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"Thanks for your reply, " - You are very welcome. Of course, anytime.Thanks for your reply, we are generally successful drawing Cora away from the other girls but everytime she is wanting to play which seems like a good thing. Belle is a difficult child, we got her from a breeder at a cat show and she does not fit the breed standard for scottish folds, she is not at all cuddly or playful, she has always been extremely picky over food and unresponsive ignoring attempts to get her to play unless it suited her. When Aza arrived she immediately jumped into playing and Belle just stepped back and let her do all that hard work and that has been the last 4 years or so. We have found a couple of new toys which are getting a reaction from Belle but hi energy play is not in her vocabulary and cuddling is definitely out. I have seen Jackson's programs (which seem a bit too miraculous to be real) and I have been aware of the under bed blocking but while we do have a big apartment we don't have any materials to block off the bed so that is unfortunately out.
"we are generally successful drawing Cora away from the other girls " - That is really terrific and should show the resident cats that she does not pose a threat.
"but everytime she is wanting to play which seems like a good thing." - Play is a very good thing. It can be mis-interpreted but eventually it is communicated that they want to play and don't mean harm. Like everything, it often takes time and repetition. But it really is terrific. Cora is being extremely good and helpful.
" Belle is a difficult child, we got her from a breeder at a cat show and she does not fit the breed standard for scottish folds, she is not at all cuddly or playful, she has always been extremely picky over food and unresponsive ignoring attempts to get her to play unless it suited her." - OK, good to know. So if confidence building doesn't work as well then try to distract Cora to make sure it is a positive encounter. She'll learn that Cora is not a threat. Play is just one part of confidence building. Food, Height and Love (which can be anything from eye kisses, to safe rubbing, to just positive encounters, hanging out, etc). Some cats build confidence by just being left alone, not forced to do anything etc. As long as they are happy, doing what they want to do.
" When Aza arrived she immediately jumped into playing and Belle just stepped back and let her do all that hard work and that has been the last 4 years or so. " - Ok
"We have found a couple of new toys which are getting a reaction from Belle but hi energy play is not in her vocabulary" - Ok, even a little play is great. Then feed after play.
" and cuddling is definitely out." - Ok, that is fine. Love can be eye kisses, just hanging out. Warm and comfy bedding. Things like that. There are many ways to make her feel loved, safe, comfortable and at home.
" I have seen Jackson's programs (which seem a bit too miraculous to be real) and I have been aware of the under bed blocking but while we do have a big apartment we don't have any materials to block off the bed so that is unfortunately out." - Ok. Maybe storage boxes, or something. The reason we want to block off low places is we don't want a "dead end" as a cat that feels trapped might have only fight to get out of. So we always want to try to eliminate one way only places. So we want multiple "escape routes". That is why Height can be a positive for confidence in addition to being able to surveil the large area, etc.
Don't worry. They are doing great, I am really only reading positives. Sure. Belle may not be perfect BUT she is doing great and accepting for the most. I don't read anything to suggest there is going to be a real issue. We have some work but normal work. Aza is going to be a big help I think in helping Belle along and Cora is doing everything right. And Belle is actually doing really well so I really am not worried. It may not be going as fast as you want but it is going great. And the more trust you have in them the more they should have in each other.
All is going to be well. Just ask anything anytime and update us. I am really happy at this update. Keep up the great work!!!