his crinkle bag but still an improvement overall. " - Yes and we may deal with that all their time together. It may just be her. But as long as they are safe and happy and you are enjoying them that is all that matters. I do think she will make more progress as well. I am not at all worried. I love what I am reading.

Great work!!
I'm just wondering if there was anything else I could be doing to try and help them get more comfortable?

Things have still been going pretty well. Last night overall was fine, nothing negative happened. Fluffy did get worked up when we were upstairs and really wanted to run at Sapphire but I kept him occupied/blocked him from doing so.

Do you believe there is anything I can be doing different, better, in addition, etc?
 

calicosrspecial

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I'm just wondering if there was anything else I could be doing to try and help them get more comfortable?

Things have still been going pretty well. Last night overall was fine, nothing negative happened. Fluffy did get worked up when we were upstairs and really wanted to run at Sapphire but I kept him occupied/blocked him from doing so.

Do you believe there is anything I can be doing different, better, in addition, etc?
"I'm just wondering if there was anything else I could be doing to try and help them get more comfortable?" - You are doing pretty much everything you can. I would say go about your business more and hang out with them (safely) if possible. But other than that I would not force things. She just needs to do her part at this point.

"Things have still been going pretty well. Last night overall was fine, nothing negative happened. Fluffy did get worked up when we were upstairs and really wanted to run at Sapphire but I kept him occupied/blocked him from doing so." - Great. If that is what happens every day she will do her part. A night like that builds confidence.

"Do you believe there is anything I can be doing different, better, in addition, etc?" - Different? The above - going about your business (not as focused - so act like they are intro'd but still keep a watchful eye if needed). Better? - No, you are doing great. In Addition - Maybe hang out safely but how to achieve that I am not sure. It is like practicing a song, etc. Just keep doing what you are doing and at some point the muscle memory (her trust) takes over.

I know it is frustrating but we are just waiting on her to be like "ok, enough is enough, I am no longer afraid so something I shouldn't be afraid of". You are doing your part and doing it well, it is up to her now.
 
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I took a video last night while Fluffy was being good upstairs before he got a bit worked up.


Nothing really exciting to update. I noticed that when I was playing with Fluffy downstairs while Sapphire sat on the stairs, she got scared of him playing an ran up to her room. Maybe a bit of fear from when she ran over to play as well?

I also left her door open a bit this morning when I let Fluffy out and she did come and sit on the stairs while Fluffy walked around before eventually going and hunching over on my bed as if waiting for him to come up so she could run away.

That's all so far :)
 

calicosrspecial

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I took a video last night while Fluffy was being good upstairs before he got a bit worked up.


Nothing really exciting to update. I noticed that when I was playing with Fluffy downstairs while Sapphire sat on the stairs, she got scared of him playing an ran up to her room. Maybe a bit of fear from when she ran over to play as well?

I also left her door open a bit this morning when I let Fluffy out and she did come and sit on the stairs while Fluffy walked around before eventually going and hunching over on my bed as if waiting for him to come up so she could run away.

That's all so far :)
"I took a video last night while Fluffy was being good upstairs before he got a bit worked up." - She is GREAT in that video!!! And of course he was well behaved. Wow, they are just the CUTEST!!!!

"Nothing really exciting to update. I noticed that when I was playing with Fluffy downstairs while Sapphire sat on the stairs, she got scared of him playing an ran up to her room. Maybe a bit of fear from when she ran over to play as well?" - Maybe but that does happen and as long as nothing negative happened it is fine. Was that before or after the video I just watched? If before then it was not an issue at all.

"I also left her door open a bit this morning when I let Fluffy out and she did come and sit on the stairs while Fluffy walked around" - GREAT!!!

" before eventually going and hunching over on my bed as if waiting for him to come up so she could run away." - That is ok and she needs to confront her fears and realize they are not as bad as she imagines.

"That's all so far :)" - Great update!!!
 
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"I took a video last night while Fluffy was being good upstairs before he got a bit worked up." - She is GREAT in that video!!! And of course he was well behaved. Wow, they are just the CUTEST!!!!

"Nothing really exciting to update. I noticed that when I was playing with Fluffy downstairs while Sapphire sat on the stairs, she got scared of him playing an ran up to her room. Maybe a bit of fear from when she ran over to play as well?" - Maybe but that does happen and as long as nothing negative happened it is fine. Was that before or after the video I just watched? If before then it was not an issue at all.

"I also left her door open a bit this morning when I let Fluffy out and she did come and sit on the stairs while Fluffy walked around" - GREAT!!!

" before eventually going and hunching over on my bed as if waiting for him to come up so she could run away." - That is ok and she needs to confront her fears and realize they are not as bad as she imagines.

"That's all so far :)" - Great update!!!
Yes the video we after sapphire got scared while he was playing :)

I brought them out together for a brief second time today for a special treat upstairs. Nothing negative, but Fluffy did try to lunge at her twice but I was able to stop him.
 

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Yes the video we after sapphire got scared while he was playing :)

I brought them out together for a brief second time today for a special treat upstairs. Nothing negative, but Fluffy did try to lunge at her twice but I was able to stop him.
"Yes the video we after sapphire got scared while he was playing :)" - GREAT. She must not have been that scared then.

"I brought them out together for a brief second time today for a special treat upstairs. Nothing negative, but Fluffy did try to lunge at her twice but I was able to stop him." - Good. How was she after he lunged?
 
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Hello! For the last few days things seem to have been going fairly well. Sapphire was less hissy and growly than usual and Fluffy was pretty good about 75% of the time, usually just laying down or wandering off.

Tonight I had another accidental incident unfortunately. As I was opening the gate upstairs to let Fluffy out and carry him downstairs, I didn't realize that Sapphire was following me up the stairs. As I started to open the gate, fluffy ran out at sapphire behind me and even though I tried, I couldn't catch him. He chased her downstairs and he pounced on her in the middle of the living room floor where they rolled around for about ten seconds before Sapphire got away and ran upstairs and I caught Fluffy and put him in his room. Sapphire was upstairs half underneath the clothing rack and she was quite hissy and growly towards me so I let her be for a bit and then gave her some treats. Fluffy seemed fine, if not a little worked up wanting his supper. There was some bits of fur on the ground, but see as they're both medium haired cats and I can get a giant clump of fur out with one brush I don't know if I should be too concerned. I didn't get a good look at body language as it happened quite fast and all I witnessed in the rolling around was they were all intertwined and Sapphire was screaming bloody murder.

I will see how she is and continue to update.
 

calicosrspecial

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Hello! For the last few days things seem to have been going fairly well. Sapphire was less hissy and growly than usual and Fluffy was pretty good about 75% of the time, usually just laying down or wandering off.

Tonight I had another accidental incident unfortunately. As I was opening the gate upstairs to let Fluffy out and carry him downstairs, I didn't realize that Sapphire was following me up the stairs. As I started to open the gate, fluffy ran out at sapphire behind me and even though I tried, I couldn't catch him. He chased her downstairs and he pounced on her in the middle of the living room floor where they rolled around for about ten seconds before Sapphire got away and ran upstairs and I caught Fluffy and put him in his room. Sapphire was upstairs half underneath the clothing rack and she was quite hissy and growly towards me so I let her be for a bit and then gave her some treats. Fluffy seemed fine, if not a little worked up wanting his supper. There was some bits of fur on the ground, but see as they're both medium haired cats and I can get a giant clump of fur out with one brush I don't know if I should be too concerned. I didn't get a good look at body language as it happened quite fast and all I witnessed in the rolling around was they were all intertwined and Sapphire was screaming bloody murder.

I will see how she is and continue to update.
"Hello! For the last few days things seem to have been going fairly well." - Great

" Sapphire was less hissy and growly than usual " - Fantastic

"and Fluffy was pretty good about 75% of the time, usually just laying down or wandering off." - GREAT, that is so helpful.

"Tonight I had another accidental incident unfortunately." - Ok, let's see

" As I was opening the gate upstairs to let Fluffy out and carry him downstairs, I didn't realize that Sapphire was following me up the stairs. As I started to open the gate, fluffy ran out at sapphire behind me and even though I tried, I couldn't catch him. He chased her downstairs and he pounced on her in the middle of the living room floor where they rolled around for about ten seconds before Sapphire got away and ran upstairs and I caught Fluffy and put him in his room. " - OK

"Sapphire was upstairs half underneath the clothing rack and she was quite hissy and growly towards me so I let her be for a bit and then gave her some treats." - OK, not surprising. The important thing is how fast she rebonds from it.

" Fluffy seemed fine, if not a little worked up wanting his supper. " - Ok, good. He isn't :after" her.

"There was some bits of fur on the ground, but see as they're both medium haired cats and I can get a giant clump of fur out with one brush " - Yes, maybe some came out by accident but I would guess it wasn't from a serious issues.

"I don't know if I should be too concerned. I didn't get a good look at body language as it happened quite fast and all I witnessed in the rolling around was they were all intertwined and Sapphire was screaming bloody murder." - Let's see how they act today. What is important is how they rebound (really Sapphire). If she gets back to herself soon then it is not a big deal. I obviously don't like what happened but Fluffy does not want to kill her. She just needs to figure that out so she can stand up to him and get him to think twice before doing that.

So let me know how she is doing today and just keep doing what you are doing. She may be cautious for a day or two but she should learn that he isn't a real threat at some point.

I am wondering if we should think about medicating Fluffy for a bit to maybe reduce the chance of this happening. I hate to think about it let alone do it but I need to figure out how to get Sapphire to show more confidence. :/

But i am not at all worried about this incident. It was not a big deal though in Sapphire's mind it might be a bit of a deal. But let's see how fast she rebounds.

I will see how she is and continue to update.
 
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"Hello! For the last few days things seem to have been going fairly well." - Great

" Sapphire was less hissy and growly than usual " - Fantastic

"and Fluffy was pretty good about 75% of the time, usually just laying down or wandering off." - GREAT, that is so helpful.

"Tonight I had another accidental incident unfortunately." - Ok, let's see

" As I was opening the gate upstairs to let Fluffy out and carry him downstairs, I didn't realize that Sapphire was following me up the stairs. As I started to open the gate, fluffy ran out at sapphire behind me and even though I tried, I couldn't catch him. He chased her downstairs and he pounced on her in the middle of the living room floor where they rolled around for about ten seconds before Sapphire got away and ran upstairs and I caught Fluffy and put him in his room. " - OK

"Sapphire was upstairs half underneath the clothing rack and she was quite hissy and growly towards me so I let her be for a bit and then gave her some treats." - OK, not surprising. The important thing is how fast she rebonds from it.

" Fluffy seemed fine, if not a little worked up wanting his supper. " - Ok, good. He isn't :after" her.

"There was some bits of fur on the ground, but see as they're both medium haired cats and I can get a giant clump of fur out with one brush " - Yes, maybe some came out by accident but I would guess it wasn't from a serious issues.

"I don't know if I should be too concerned. I didn't get a good look at body language as it happened quite fast and all I witnessed in the rolling around was they were all intertwined and Sapphire was screaming bloody murder." - Let's see how they act today. What is important is how they rebound (really Sapphire). If she gets back to herself soon then it is not a big deal. I obviously don't like what happened but Fluffy does not want to kill her. She just needs to figure that out so she can stand up to him and get him to think twice before doing that.

So let me know how she is doing today and just keep doing what you are doing. She may be cautious for a day or two but she should learn that he isn't a real threat at some point.

I am wondering if we should think about medicating Fluffy for a bit to maybe reduce the chance of this happening. I hate to think about it let alone do it but I need to figure out how to get Sapphire to show more confidence. :/

But i am not at all worried about this incident. It was not a big deal though in Sapphire's mind it might be a bit of a deal. But let's see how fast she rebounds.

I will see how she is and continue to update.
She seemed back to her normal self quickly last night and was playing a bit upstairs.
She didn't seem too bad this morning. I left her door open instead of closing it and she came and sat on the stairs and watched Fluffy for a bit. She did growl and hiss somewhat but that's not really unusual and overall didn't seem anymore cautious than usual. Fluffy was also his usual self. Interested in her but laid back for the most part. She went upstairs to nap after a few treats which is also fairly normal for her so all seems okay.

I have yet to make a vet appointment for Fluffy as everywhere is on reduced hours of operation right now and our vet unfortunately requires me to take time off work. Since I've never had cats before, I'm unsure what sort of medication I would talk to the vet about when I would take him.
 

calicosrspecial

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She seemed back to her normal self quickly last night and was playing a bit upstairs.
She didn't seem too bad this morning. I left her door open instead of closing it and she came and sat on the stairs and watched Fluffy for a bit. She did growl and hiss somewhat but that's not really unusual and overall didn't seem anymore cautious than usual. Fluffy was also his usual self. Interested in her but laid back for the most part. She went upstairs to nap after a few treats which is also fairly normal for her so all seems okay.

I have yet to make a vet appointment for Fluffy as everywhere is on reduced hours of operation right now and our vet unfortunately requires me to take time off work. Since I've never had cats before, I'm unsure what sort of medication I would talk to the vet about when I would take him.
"She seemed back to her normal self quickly last night and was playing a bit upstairs." - WOW, THAT is GREAT!!!! Progress is being made. Terrific!!

"She didn't seem too bad this morning. I left her door open instead of closing it and she came and sat on the stairs and watched Fluffy for a bit." - WOW!!! FANTASTIC!! I am SO PROUD of her right now!!!

"She did growl and hiss somewhat" - I am not at all bothered by that.

" but that's not really unusual" - Agreed

" and overall didn't seem anymore cautious than usual." - FANTASTIC!!

" Fluffy was also his usual self. Interested in her but laid back for the most part. " - Great. I am not worried about him, he likes her. He has no ill intent. It is all play with him.

"She went upstairs to nap after a few treats which is also fairly normal for her so all seems okay." - Great

"I have yet to make a vet appointment for Fluffy as everywhere is on reduced hours of operation right now and our vet unfortunately requires me to take time off work." - That is fine, not an issue at all. We do not have to make it to the vet anytime soon then.

" Since I've never had cats before, " - I didn't realize you never had cats before. You don't act like it.

"I'm unsure what sort of medication I would talk to the vet about when I would take him." - An anti-anxiety. But if we can avoid going there that is the preferred path.

I am really blown away at how she rebounded. I think we are getting there!!! :)

GREAT job, just keep it up!!!
 
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"She seemed back to her normal self quickly last night and was playing a bit upstairs." - WOW, THAT is GREAT!!!! Progress is being made. Terrific!!

"She didn't seem too bad this morning. I left her door open instead of closing it and she came and sat on the stairs and watched Fluffy for a bit." - WOW!!! FANTASTIC!! I am SO PROUD of her right now!!!

"She did growl and hiss somewhat" - I am not at all bothered by that.

" but that's not really unusual" - Agreed

" and overall didn't seem anymore cautious than usual." - FANTASTIC!!

" Fluffy was also his usual self. Interested in her but laid back for the most part. " - Great. I am not worried about him, he likes her. He has no ill intent. It is all play with him.

"She went upstairs to nap after a few treats which is also fairly normal for her so all seems okay." - Great

"I have yet to make a vet appointment for Fluffy as everywhere is on reduced hours of operation right now and our vet unfortunately requires me to take time off work." - That is fine, not an issue at all. We do not have to make it to the vet anytime soon then.

" Since I've never had cats before, " - I didn't realize you never had cats before. You don't act like it.

"I'm unsure what sort of medication I would talk to the vet about when I would take him." - An anti-anxiety. But if we can avoid going there that is the preferred path.

I am really blown away at how she rebounded. I think we are getting there!!! :)

GREAT job, just keep it up!!!
I will continue to see how Sapphire is acting. Prior to the chase she was still quite hesitant at times so I really didn't see much a difference this morning. She was hissing and growling less and less so if anything that was the biggest change this morning.

Fluffy is due for a yearly checkup soon so I may speak to the vet and see if there are any options to temporarily consider. He is fairly calm most of the time now, however I know it's partially faked because I'm there to keep him blocked and busy if needed. If I were to ignore him and let him go near Sapphire, we would definitely have a chase and a "fight".

These are also my first cats, Sapphire being the first. Prior to adopting sapphire when I still lived at home, I had only ever had dogs so I went into this introduction with no experience and just wanting to help Sapphire with her separation anxiety.
 

calicosrspecial

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I will continue to see how Sapphire is acting. Prior to the chase she was still quite hesitant at times so I really didn't see much a difference this morning. She was hissing and growling less and less so if anything that was the biggest change this morning.

Fluffy is due for a yearly checkup soon so I may speak to the vet and see if there are any options to temporarily consider. He is fairly calm most of the time now, however I know it's partially faked because I'm there to keep him blocked and busy if needed. If I were to ignore him and let him go near Sapphire, we would definitely have a chase and a "fight".

These are also my first cats, Sapphire being the first. Prior to adopting sapphire when I still lived at home, I had only ever had dogs so I went into this introduction with no experience and just wanting to help Sapphire with her separation anxiety.
"I will continue to see how Sapphire is acting." - Good. Just be normal, act like nothing happened.

" Prior to the chase she was still quite hesitant at times so I really didn't see much a difference this morning. She was hissing and growling less and less so if anything that was the biggest change this morning." - Great. As long as she wasn't hiding, not eating, etc. She got over it well. It is positive.

"Fluffy is due for a yearly checkup soon so I may speak to the vet and see if there are any options to temporarily consider." - Ok

" He is fairly calm most of the time now," - I know, that is why it is not an easy decision.

" however I know it's partially faked because I'm there to keep him blocked and busy if needed." - Yes

" If I were to ignore him and let him go near Sapphire, we would definitely have a chase and a "fight"." - Yes, probably. I would call that "fight" "rough play" instead.

"These are also my first cats, Sapphire being the first." - Interesting, you have good instincts. I did not suspect that.

"Prior to adopting sapphire when I still lived at home, I had only ever had dogs" - Yes and most cats are not dogs. Though some of my cats are actually dog like (they have dogs with them as well).

"so I went into this introduction with no experience" - Yes. Everyone goes through that. Going forward you will be an expert.

" and just wanting to help Sapphire with her separation anxiety. " - Yes. It is interesting because though she doesn't act like a cat's cat she sure has moments. She seems like she wants to but just can't get over the fear. :/ But in my heart I think they might end up close......................... Hope I am correct.
 
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Graham18

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Everything seems to be fine so far and I don't really see Sapphires cautiousness increasing at all, maybe even decreasing a bit.

I left her door open again yesterday morning and she came to sit on the stairs and watch Fluffy. The body language, at least that I'm seeing, is curious with maybe a bit of caution. She looks perky and her tail wags a bit and she just watches what he is doing. There's still hissing and growling if he gets too focused on her but that's it.

Last night when I brought Fluffy out for dinner, Sapphire just laid on the perch that is attached to the window and didn't really seem to care too much about him. I don't even know if Fluffy knew she was up there. He was acting calm and just laying down BUT when she moved a bit and the perch made a sound, suddenly he looked over and got really worked up/excited and I had to throw a treat to distract him. After sapphire jumped down and went upstairs, Fluffy gave up pretty quickly and went to lay on the perch where Sapphire was laying prior. I just let him be as he seemed a bit upset with me that I wouldn't let him chase his sister.

I am off of work for the next six days so I will see what I can do, though I don't want to push it too much since they seem to be doing well and I'm extremely tired and want to avoid as much stress as possible.
 

calicosrspecial

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Everything seems to be fine so far and I don't really see Sapphires cautiousness increasing at all, maybe even decreasing a bit.

I left her door open again yesterday morning and she came to sit on the stairs and watch Fluffy. The body language, at least that I'm seeing, is curious with maybe a bit of caution. She looks perky and her tail wags a bit and she just watches what he is doing. There's still hissing and growling if he gets too focused on her but that's it.

Last night when I brought Fluffy out for dinner, Sapphire just laid on the perch that is attached to the window and didn't really seem to care too much about him. I don't even know if Fluffy knew she was up there. He was acting calm and just laying down BUT when she moved a bit and the perch made a sound, suddenly he looked over and got really worked up/excited and I had to throw a treat to distract him. After sapphire jumped down and went upstairs, Fluffy gave up pretty quickly and went to lay on the perch where Sapphire was laying prior. I just let him be as he seemed a bit upset with me that I wouldn't let him chase his sister.

I am off of work for the next six days so I will see what I can do, though I don't want to push it too much since they seem to be doing well and I'm extremely tired and want to avoid as much stress as possible.
"Everything seems to be fine so far and I don't really see Sapphires cautiousness increasing at all, maybe even decreasing a bit." - Great? Is this surprising to you? Are you happy about where she is right now? how she has handled the latest "incident"?

"I left her door open again yesterday morning and she came to sit on the stairs and watch Fluffy." - GREAT!!

" The body language, at least that I'm seeing, is curious with maybe a bit of caution." - Great

" She looks perky and her tail wags a bit and she just watches what he is doing. " - Ok. Do you sense she is almost thinking of wanting to play?

"There's still hissing and growling if he gets too focused on her but that's it." - Ok, if that is it then it is totally fine.

"Last night when I brought Fluffy out for dinner, Sapphire just laid on the perch that is attached to the window and didn't really seem to care too much about him." - Great

" I don't even know if Fluffy knew she was up there. He was acting calm and just laying down BUT when she moved a bit and the perch made a sound, suddenly he looked over and got really worked up/excited and I had to throw a treat to distract him." - Ok, how did she react to his movement?

" After sapphire jumped down and went upstairs, " - How did she move to go upstairs?

"Fluffy gave up pretty quickly and went to lay on the perch where Sapphire was laying prior. " - Great

"I just let him be as he seemed a bit upset with me that I wouldn't let him chase his sister." - Hahahaha, I highly doubt he was upset with you.

"I am off of work for the next six days so I will see what I can do, though I don't want to push it too much since they seem to be doing well and I'm extremely tired and want to avoid as much stress as possible. " - Ok, I was going to say just be normal, do your "thing", just go about your business. Don't really do anything different than what you are doing. Given you are tired and probably need a bit of relaxation then even better. I want to get her to think "all is ok" and rather than focusing so much on her and them just go about your business to let her know that everything is fine, normal, etc. If she or he wants to hang out fine, but don't force anything. Remember, it is really not in your hands at this point, it is in her hands (or paws I guess) so she needs to continue to get more comfortable. And hopefully seeing you not worrying (focused on it) might help her to do that same.

So enjoy your time off, get some rest, have some fun. :) The cats will be fine. :) I am REALLY happy with Sapphire's progress!!!!
 
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"Everything seems to be fine so far and I don't really see Sapphires cautiousness increasing at all, maybe even decreasing a bit." - Great? Is this surprising to you? Are you happy about where she is right now? how she has handled the latest "incident"?

"I left her door open again yesterday morning and she came to sit on the stairs and watch Fluffy." - GREAT!!

" The body language, at least that I'm seeing, is curious with maybe a bit of caution." - Great

" She looks perky and her tail wags a bit and she just watches what he is doing. " - Ok. Do you sense she is almost thinking of wanting to play?

"There's still hissing and growling if he gets too focused on her but that's it." - Ok, if that is it then it is totally fine.

"Last night when I brought Fluffy out for dinner, Sapphire just laid on the perch that is attached to the window and didn't really seem to care too much about him." - Great

" I don't even know if Fluffy knew she was up there. He was acting calm and just laying down BUT when she moved a bit and the perch made a sound, suddenly he looked over and got really worked up/excited and I had to throw a treat to distract him." - Ok, how did she react to his movement?

" After sapphire jumped down and went upstairs, " - How did she move to go upstairs?

"Fluffy gave up pretty quickly and went to lay on the perch where Sapphire was laying prior. " - Great

"I just let him be as he seemed a bit upset with me that I wouldn't let him chase his sister." - Hahahaha, I highly doubt he was upset with you.

"I am off of work for the next six days so I will see what I can do, though I don't want to push it too much since they seem to be doing well and I'm extremely tired and want to avoid as much stress as possible. " - Ok, I was going to say just be normal, do your "thing", just go about your business. Don't really do anything different than what you are doing. Given you are tired and probably need a bit of relaxation then even better. I want to get her to think "all is ok" and rather than focusing so much on her and them just go about your business to let her know that everything is fine, normal, etc. If she or he wants to hang out fine, but don't force anything. Remember, it is really not in your hands at this point, it is in her hands (or paws I guess) so she needs to continue to get more comfortable. And hopefully seeing you not worrying (focused on it) might help her to do that same.

So enjoy your time off, get some rest, have some fun. :) The cats will be fine. :) I am REALLY happy with Sapphire's progress!!!!
She seems to be handling it much better than the previous time. I'm so happy she's not terrified of him like the last time. I was quite upset that I was so clumsy and let him chase her and escalate it.

If I knew better I would totally say she wants to play. Maybe she does but she's just not sure. She is quite playful still after Fluffy has gone to bed so it seems like she has a bit of energy built up.

She didn't really seem to react to him at the time. She may have even being looking outside and not pay attention to him. For his part, I knew what he was up to and was able to distract him quite quickly. She also just went upstairs as she normally does. There didn't appear to be any fear in her. When she jumped off the couch, she even completely ignored him and just walked towards the stairs.

She has also gotten into the habit of walking up to his door after he's gone to bed and hissing and swatting at his door before walking away.

I will keep you updated on what takes place while I'm off, though I imagine I will take it easy for the most part.
 

calicosrspecial

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She seems to be handling it much better than the previous time. I'm so happy she's not terrified of him like the last time. I was quite upset that I was so clumsy and let him chase her and escalate it.

If I knew better I would totally say she wants to play. Maybe she does but she's just not sure. She is quite playful still after Fluffy has gone to bed so it seems like she has a bit of energy built up.

She didn't really seem to react to him at the time. She may have even being looking outside and not pay attention to him. For his part, I knew what he was up to and was able to distract him quite quickly. She also just went upstairs as she normally does. There didn't appear to be any fear in her. When she jumped off the couch, she even completely ignored him and just walked towards the stairs.

She has also gotten into the habit of walking up to his door after he's gone to bed and hissing and swatting at his door before walking away.

I will keep you updated on what takes place while I'm off, though I imagine I will take it easy for the most part.
"She seems to be handling it much better than the previous time." - Great, I agree. I am really glad you are feeling it as well.

" I'm so happy she's not terrified of him like the last time. " - :) GREAT!!! :) I am as well.

"I was quite upset that I was so clumsy and let him chase her and escalate it." - No, you shouldn't be. It happens, no one is perfect. I wasn't upset with you. AND most importantly, they have gotten over it. I really hope you aren't so tough on yourself overall (not just with the cats). BUT I appreciate you being honest with your feelings.

"If I knew better I would totally say she wants to play. Maybe she does but she's just not sure." - Interesting you have the same feeling.

"She is quite playful still after Fluffy has gone to bed so it seems like she has a bit of energy built up." - Exactly. That is a big reason while I feel that way. If she was truly afraid, untrusting, etc I just don't think she would act that way.

"She didn't really seem to react to him at the time." - GREAT!!!

"She may have even being looking outside and not pay attention to him." - FANTASTIC!!

" For his part, I knew what he was up to and was able to distract him quite quickly." - Great job

" She also just went upstairs as she normally does. There didn't appear to be any fear in her. When she jumped off the couch, she even completely ignored him and just walked towards the stairs." - WOW!!! I honestly am amazed. This is a really big deal!!!

"She has also gotten into the habit of walking up to his door after he's gone to bed and hissing and swatting at his door before walking away." - Hahahahaha, a "good night, sweet dreams". :)

"I will keep you updated on what takes place while I'm off," - Great

Do you realize how big a deal this update is? How great it is? I think we (finally) got our watershed event (your supposedly "clumsiness"). I just feel like I see the end of the tunnel. It still will take some time but I KNOW we are going to get there now. :)

" though I imagine I will take it easy for the most part. " - You deserve it!!! Have fun, get some rest and relaxation, and get recharged. The cats are going to be just fine. :)

GREAT JOB!!! I am so proud of you, Sapphire and Fluffy!!! :clap2:
 
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Graham18

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"She seems to be handling it much better than the previous time." - Great, I agree. I am really glad you are feeling it as well.

" I'm so happy she's not terrified of him like the last time. " - :) GREAT!!! :) I am as well.

"I was quite upset that I was so clumsy and let him chase her and escalate it." - No, you shouldn't be. It happens, no one is perfect. I wasn't upset with you. AND most importantly, they have gotten over it. I really hope you aren't so tough on yourself overall (not just with the cats). BUT I appreciate you being honest with your feelings.

"If I knew better I would totally say she wants to play. Maybe she does but she's just not sure." - Interesting you have the same feeling.

"She is quite playful still after Fluffy has gone to bed so it seems like she has a bit of energy built up." - Exactly. That is a big reason while I feel that way. If she was truly afraid, untrusting, etc I just don't think she would act that way.

"She didn't really seem to react to him at the time." - GREAT!!!

"She may have even being looking outside and not pay attention to him." - FANTASTIC!!

" For his part, I knew what he was up to and was able to distract him quite quickly." - Great job

" She also just went upstairs as she normally does. There didn't appear to be any fear in her. When she jumped off the couch, she even completely ignored him and just walked towards the stairs." - WOW!!! I honestly am amazed. This is a really big deal!!!

"She has also gotten into the habit of walking up to his door after he's gone to bed and hissing and swatting at his door before walking away." - Hahahahaha, a "good night, sweet dreams". :)

"I will keep you updated on what takes place while I'm off," - Great

Do you realize how big a deal this update is? How great it is? I think we (finally) got our watershed event (your supposedly "clumsiness"). I just feel like I see the end of the tunnel. It still will take some time but I KNOW we are going to get there now. :)

" though I imagine I will take it easy for the most part. " - You deserve it!!! Have fun, get some rest and relaxation, and get recharged. The cats are going to be just fine. :)

GREAT JOB!!! I am so proud of you, Sapphire and Fluffy!!! :clap2:
I do hope that it was the moment that helped!
Nothing new to update however. Sapphire didn't even come downstairs last night and just stayed in her bed. Prior to giving them their first dinner, Sapphire was hiding underneath my clothes rack and she barely touched her wet food. I just assumed she wasn't feeling well but shortly after Fluffy went to bed she was downstairs playing so I'm not sure.

I also left her door open this morning while Fluffy was out, however she didn't come downstairs again and instead chose to lay in her bed.

I'm just hoping she's not scared, but rather just not in the mood to see him.
 
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