On Thursday I had to make one of the hardest decisions and it has torn a hole in my heart. I'm returning Phoenix back to the rescue since Nakita has become worse over the last month rather than better with Phoenix's presence.
On Thursday night, Nakita actually attacked me. She was hiding out more upstairs and started to eat less. Anytime she would hear Phoenix her body would tense up and on Thursday she showed me I couldn't keep Phoenix with us anymore. I have tried everything over the last month - I have used Rescue Remedy, Feliway, treats, play sessions etc. I introduced Phoenix slowly - even building a mesh screen so they could smell/see each other first. I have even moved Nakita's food/litter upstairs so she could have her space and Phoenix would spend most of her day with me downstairs. I would spend my nights upstairs with Nakita for 'our' time.
I guess this wasn't meant to be.
I added Phoenix on the advice of a vet who thought Nakita might need more mental stimulation during her day which might in turn help her hyperesthesia. I think Nakita is meant to be an only cat and I refuse to start drugging her to help her 'over' this introduction which has been suggested by some people as a last step.
Phoenix has been my dream cat. I've wanted a calico since I was a kid and she is the most adorable, affectionate, playful kitten a person could want. She *loves* attention and would do well in a house with other cats. During this last month, Phoenix just wanted to be with Nakita and would often lie down near her even though Nakita hissed and growled at the presence.
I'm returning her today to the foster home she originally came from. It has broken my heart but I need to do what is best for Nakita and get her healthy again. Phoenix, I'm sorry this didn't work out - but know you always have my love.
If anyone in the Toronto/GTA area knows of a great family who would give Phoenix a wonderful, safe, loving home please PM me and I'll pass on your info to the rescue organization. She is up on her vaccinations and is estimated to be around 4 months old. Thanks for taking the time to read.
On Thursday night, Nakita actually attacked me. She was hiding out more upstairs and started to eat less. Anytime she would hear Phoenix her body would tense up and on Thursday she showed me I couldn't keep Phoenix with us anymore. I have tried everything over the last month - I have used Rescue Remedy, Feliway, treats, play sessions etc. I introduced Phoenix slowly - even building a mesh screen so they could smell/see each other first. I have even moved Nakita's food/litter upstairs so she could have her space and Phoenix would spend most of her day with me downstairs. I would spend my nights upstairs with Nakita for 'our' time.
I guess this wasn't meant to be.
Phoenix has been my dream cat. I've wanted a calico since I was a kid and she is the most adorable, affectionate, playful kitten a person could want. She *loves* attention and would do well in a house with other cats. During this last month, Phoenix just wanted to be with Nakita and would often lie down near her even though Nakita hissed and growled at the presence.
I'm returning her today to the foster home she originally came from. It has broken my heart but I need to do what is best for Nakita and get her healthy again. Phoenix, I'm sorry this didn't work out - but know you always have my love.
If anyone in the Toronto/GTA area knows of a great family who would give Phoenix a wonderful, safe, loving home please PM me and I'll pass on your info to the rescue organization. She is up on her vaccinations and is estimated to be around 4 months old. Thanks for taking the time to read.