Almost exactly two years ago my partner and I adopted Vega from a local rescue. We were hoping she would be a companion for our senior kitty who is very active, and who lost her doggy and kitty friend a few months before.
That has not worked out.
What has happened is that the cats generally have separate territory in the house. We try to encourage them to be comfortable around each other with positive experiences but re introductions are slow and never seem to progress.
I think there is something about Vega that we're missing and I'm hoping someone has some insights about it. She seems to like parties, strangers, interesting events more than any other cat I've ever had. I realized this yesterday.
For the past few weeks we've been feeding her wet food in the evenings downstairs, and putting the older kitty behind gates to keep them separate during dinner. As of two weeks ago she would come down and explore. For the last week she has REFUSED to come downstairs despite all of our coaxing.
Then, last night we had some friends over for the fourth of July. She came right downstairs and stayed downstairs most of the night. She and the older cat did a few territory dances but generally left each other alone. They were both happily napping within sight of each other while we played board games.
I've noticed this pattern before but this was super extreme and it made me wonder if we're doing the wrong thing by trying to keep the house fairly quiet and settled for her.
I know she spent several months of her kitten hood as an "Office Cat" at the Vet that we rescued her from. But she hates loud noises? Except fireworks are fine?
We've been wanting to get another dog but didn't want to do it until the cats were more friendly, but now I'm wondering if having a dog around wouldn't be more interesting for her. It's sadly impractical for us to entertain every weekend.
Does anyone else have a kitty like this or any insights into how to make her happier/engaged etc? (She's also doing some anxious overgrooming and I'd like to help with that too)
That has not worked out.
What has happened is that the cats generally have separate territory in the house. We try to encourage them to be comfortable around each other with positive experiences but re introductions are slow and never seem to progress.
I think there is something about Vega that we're missing and I'm hoping someone has some insights about it. She seems to like parties, strangers, interesting events more than any other cat I've ever had. I realized this yesterday.
For the past few weeks we've been feeding her wet food in the evenings downstairs, and putting the older kitty behind gates to keep them separate during dinner. As of two weeks ago she would come down and explore. For the last week she has REFUSED to come downstairs despite all of our coaxing.
Then, last night we had some friends over for the fourth of July. She came right downstairs and stayed downstairs most of the night. She and the older cat did a few territory dances but generally left each other alone. They were both happily napping within sight of each other while we played board games.
I've noticed this pattern before but this was super extreme and it made me wonder if we're doing the wrong thing by trying to keep the house fairly quiet and settled for her.
I know she spent several months of her kitten hood as an "Office Cat" at the Vet that we rescued her from. But she hates loud noises? Except fireworks are fine?
We've been wanting to get another dog but didn't want to do it until the cats were more friendly, but now I'm wondering if having a dog around wouldn't be more interesting for her. It's sadly impractical for us to entertain every weekend.
Does anyone else have a kitty like this or any insights into how to make her happier/engaged etc? (She's also doing some anxious overgrooming and I'd like to help with that too)