Hello, we have a 3 year old Tonkinese Female, Tessa. About 8 months ago we lost her sister Freya, who she was bonded with. Tessa has been very lonely. We really felt she would benefit from feline companionship as well - as she is very upset any time we are not home. So upon the advice of our vet we looked for a younger, male cat.
We adopted little Smudge - a 4 month old male, Siamese mix who loves other cats. He moved in yesterday. Now I know this is very, very soon - I'm just looking for some encouragement.
Smudge seems fine and he loves all of us already and he wants to come out and be in the house (he is currently secluded in the guest room). The rescuer thought with as friendly as Tessa is, we could try seeing how they were with each other after a few hours. At first they were fine, smelling one another and bumping noses, but then one of them moved too quickly and they got into a tussle (which I broke up almost immediately). We separated them again and everyone is calmer, but now Tessa almost seems frightened of him. However, she will got to his door and just sit there, or sniff and sniff under the door. When we leave Smudge alone in his room he cries for a while. Both cats will sniff under the door and even put their paws under the door. I'm not sure if that is a good sign or a bad sign.
I know it can take days, even weeks. I've read all of the articles. I tried putting up a gate they could see through but Tessa climbs it. I'm wondering if I made a big mistake or if I'm being incredibly impatient. I'm just looking to hear some success stories. Did anyone ever have cats that didn't hit it off at first, but eventually became friends? We love Smudge already and really want to keep him. But Tessa is our princess and we want her to be happy as well.
I need some encouragement. Thank you!
We adopted little Smudge - a 4 month old male, Siamese mix who loves other cats. He moved in yesterday. Now I know this is very, very soon - I'm just looking for some encouragement.
Smudge seems fine and he loves all of us already and he wants to come out and be in the house (he is currently secluded in the guest room). The rescuer thought with as friendly as Tessa is, we could try seeing how they were with each other after a few hours. At first they were fine, smelling one another and bumping noses, but then one of them moved too quickly and they got into a tussle (which I broke up almost immediately). We separated them again and everyone is calmer, but now Tessa almost seems frightened of him. However, she will got to his door and just sit there, or sniff and sniff under the door. When we leave Smudge alone in his room he cries for a while. Both cats will sniff under the door and even put their paws under the door. I'm not sure if that is a good sign or a bad sign.
I know it can take days, even weeks. I've read all of the articles. I tried putting up a gate they could see through but Tessa climbs it. I'm wondering if I made a big mistake or if I'm being incredibly impatient. I'm just looking to hear some success stories. Did anyone ever have cats that didn't hit it off at first, but eventually became friends? We love Smudge already and really want to keep him. But Tessa is our princess and we want her to be happy as well.
I need some encouragement. Thank you!