Introductions and Normal Body Language

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Hilariously, I could have posted many times in the last 36-ish hours but thought hmm... maybe I should tone it down, maybe I'm being a bit much. 🤣
Lol. "a bit much"...there's no such thing, when it comes to cat intro videos..:loveeyes:.hahaha. :crackup:
"toning it down'...noooooo. :blush:
I didn't think it was 'toned up'..to begin with. :spew:

The 'getting to know each other part'...is usually so amazing to see, because it's so 'unpredictable'. :bluepaw:

You 'expect to see certain things'...eventually,...but we actually never know 'when they will happen'.
For instance, the lessening of how 'forceful they play with their paws'...It's wonderful to see that. :cloud9:
It was rainy in my neck of the woods and the boys seemed to feel it today. Two sleepyheads! I've refrained from any meetings with the gate down, just sticking to letting them interact through it and watch each other. There's been zero hissing/growling/etc though I notice Shadow is still prone to the harder bops occasionally - though it does seem to be playful, and not slapping through the gate like a few days previous, but I thought that before too!
Yes, you'll definitely notice how the weather affects our cats.
Either the cats are sleepy, (or like my Tepaul, at times, you'll see them act all annoyed.)
Sleepy is good.
I've included five videos for you, because I am constantly filming them. 🤣 I think you should be able to scroll from left to right through this album.

I especially enjoy the one where Shadow is showing off how flexible he is while grooming himself.
The videos are awesome. :loveeyes:

Yeah, I do enjoy the first one, where Shadow is doing that 'yoga pose'...and grooming himself. :crackup::lol:
Then suddenly Ghost places his paw through the gate, and wow...does Shadow turn around so fast.
(It's like your Ghost was telling Shadow that he 'missed a spot'...and Shadow whirled around.) 😸

Their interactions through the gate, are so much more milder than before. :thumbsup:
You're right, Shadow is not slapping like he was a few days ago.
He's also not 'head butting' the gate as much, either.

The third video where Ghost is climbing the gate is too funny. :biggrin:
Especially since you also captured Shadow's look,...where it seems like Shadow is 'critiquing the climbing'. :crackup:

I think it definitely looks like each cat wants the gate to be down...or be on the opposite sides of the gate. :)

What is great to see in video 2 and 4...is that Shadow lays down in #2...and he actually does a 'cat stretch'...and looks so relaxed in #4.
Shadow actually turns his back,..to Ghost.
When you start seeing this type of 'relaxed behaviour'...around each other, then it just feels great. :cloud9:

The paw playing does look gentler in video 5, as well. :cool2:

Thanks for the update.
And for the videos, too. :)
Now I could sleep soundly, and happily. :blush:
(not wondering what they are up to.)
They look more relaxed, and more comfortable, too. :bigeyes::tabbycat:
 
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They look more relaxed, and more comfortable, too.
I think so too!

Usually at night I close the door to the guest room completely, but last night I left it open with the gates up just to see how overnight visual access went. I'm sure they visited during the night but I didn't hear any antics. Interestingly, I did hear Shadow quietly meowing right outside the guest room as we settled down to bed and again at 4am when he usually doesn't make a peep overnight. Not sure what it means but it sounded friendly!

Shadow has his annual check-up and vaccines tomorrow morning, and then as long as nobody seems funny about him smelling like the vet and we seem business as usual, I'll let them interact over the weekend and see how we get on!
 

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Usually at night I close the door to the guest room completely, but last night I left it open with the gates up just to see how overnight visual access went. I'm sure they visited during the night but I didn't hear any antics. Interestingly, I did hear Shadow quietly meowing right outside the guest room as we settled down to bed and again at 4am when he usually doesn't make a peep overnight. Not sure what it means but it sounded friendly!
This sounds really good.
(except for the 4am part.) 🤣🙃

(2am and 4 am is such a typical time for my cats to be active...and one in which I sleepily don't appreciate being meowed at.
Or run over.
Thankfully, it does not happen all too often, and I usually just tell them, "to knock it off", or "hey, hey, hey"...and they settle down, or take their playing into somewhere else.) :sleep:

What is interesting about 'meowing'...and something I never knew...is that another previous member told me that 'meowing is actually only for the benefit of humans'. :dunno:
(I cannot actually find where in this longer thread, we were discussing it, but I do remember them saying it.
Cat intros at a standstill

I wasn't really sure about this,..since my female meows all the time, and my male does also, just not as much.
But I always figured that cats communicate with each other, in similar ways.


What I have noticed, though, is that they do so many other vocalizations, too. :blackcat: :blackcat:
Trills, chirps, chatters, murmurs, growls, mumbles, etc...
So along with the meow...I just figure they 'talk to us' with any type of vocalization that they notice gets our attention. :musicnote::musicnote::gingercat:
Shadow has his annual check-up and vaccines tomorrow morning, and then as long as nobody seems funny about him smelling like the vet and we seem business as usual, I'll let them interact over the weekend and see how we get on!
Sounds like a good plan. :thumbsup:

**Take a few of Shadow's cat blankets, or rub some t-shirts, or towels....onto Shadow tonight/tomorrow before you go to the Vet...to get his normal comfortable Scent all over them.
This way, you can place one in the cat carrier, to relax Shadow.
And a few more in your car, or bag,...and then rub them all over Shadow, again,...when he's at home,...to dissipate the Vet smells faster.

(I always have to take extra paper towels, some small towels, plastic bags, and water bottle,...because sometimes my cats would have accidents in the cat carrier. So I'd have to clean it up, before the vets, or afterwards. Through experience and practice, I should just have a 'get ready to go out bag' of essentials,....for the cats. lol.)

(my guys are always sore in both back legs, after the vaccines,..so you may have to gauge the amount of 'soreness' that your Shadow is feeling. Only because you don't want him 're-directing' any slight pain, soreness, that he feels,...towards his new pal Ghost.)

Shadow seems very expressive, so I'm sure he will 'tell you' how he feels. 😼😾😺
And how he feels about the Vet. :blackcat: 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️:cool2::eviltongue::winkcat:
 
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And a few more in your car, or bag,...and then rub them all over Shadow, again,...when he's at home,...to dissipate the Vet smells faster.
I will have to try this! Shadow is actually a pretty amazing traveler and likes to go new places with me. He is completely unphased and brave and will come right out of the carrier and explore around. His favorite place is my parents house though we don't go often since they have to put away their dog - so Shadow won't terrorize him, not the other way around! 🤣 I also bring him to visit my Grandmother at her care home as she loves to see her kitty. Of course, when I'm walking up the hall, all the elderly ask IS THAT A CAT?! And have to look in and see him! His reaction sort of looks like "well of course they want to see me, look at how handsome I am."

The vet is pretty similar. He's great and brave...except for a temp check. But I can't blame him, that's unpleasant. 🤣 But rubbing him down with his own scent could definitely make coming home better, and help him smell more normal to Ghost.

So, last night I heard some antics at the gate and checked my security cam and these two were playing like crazy at 4am. It lasted a whole half hour before Shadow eventually went to his cat tree in the living room and zonked out.

Right now, I'm watching the two of them mutually play with one of Ghost's spring toys through the gate, laying together and pushing the toy back and forth towards each other. I'm no expert but this seems like a great thing! Lol

The only thing that's still occurring is Shadow shoving his arm really hard through the gate and I'm starting to wonder if his playstyle is just really rough and Ghost will have to set his boundaries about it. There's no more gate SMACKING, but it's still a kind of quick move that makes the gate rattle.
 

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I will have to try this! Shadow is actually a pretty amazing traveler and likes to go new places with me. He is completely unphased and brave and will come right out of the carrier and explore around. His favorite place is my parents house though we don't go often since they have to put away their dog - so Shadow won't terrorize him, not the other way around! 🤣
Wow. What an amazing cat, Shadow is. :blush:
To bravely travel, to all sorts of places, and want to boss the dog around, in the dog's own home...I think Shadow might think he's 'part-cat, part-dog'. :lol:

I guess at Shadow's age, it would be difficult to teach him NOT to terrorize the dog. And it also depends on the size of the dog, and the dog's fear levels, prey drive, too. (dog breed)
It's actually cool to see when cats and dogs get along, but that would take a lot of time, and if fear has been established in either, then it's even more difficult to regain trust.

**Have you ever tried to 'harness train' Shadow.?
Not so much to walk him, but rather to get him used to a 'harness'...so he might feel comfortable walking in one, indoors.
(It helped me, do this to a previous cat, Sparky, who liked to 'bolt off the vet's exam table'...and run around the exam room.)
I also bring him to visit my Grandmother at her care home as she loves to see her kitty. Of course, when I'm walking up the hall, all the elderly ask IS THAT A CAT?! And have to look in and see him! His reaction sort of looks like "well of course they want to see me, look at how handsome I am."
That is so sweet! :)
Many members have mentioned how cats can be therapy animals,...and in the case of the elderly in homes,...I bet it brings joy and smiles to their faces, to see a cat.
Something about just seeing a pet animal, and having something...that breaks up the usual routine, must be good to see.

And yeah, I bet Shadow's reaction is just that. lol.
He knows he's handsome, and since he does not mind traveling, he must bring some happiness to your Grandmother, too.
It's so interesting, when we think about the 'power and influence of a small cat,...for bringing a little excitement and smiles...to everyday people'. :cloud9:

I bet you that Shadow is the 'talk of the day', when he visits.
Like a celebrity. :cool2:
The vet is pretty similar. He's great and brave...except for a temp check. But I can't blame him, that's unpleasant. 🤣 But rubbing him down with his own scent could definitely make coming home better, and help him smell more normal to Ghost.
:lol: Why temp checks have to be performed that way, is totally beyond me.
I mean, what happened to 'ear thermometers' ?
(not accurate enough, or do the batteries wear down too fast)

"...that's unpleasant"...is a nice way to put it. 😾 :angryfire: :eviltongue: :crackup:
I'm surprised our cats don't whirl around, and 'go all ballistic wild cat' towards the vet.
The good thing, when the Vets do this, though, is they are also checking the anal glands...I hope. :bluepaw:
So, last night I heard some antics at the gate and checked my security cam and these two were playing like crazy at 4am. It lasted a whole half hour before Shadow eventually went to his cat tree in the living room and zonked out.

Right now, I'm watching the two of them mutually play with one of Ghost's spring toys through the gate, laying together and pushing the toy back and forth towards each other. I'm no expert but this seems like a great thing! Lol
Fantastic. :clapcat:
Your cats have invented 'another new game'. :crackup:
Sort of like 'table tennis', but with a 'cat spring toy'.
Or like the 'cat version' of playing table top air hockey.
The only thing that's still occurring is Shadow shoving his arm really hard through the gate and I'm starting to wonder if his playstyle is just really rough and Ghost will have to set his boundaries about it. There's no more gate SMACKING, but it's still a kind of quick move that makes the gate rattle.
Yeah, we will have to see how they both do without the gate.
Hopefully, Ghost does establish boundaries,...but you may have to...step in, and establish it for them both. :greenpaw:
Until, of course, Shadow gets the message that 'rough play that causes another cat to get hurt'....is not according to 'house rules'. :nono:

It could also be that the Gate, is causing a bit of frustration in Shadow, so perhaps...fingers crossed...that Shadow's play style will also not be as rough...when no gate obstacle is there.

When you look at your videos, and slow them down,...just notice if Shadow always strikes with the same amount of force.
And also notice what leads up to the strike?
Was it any movements from Ghost, that caused Shadow to retaliate, or was it just done in a dominant way,...to keep Ghost from taking the lead.

Hope everything went well with Shadow's vet appointment...and that Shadow takes it easy, and sleeps it off.
TGIF (thank god it's friday)
I wonder if our cats know the days of the week. :think: :biggrin:
 

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hybriseris hybriseris ...I'm sure you've already seen this truck commercial...but it now reminds me of your cat, Shadow. lol.
Since Shadow likes to travel. hahaha
 
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cat nap cat nap I actually haven't seen that commercial but in all honesty, if I wasn't so paranoid about him getting lost, I think that's Shadow's dream! 🤣

His appointment went well. Vet says his eyes look fantastic and that he felt good, weight is good, and now just waiting on routine bloodwork! He was so good and the vet even commented on how his heart rate was so relaxed LOL. The only time he wasn't good...was when the needles came out for his vaccines! The poor tech was laughing but I think also in fear for her life from the tiny panther she was clinging on to.

**Have you ever tried to 'harness train' Shadow.?
I haven't, but I'd guess he'd adapt pretty well and I might consider it for next introduction steps if he can't learn to mind his manners!

The boys interacted a few minutes ago and I think for the most part it went okay! Kept it short because Shadow is still pretty fixated on Ghost when he's out of the room. There was zero hissing or growling and nothing like last week's incident with the screeching! But Shadow is still all eyes on Ghost when he's out.

Shadow did what I can only refer to as..."spanking" Ghost. 🤣😅 Ghost was walking away and Shadow reached out and bopped him on the butt! It kind of reminded me of when Shadow reaches out to try and play with my pant leg as I walk by, it didn't feel aggressive, especially since Ghost wasn't engaging with him.

What seems to be happening the last two times, is that Shadow comes up to Ghost and they sniff noses quietly but Ghost is less confident and will start to shrink and back away after a minute, at which point Shadow starts to try and play and freaks Ghost out. That's what I *think* I'm observing but I'll try to take video later. This time I was too nervous after their last interaction. Shadow did a sort of "jump with both front paws" trying to initiate either wrestling or chasing that Ghost was like "oh heck no!" to and retreated under the ottoman. I gently prevented Shadow from chasing directly after him, and then he went to just watch Ghost from right outside the ottoman.
 

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cat nap cat nap I actually haven't seen that commercial but in all honesty, if I wasn't so paranoid about him getting lost, I think that's Shadow's dream! 🤣

His appointment went well. Vet says his eyes look fantastic and that he felt good, weight is good, and now just waiting on routine bloodwork! He was so good and the vet even commented on how his heart rate was so relaxed LOL. The only time he wasn't good...was when the needles came out for his vaccines! The poor tech was laughing but I think also in fear for her life from the tiny panther she was clinging on to.
Yeah, there's a second part to that 'Walter the cat commercial', where it's taken in winter, with the cat saving a stranded skier.
(And a third part with Chris Pratt, which kind of reminded me of you, if you had to pull a horse trailer, versus a cattle trailer.)
I was going to post the winter one, too, but thought, if anyone else reads this cat intro thread, they'd just be seeing 'cat and truck commercials' instead. (ooops. 'cat nap' is crazy for cats,...and really enjoys cat commercials. lol.)
I haven't, but I'd guess he'd adapt pretty well and I might consider it for next introduction steps if he can't learn to mind his manners!

The boys interacted a few minutes ago and I think for the most part it went okay! Kept it short because Shadow is still pretty fixated on Ghost when he's out of the room. There was zero hissing or growling and nothing like last week's incident with the screeching! But Shadow is still all eyes on Ghost when he's out.
Excellent.
It does take a fairly long time to 'harness train a cat'...because it feels so unusual to them.

(my previous Sparky, would roll, and roll, and roll,..trying to get the harness off.
I had to only leave it on him for a few minutes the first time, and slowly increase that time, after two days.

Then only have it on him, while being supervised,...since he would run off, and try to escape from the harness.
It really freaked him out, at first,..but eventually when he saw that it would not hurt him, and I ended up giving him Treats for distraction,...then he was okay about it.)
(Spotty, his older brother, but not of the same litter, had no issues with it, whatsoever,...though, really did not need one, since he never bolted.)

**You may still hear some screeching, or vocalizing, from Ghost, (though not as loud)...but as long as Shadow backs off ...and respects the vocalizations...and stops...then the vocalizations are actually working. :biggrin:
Shadow did what I can only refer to as..."spanking" Ghost. 🤣😅 Ghost was walking away and Shadow reached out and bopped him on the butt! It kind of reminded me of when Shadow reaches out to try and play with my pant leg as I walk by, it didn't feel aggressive, especially since Ghost wasn't engaging with him.
:spew:I guess is all depends on how hard the 'spank' was. :lol:
I'm sure if you ask Shadow,...he'll give you a different answer...than your Ghost. :crackup:
What seems to be happening the last two times, is that Shadow comes up to Ghost and they sniff noses quietly but Ghost is less confident and will start to shrink and back away after a minute, at which point Shadow starts to try and play and freaks Ghost out. That's what I *think* I'm observing but I'll try to take video later. This time I was too nervous after their last interaction. Shadow did a sort of "jump with both front paws" trying to initiate either wrestling or chasing that Ghost was like "oh heck no!" to and retreated under the ottoman. I gently prevented Shadow from chasing directly after him, and then he went to just watch Ghost from right outside the ottoman.
(This sounds very similar to my Tripp and Tepaul.
They both do the nose sniffs,..but Tepaul seems to back track...in either disgust, or 'heck no way'...sort of body language, too.)

I wonder if the 'cat that wants to Play',...gives off strong pheromone Scents...and tells the other cat about their wishes. 🤔

With your two, since they are 'still getting to know each other'...then it is good to supervise, and make sure that Shadow does not become too dominant...scaring Ghost at all times. :bluepaw:
Ghost probably just wants Shadow to be a bit less intimidating, and not so 'let's rumble and roll'...type of play, yet. :greenpaw:

It's good that Ghost has a place to retreat to, and hide under.:thumbsup:
(I guess that Shadow...never heard about any 'five to ten foot rule...of giving a cat some distance'. lol.)

(I don't actually think this 'distance rule' exists in the cat world, since cats always seem to have to 'make a big show' of getting the other cat to become submissive, and back away.)
It must be some sort of 'territorial instincts'...and protecting themselves for survival, and keeping all the resources for themselves, too.

Shadow has to be 'up close and personal'...in Ghost's personal space...to keep 'all eyes' on Ghost.
Then again, Ghost is the 'new guy' and still 'unknown'.

**Try to see if you can lure Shadow away from right next to the ottoman,...with Treats, or gently throwing a ping pong ball, or scrunched up paper.
Or just breaking Shadow's line of sight,...with a towel, or cardboard,...and just seeing what Shadow does next.
Hopefully, Shadow learns to 'ease up on the staring/glaring or watching'...and reduces his own fear of Ghost, too. :crossfingers:
 
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Try to see if you can lure Shadow away from right next to the ottoman,...with Treats, or gently throwing a ping pong ball, or scrunched up paper.
Or just breaking Shadow's line of sight,...with a towel, or cardboard,...and just seeing what Shadow does next.
It seems like Shadow will get distracted for a minute and go sniff or rub his cheeks on something and then come back to the novelty of watching Ghost which for now I'll take!

I come to you with videos for their second brief interaction of the day! Shadow asked me not to put the one where he barely makes it on to the cat tree up on the internet but...it's for education purposes for me, so I have to! Lol. As you can see, I mostly leave them to it except for a) when Shadow got on the tree and they were both just staring and b) when Shadow's tail started getting swishy. I don't know if that's okay in the absence of other posturing, but figured better safe than sorry.

If you have any thoughts about what you're seeing I'd love to hear it! Especially if this seems like we're generally headed in the right direction. I can see where improvement is needed, but for a month and a half I think this is pretty good!

Should be 4 videos in this link.

Even more Shadow & Ghost!
 

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It seems like Shadow will get distracted for a minute and go sniff or rub his cheeks on something and then come back to the novelty of watching Ghost which for now I'll take!
(Yeah, the novelty of a 'new cat'...to another cat... must be like opening presents...for humans, or playing a new game, new puzzle, hobby, etc.)

Good that you can distract Shadow for any length of time...even a few seconds...also counts.:thumbsup:
That brief interruption, where Shadow takes his eyes off of Ghost, might be just enough, to encourage more Acceptance, and Trust.
(Cats who don't Trust,..and feel relaxed...will never take their eyes off of another cat.)
I come to you with videos for their second brief interaction of the day! Shadow asked me not to put the one where he barely makes it on to the cat tree up on the internet but...it's for education purposes for me, so I have to! Lol. As you can see, I mostly leave them to it except for a) when Shadow got on the tree and they were both just staring and b) when Shadow's tail started getting swishy. I don't know if that's okay in the absence of other posturing, but figured better safe than sorry.
Videos. Yay!!

That second video of Shadow barely making it up on to the cat tree....is now my new favourite video...:lol: :blush:
(after the one where Shadow is watching Ghost climb the gate. Lol.)
Omygoodness...it's Shadow's butt, that does not seem to clear the jump,...as well as it could have. Poor guy. :wavey:
I mean, Shadow did manage to make it,..just not as graceful, as he probably usually does. :cheerleader:

Then it looked like Shadow either looked out the window, or wanted to blame Ghost,..for his hauling himself up, to the top level of the cat tree. :crackup::lol:
Priceless. :flail:and entertaining. :crackup:
(Don't tell your Shadow, or else he may 'send notes' via 'cat universe messages'..to my cats...for laughing.)
If you have any thoughts about what you're seeing I'd love to hear it! Especially if this seems like we're generally headed in the right direction. I can see where improvement is needed, but for a month and a half I think this is pretty good!

Should be 4 videos in this link.

Even more Shadow & Ghost!
My thoughts are your cats are totally Playing. :thumbsup:
Lol. :D
Adorable.:cloud9:
Exciting. :blush:

1st video: (I really like how Ghost has a bit of white on his tail,..like the tip was dipped into paint. :loveeyes:
So cute, and it must be easy to find him, for Shadow, since he just follows the tail.) :greenpaw:

At first, I was going to say that it looks like Ghost is a 'bush dweller' versus 'tree dweller, since he goes under the ottoman/coffee table, and then decides to 'photo-bomb' the camera, at the 0:25 mark. :lol:
I'm not sure why Ghost thought it would be a good place to 'hide' under the tv cabinet, or inside of it, since it seems to have only one exit. :dunno:
Unless, Ghost thought, that 'hey, this looks like a good den, and my back is protected from any attacks.' 😏

2nd video:..my new favorite. 😊
What would you call that 'cute way that Shadow runs...in horse terms?'
To me, in cat terms,...I would call it a type of cat trot, shuffle, slight run,...which is adorable.
Shadow does this slight run, and ends up almost tagging Ghost in the beginning.

But Ghost is way fast.
And ends up on the top level of the cat tree. (thus, not strictly a 'bush dweller cat')
Shadow then has that 'not as graceful attempt' at jumping up to the top level
,..(and at one point...I think Shadow thinks that Ghost may have 'tripped him or something'...hahaha.) :crackup::lol:
Anyway, Shadow does listen to you, :thumbsup:
...and does NOT swat or smack Ghost...which is good. :)

3rd video: Awesome display of both cats being able to relax, and watch each other from further away. :cloud9:
Ghost is on the top of the cat tree, and he is the one,...who is now staring at Shadow. :paranoid:
You will find that your two boys, will each take the lead,...and also change who initiates or instigates, as time moves on.
All a part of play.

Shadow looks very relaxed...and at one point, around the 0:22 mark, he does this cute thing with his left paw....which I will just call the 'Cher move'...because he seems to fold his paw under himself. :bluepaw:
Shadow also looks away, at various times, and the 'tail whips' from both cats are not as strong either.

4th video: Your cats have found another new game. :lol:
Hide behind the drying laundry, and do the 'peek a boo' game, with paw strikes.
You can tell that Shadow is so into this game, because his 'tail lashes' are more pronounced.

(my male cat loves this game, if done with a hanging towel, and human on the other side, except that he is too fast for me, and I usually get some good fast paw strikes at me, or sometimes accidentally scratched. Yet I know my Tripp, does not want to scratch me on purpose, so I just have to go slower, and remind him to take it easy...and then we end up playing with a wand toy, anyways. Cats are just way too fast for us humans.)

Your videos and cats are Simply beautiful. :) :cool2: :cloud9:
(And technically, I think it's only been under a month due to quarantine, or 5 weeks total,...if you actually count the first two weeks, which is awesome in cat-intro time.)

Hope the rest of your weekend is as good as those videos. :wave3:
It's so nice when both cats engage in play. :) :cloud9: :thumbsup:
 
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cat nap cat nap Things were quiet but good this weekend, but I thought you'd like to know that this morning before I left for work I let them out and...Ghost initiated play!

Shadow was playing with a toy in "Ghost's room", with Ghost peeking his head around the doorway to watch. All the sudden I saw him hunker down, wiggle his booty, and then run up to Shadow.

Hilariously, he immediately seemed to realize he'd forgotten himself and ran away, but it was so fun to see him try! Almost like he was thinking "I'm brave, I want to do this, I can do this, let's gooo-- oh my gosh actually wait I'm scared RUN!" 🤣

Shadow, mercifully, seemed too surprised to chase him so it ended on a great note. Shadow looked up at me like "did that just happen?!" So fun!
 

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cat nap cat nap Things were quiet but good this weekend, but I thought you'd like to know that this morning before I left for work I let them out and...Ghost initiated play!

Shadow was playing with a toy in "Ghost's room", with Ghost peeking his head around the doorway to watch. All the sudden I saw him hunker down, wiggle his booty, and then run up to Shadow.
Excellent. :blush:

Quiet...is 'music to cat guardians' ears'....:clover:
(we cat guardians, have to get used to having some 'noisy cats' from time to time...but times of quiet, and peaceful bliss,...are always appreciated. Just so that the next time, we hear our cats 'rumble', 'hiss, 'yowl, 'audition for horror movie roles'...then we're okay about it...because we know that 'quiet times'..will happen again. :cloud9:

Lol...Awww...you got to see the 'booty wiggle'...that's awesome with cats. :blush:
I'm not sure what it is,...but seeing this 'revving up motion'... is just hilarious to watch. :lol:

It's like our cats are warming up their muscles before the...take off...sprint.
Just seeing it, or hearing about it, makes me want to 'copy the motion' and do the 'sitting down chair version for humans'. :jive:
Hilariously, he immediately seemed to realize he'd forgotten himself and ran away, but it was so fun to see him try! Almost like he was thinking "I'm brave, I want to do this, I can do this, let's gooo-- oh my gosh actually wait I'm scared RUN!" 🤣
:crackup::lol::crackup::flail:
"I'm brave, I want to do this, I can do this, let's gooo-- oh my gosh actually wait I'm scared RUN!"
The '..actually wait I'm scared RUN' part is hilarious.
I can just see your Ghost, thinking this, in the 'split seconds'...right after the butt wiggle part, and during the initial run...then changing directions...and running away. lol. :crackup:😂😅🤣
Shadow, mercifully, seemed too surprised to chase him so it ended on a great note. Shadow looked up at me like "did that just happen?!" So fun!
:lol: Yeah, ...Shadow probably needed some verification,...that you actually saw....the attempt that Ghost made.
Pretty soon, Shadow will be 'shaking his head'...and muttering, 'young cats'.
And telling Ghost some stories,...about when Shadow was young and wild, too.
...The Stranger In The Guest Room: New Roommate & Why I Don't Trust Him Yet.
So now....that you are in the next phase...of cat intros...
What will the Title be...to the second book?

"The Stranger in The Guest Room: New Roommate...and Why I Have to Keep Following Him". 😼 😏🧐
or "The Stranger in the Guest Room: New Roommate...and Why I still don't Trust him Fully...but Now He's Chasing Me". 😸 😂😊
 
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So now....that you are in the next phase...of cat intros...
What will the Title be...to the second book?
I laughed right out loud at this question, so fun! And then, after some serious thought...maybe the second installment should be written from Ghost's Perspective?

The Stranger In The Guest Room 2: Lessons in Beating Anxiety About My Intense Roommate

More videos for you! Sorry about the lighting, we're getting ready for bed! Lol

 
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Hmm...wonder what I'm seeing here? My interpretation is, not aggressive but working out each other's "rules"? Am I becoming a better reader of cats? 🤣

 

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I laughed right out loud at this question, so fun! And then, after some serious thought...maybe the second installment should be written from Ghost's Perspective?

The Stranger In The Guest Room 2: Lessons in Beating Anxiety About My Intense Roommate
Wow. I like that different perspective from Ghost's point of view. :read:
Sounds very interesting. :cool2: :catman:

"The Stranger In The Guest Room 2: Lessons in Beating Anxiety About My Intense Roommate"

:eek2::jawdrop::paranoid: :crackup::flail: It's either going to be in the 'self help' genre...or again in the 'thriller, psychological, mystery' section. :lol:
It would be nice,...if the third installment ends with a nice romance, spy thriller, adventure, or diy manual. lol. :blush: :lol: :wink:
More videos for you! Sorry about the lighting, we're getting ready for bed! Lol
The lighting is fine. As long as I see the cats, and their actions...lighting does not matter. :spew:

What I don't know about these two videos...is 'how aggressive did Shadow look to you?' :blackcat:

To me, your Shadow is a bit sneaky.
(much like my male cat Tripp)

Shadow seems to go over and use the 'cat scratcher' sisal pole, but then 'conveniently' starts to 'swipe paws' with Ghost. :bluepaw:
Ghost keeps watching Shadow's paws.
And instead of Shadow moving back,...he actually moves closer.
I cannot tell if it's both of them playing, equally, or if Shadow is getting a little overbearing.

Does your Shadow,...always try to 'invade Ghost's space'?...as in Shadow moves right up to Ghost, and is a bit intimidating?

In the second video, Ghost looks very agitated, and is 'striking back at Shadow' quite quickly. :greenpaw:
It may be...like you said before...that both cats are just 'setting boundaries' with each other.
I don't know.

***What matters more, is..."how both cats react...AFTER"...the meetings, confrontations, or 'somewhat fast playing'.
If they basically can disengage with one another, and each cat, is not hurt,...or acting frightened, or overwhelmed...then it's not such a bad encounter.

The difficult part for us humans, is knowing when to intervene, and when not to.

(with my two...since I'm already familiar with the way tripp plays, and what tepaul does...then it's fairly easy for me to intervene, when they come running into the same room, that I am in.
Or when I notice that Tripp...is wanting to pursue Tepaul, and she does not want to play...or be cornered.)
Hmm...wonder what I'm seeing here? My interpretation is, not aggressive but working out each other's "rules"? Am I becoming a better reader of cats? 🤣
You are definitely a better reader of cats. :blush: :cool2:
Plus, they are your cats...so you will definitely know more than anyone, how they act, and what they like. :agree::biggrin: :bigeyes::tabbycat: :lol:

With me, it just seems like Shadow...keeps getting Ghost cornered. :think:
Or else...Ghost is the one...who likes to put himself in the corner...to protect his back. :dunno:

In this latest video...it's great that Ghost was able to 'escape'. :thumbsup: :yess:

***I think it would be good, if you can go around the place, and make sure that there are 'plenty of escape routes' for both cats...but especially for Ghost. (chairs, boxes, backpacks, side tables, etc.)
Ghost seems to like to have his 'back up against a wall, or corner'...and 'face off'...from the front.

**If it always seems like your Shadow is chasing Ghost...then you might have to do some 'harness training'..but only if you think...what you are seeing is a bit of bullying, or one-sided, and more pursuing and cornering...(as well as 'more aggressive responses' from Ghost, too,...since this will also tell you...how Ghost is responding to Shadow's play)

I think that both cats are 'learning from each other'...so it's quite normal to see them 'copy the behaviour of the other cat'...especially in Play.

What you just don't want to see...is if the play escalates by either cat...to becoming too hurtful or causing pain while playing.
Accidental pain is normal....but trying to inflict pain, intentionally,..in an aggravated or upset manner...is not.

(well, it can be between cats...but we try not to allow this to happen,..so our cats also come to know that their humans won't allow this.
The cat's learn the 'house rules'
That's where the 'refereeing both cats in the beginning' happens, so that later on...we humans don't have to do so much.)

With Shadow and Ghost it's a bit hard...because some days...it actually looks like they are getting along all fine. :bluepaw:
And then the next day...I'm not sure...why...they look a bit more aggressive. :greenpaw:

I think it's mostly because they still ARE trying to learn about each other, ...while at the same time playing...a bit of trusting...then no trust...then back to trust...etc.
It's a whole process,...that goes back and forth...between cats.
(and at the same time, we humans need to be there, to guide them, too,...until full Confidence, Trust, and Acceptance develops.)
 
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Does your Shadow,...always try to 'invade Ghost's space'?...as in Shadow moves right up to Ghost, and is a bit intimidating?
Yes, he generally does invade Ghost's space to sniff his nose. He doesn't invade to play, but he will walk RIGHT up to him sort of ignoring the discomfort signals that Ghost is giving off. Ghost will typically move just enough to give himself some distance. I find if Ghost is just sitting, Shadow isn't too fixated on him. It's just when Ghost moves that Shadow seems to NEED to be near him to see if anything good might happen.

***What matters more, is..."how both cats react...AFTER"...the meetings, confrontations, or 'somewhat fast playing'.
I find that right now, if the interactions are kept short, they generally separate by themselves OR calmly go about their business if I intervene. I find that Shadow has started to lay down on his side with his feet kicked out near Shadow, and Ghost can sit near Shadow and look at other things or even have his back turned to him and they're both fine. If the interaction is too long, there does seem to come a point where Shadow starts trying to force Ghost to play way rougher than he'd like or is ready for, or at least that's what it looks like to me, so I'm trying to limit them to 5 to max 10 minutes right now.

Or else...Ghost is the one...who likes to put himself in the corner...to protect his back.
Yes! I find Shadow doesn't really drive Ghost to corners, but that Ghost LOVES to back himself in to them. I've taken to closing the bathroom and my walk-in closet door since they're the hardest places for me to intervene if needed and Ghost just loves to back himself behind doors and in to corners! He has plenty of things to jump on, in, or over to "get away", and I've tried to make sure everything has two or more escape routes!

With Shadow and Ghost it's a bit hard...because some days...it actually looks like they are getting along all fine. :bluepaw:
And then the next day...I'm not sure...why...they look a bit more aggressive.
Yes, this is where I find myself a bit discouraged again and unsure what to think. Some interactions go so well, and others not so well. I AM glad that none of them seem to go horribly, or violently by any means. Just not as well as I might want. It's set me back a couple steps with my anxiety BUT...I have been discouraged in this process before and the three of us - with your encouragement - have made progress before so I have faith with patience we'll do it again! Like you pointed out, it's been about a month from when they started smelling each other to now which seems like an impressive timeline compared to some introductions. Even though yes...sometimes it feels like years LOL!
 

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Yes, he generally does invade Ghost's space to sniff his nose. He doesn't invade to play, but he will walk RIGHT up to him sort of ignoring the discomfort signals that Ghost is giving off. Ghost will typically move just enough to give himself some distance. I find if Ghost is just sitting, Shadow isn't too fixated on him. It's just when Ghost moves that Shadow seems to NEED to be near him to see if anything good might happen.
That makes a lot of sense.
Shadow sees movement from Ghost, and then has to go and investigate.

Or else Shadow sees Ghost move...and is still 'claiming his territory'...and projecting that he (Shadow), is top cat.

Not sure why Shadow would be 'ignoring Ghost's discomfort signals', though,..🤔...especially if Shadow wants to Play with Ghost
It could be a combination of all of the above, and since both cats are still not sure...of each other's intentions, quite yet, then we're bound to see some 'rough spots'.

(You mostly do see this from the Resident cats, since it seems that they are established in their own territories, and then have to Adapt to the 'new guy'. Yet they don't actually just 'roll over' and say, "hey, welcome"...it's more like, "hey, buddy, you have to go through my cat process, no matter what the human says. lol." :coolcat:😒 🤨
Us humans are like, "why, why, can't you all just get along." :nono: :eek2: :catrub::catlove:)

(The 'new guy' has to Adapt to a whole lot of changes, too, so it's kind of interesting that the 'new cats' are usually the ones that are more submissive. Not always, though, so I guess it depends on the cat's personality, and experiences, too.)
I find that right now, if the interactions are kept short, they generally separate by themselves OR calmly go about their business if I intervene. I find that Shadow has started to lay down on his side with his feet kicked out near Shadow, and Ghost can sit near Shadow and look at other things or even have his back turned to him and they're both fine. If the interaction is too long, there does seem to come a point where Shadow starts trying to force Ghost to play way rougher than he'd like or is ready for, or at least that's what it looks like to me, so I'm trying to limit them to 5 to max 10 minutes right now.
Sounds like limiting the time for meetings, right now, is a good Plan.
Try to give them some Treats, when they have good meetings, and when they seem relaxed and laying around.

It also sounds like both cats are making Progress,...especially if they are laying down, or sitting, and looking at other things. :thumbsup:
Yes! I find Shadow doesn't really drive Ghost to corners, but that Ghost LOVES to back himself in to them. I've taken to closing the bathroom and my walk-in closet door since they're the hardest places for me to intervene if needed and Ghost just loves to back himself behind doors and in to corners! He has plenty of things to jump on, in, or over to "get away", and I've tried to make sure everything has two or more escape routes!
(Your walk-in closet is probably both cats favourite spots to hide in, and sleep in. :biggrin: Though, they may destroy some stuff, too.
My cats also like to explore the bathroom, at times.)
Basically cats hate closed doors, so I'm surprised your cats don't just camp out in front of them, and tap on the door, for you to open it.:gingercat:) :lovecat2::winkcat:

I think I may have been a bit too hard on your Shadow, too. :bluepaw:
I re-watched the last video, at a slower speed, and it is also Ghost,...who gets in quite a bit of strikes, at Shadow, and his face.
The angle is hard to tell, but Ghost definitely looks like he lands a few.

When I first watched it, I thought it was all Shadow being intimidating...but after seeing it slower, and how Ghost is striking...it may have caused your Shadow to go all vertical, and seem to want to overpower Ghost.

I'm so glad that Ghost just backed down, after this display,..since it could have been a rougher play-fight, but was not.
The way it ended was good.

If you can, trim their nail tips, then that might help.
Depending on how hard they play with their paws.
Yes, this is where I find myself a bit discouraged again and unsure what to think. Some interactions go so well, and others not so well. I AM glad that none of them seem to go horribly, or violently by any means. Just not as well as I might want. It's set me back a couple steps with my anxiety BUT...I have been discouraged in this process before and the three of us - with your encouragement - have made progress before so I have faith with patience we'll do it again! Like you pointed out, it's been about a month from when they started smelling each other to now which seems like an impressive timeline compared to some introductions. Even though yes...sometimes it feels like years LOL!
Lol. yeah, I don't know why 'time seems to warp'...during cat to cat introductions.
(Probably during all animal introductions.)

It's probably because we humans expect it to be a linear process,...and forget that our cats are doing just what cats are meant to do.
Protect, defend, Play, eat, sleep, and...do it all over again.

And Yes, you've all made HUGE progress.
I sometimes forget the amount of Patience you have to have. :greenpaw:

(another member, here, had said about cat-to-cat intros...that, "it's not a race, it's a marathon". :walk:
It's so true.
And it sure feels like it, too. :blush: :hangin::goldstar::cheerleader:



Don't get too discouraged...since this is all just part of the cat-intro Process.
I think I may have been too critical in my views of the videos, and forgetting that both cats are still at the Stage of learning to Play with each other. There will always be rough, and tumble play, and even more rougher play, too.

I think your observations, of both cats 'working out each other's "rules"'...was spot on. :clover:
 
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I think I may have been too critical in my views of the videos, and forgetting that both cats are still at the Stage of learning to Play with each other.
No, Shadow is very intense which is why I think it's been difficult for me as a cat-speak-naive person to figure out what hes actually "saying!"

But I come to you with more videos! We are still at short meetings, but mostly because Shadow seems to reach a point where he's like "PLAY WITH ME!" and tries to force Ghost to wrestle and Ghost just isn't ready. But generally, it seems to go well as long as I keep it short. They've both started laying down near each other, and having some fun! I'm so happy I caught Ghost on video attempting to play. You'll see why I say attempting. Another one of those "I'M BRAVE AND I CAN DO THIS!!! Actually I'm scared!" moments LOL.

 

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No, Shadow is very intense which is why I think it's been difficult for me as a cat-speak-naive person to figure out what hes actually "saying!"
Lol. You don't give yourself enough credit. "cat-speak-naive person"...you're definitely not that. :lol: :headshake:
Whatever that is. :blush:

Your Shadow is just a very complex cat,...who like you said, is 'intense' at times, and then likes to get all 'up close and personal', to probably make his intentions clear,...and from previous videos...he seems to wait, wait, wait,...until he chooses his moment to express himself even more clearly than before. :blackcat: :bluepaw:

What your Shadow is actually "saying"...is probably, "don't mess with me, Ghost, you young cat, unless you want to see some larger than life moves, that only cats that have studied under the master cats...know" :cool2: :clover:

When I watch more of the previous videos, I notice that Ghost, seems to always look down at Shadow's paws,...and legs,...probably to anticipate Shadow's next move.
Unfortunately, Shadow is so fast, and unpredictable in those play-videos, that even if Ghost had a 'slow motion' replay, he still probably would guess wrong.
In one of them, Shadow waits until Ghost gets all relaxed, and places his paw down, to make the return strike. yikes.
But I come to you with more videos! We are still at short meetings, but mostly because Shadow seems to reach a point where he's like "PLAY WITH ME!" and tries to force Ghost to wrestle and Ghost just isn't ready. But generally, it seems to go well as long as I keep it short.
Yay!! More videos.
These are super fantastic.
Your cats are so playful.
They've both started laying down near each other, and having some fun! I'm so happy I caught Ghost on video attempting to play. You'll see why I say attempting. Another one of those "I'M BRAVE AND I CAN DO THIS!!! Actually I'm scared!" moments LOL.
:crackup:The first video with the amazon box, is hilarious.
You're right, your Ghost goes into his "I'M BRAVE AND I CAN DO THIS!!! Actually I'm scared"..moments. :spew:
Omg, I cannot stop laughing. :lol:
Ghost even used the lid of the box, as a cover, for protection, while slowly lifting it, in the second part. :idea: :lol:

The first part looks exactly like you said, "okay, okay, I can do this, I'm brave. Here I go. Nope...changed my mind. This is scary. I'll just hide under this box lid, some more,.. and then I'll just casually sniff over the lid,...and smell if Shadow is giving me any pheromone signals, that are nice, and not 'let's fight'".:lol::flail:

I love that Ghost backs down. :)
It seems to diffuse the 'surprise attack...that didn't actually happen'. :blush:
Ghost shows respect for Shadow.

2nd video...love how they are totally playing...and both cats jump and leap away. :bigeyes::tabbycat:

3rd video...is excellent to see Ghost so relaxed, while Shadow strolls around the Chewy box. :bigeyes:
(I think that both your cats, can do commercials for amazon, and chewy. hahaha.)

I like how Shadow decides to just sit down, and watch Ghost, while Ghost is laying down.
Shadow doesn't seem to force any issues with play, there at all, and even looks away, while Ghost is casually looking away, too.
That's just great to see. :thumbsup:

4th video...so great, too.
Not sure what the ritual would be.

Yet it does look like both cats are having a 'telepathic-cat-communication session'.:wink:..and their body language is good.
One cat looks at the other cat, cat looks away...then the second cat looks at first cat, first cat looks away.
(It looks like Trust being built...in seeing who can look away, and then look back. Taking turns. Very cute.)
Sort of like, "I know you're there, but I won't stare at you."..type of exercise.

Thanks so much for posting these videos,and update. :)
They truly made a good start to my weekend, (after getting a lousy traffic ticket from a cop. She was nice, I deserved it, but still, for us anxiety people, who have delayed stress, nothing is better than laughing at cats.)

I think just watching some cat videos, and spending time with cats, makes not so good moments, fade to the background.
Must try mindfulness, exercise too, but cat videos, cat photos, are far better. :catrub:

Hope your weekend with your fur crew goes well. :hellocomputer: :greenpaw::bluepaw:
 
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They truly made a good start to my weekend, (after getting a lousy traffic ticket from a cop.
Oh dang that stinks, I hope your weekend went up from there! Happens to the best of us. :alright:

The boys just finished a 40 minute hang out session complete with chilling out together, and Ghost trying to start play. I've figured out he does enjoy being chased! He's just not sure yet about Shadow trying to turn it in to wrestling. It was really nice to see them just relaxing together and I even was able to fold my laundry while they both hung out with me. I hate folding laundry, so it felt like a double win.

It did end with a bit of a scuffle which stinks, but they're acting completely normal at the baby gate so it seems I disliked it more than them! Shadow tried to start play that was way rougher than Ghost is ready for, Ghost started screeching, and that escalated it. They were easy to separate, and there was zero blood. Tiniest little bit of fur flew. So tomorrow they'll have the day off from each other since it's one of my long shifts, even though they don't seem too phased.

I have a friend coming to visit me and stay for a few days this week, and she is the reason I started to love cats, so I'm looking forward to having her around to see and interpret their antics along with us!

I hope the start of your week is a good one!
 

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