I posted a little while ago asking for advice about whether or not I should choose to separate my two cats (who had a rocky relationship) after a recent breakup, leaving one with my ex and taking one. After hearing what you had to say, I decided to take them both and give them another chance with a proper reintroduction and see how they did on neutral territory. It's been a week and so far, I am cautiously optimistic.
I've been keeping them separate almost 100% of the time but I have been switching their "territories" daily so they become accustomed to each other's scents and so they become accustomed to sharing territory. I have a HUGE master bedroom so I have a full cat set up in there and a full cat set up in the rest of the house. I rotate who stays with me in the bedroom every night. I have also been placing their food bowls on opposite sides of the same door, so they have been eating near each other through the door for the better part of a week.
Over the last 3-4 days, I have also been allowing them to look at each other for a few minutes at a time (I just open the door a little while they are both standing near it so they can see each other). I always stand between them and have been stopping them from approaching each other so far but they are usually close enough that I can pet them both, so I always pet them and tell them they're being good kitties so they learn to associate each other with getting love and attention.
As of yet, there have been no signs of aggression. No hissing, no deadly staring, no lunging or swiping. I have seen them sniff each other under the doorway. When I open the door for them to look at each other, I can see they are both curious and a little unsure. Their little noses start working but neither has made an aggressive move. I am looking for a screen door that I can use to prop up in the doorway so we can move to the next step where they will be able to see and smell each other, but won't be able to get at each other.
I'm going to continue my game of musical cat territories but both cats seem relaxed and happy. They're eating well and using the litter boxes normally. They both always want to snuggle as soon as I'm home, so it's been hard to stick to my guns and not rush things. It's hard to stay strong when one is crying for company but I know the consequences of skipping steps and I would really prefer to not have to keep them separated permanently.
Just thought I'd update ... if anyone has any other ideas or suggestions, I'd love for you to share!
I've been keeping them separate almost 100% of the time but I have been switching their "territories" daily so they become accustomed to each other's scents and so they become accustomed to sharing territory. I have a HUGE master bedroom so I have a full cat set up in there and a full cat set up in the rest of the house. I rotate who stays with me in the bedroom every night. I have also been placing their food bowls on opposite sides of the same door, so they have been eating near each other through the door for the better part of a week.
Over the last 3-4 days, I have also been allowing them to look at each other for a few minutes at a time (I just open the door a little while they are both standing near it so they can see each other). I always stand between them and have been stopping them from approaching each other so far but they are usually close enough that I can pet them both, so I always pet them and tell them they're being good kitties so they learn to associate each other with getting love and attention.
As of yet, there have been no signs of aggression. No hissing, no deadly staring, no lunging or swiping. I have seen them sniff each other under the doorway. When I open the door for them to look at each other, I can see they are both curious and a little unsure. Their little noses start working but neither has made an aggressive move. I am looking for a screen door that I can use to prop up in the doorway so we can move to the next step where they will be able to see and smell each other, but won't be able to get at each other.
I'm going to continue my game of musical cat territories but both cats seem relaxed and happy. They're eating well and using the litter boxes normally. They both always want to snuggle as soon as I'm home, so it's been hard to stick to my guns and not rush things. It's hard to stay strong when one is crying for company but I know the consequences of skipping steps and I would really prefer to not have to keep them separated permanently.
Just thought I'd update ... if anyone has any other ideas or suggestions, I'd love for you to share!