Need help introducing two cats

[Furmama22]

Sorry not the greatest picture. This is about 7ft apart, no barrier.
View attachment 390786
What should I expect for my next step?

Just wanted to say congrats! That's a positive face-to-face step!!! And I'm glad you asked about what's next because that's always been my question too - how to move from a few minutes together with entertainment (food, treats, play) to....just being together. But you should feel very good about this!
Also they are both such gorgeous calicos!!

 

[di and bob]

Absolutely wonderful! I would just keep feeding them like this, maybe moving them a few inches closer every few days. How do they act when they are done eating? Hopefully they can spend some quiet time observing each other. You could try throwing a few treats their way every so often to keep them busy. Good job!

 

[GHsaltie]

di and bob I have been shutting the gate as they finish. I'm a bit scared to find out what happens if I don't but I know I need to. Maybe tonight or tomorrow I'll have my husband help me and we can each distract a cat so they can observe without being left completely to their own devices.

 

[di and bob]

That's a good idea. Remember, hissing, swatting, and growling are perfectly normal. As long as there are not deep bites. Cats can and often do, a horrible amount of damage if they want to, those poor feral tomcats are horribly maimed and scarred. so what your cats are doing is minor. There will be the occasional tussle with hair flying, and maybe a scratch or two. They still are fighting over being 'top dog' and setting up a hierarchy. Mine still tussle at least once a week, and they are 7-8 years old and mother and sons!

 

[Furmama22]

That's a good idea. Remember, hissing, swatting, and growling are perfectly normal. As long as there are not deep bites. Cats can and often do, a horrible amount of damage if they want to, those poor feral tomcats are horribly maimed and scarred. so what your cats are doing is minor. There will be the occasional tussle with hair flying, and maybe a scratch or two. They still are fighting over being 'top dog' and setting up a hierarchy. Mine still tussle at least once a week, and they are 7-8 years old and mother and sons!

G GHsaltie just wanted to say I often do the same! Let them eat and then close the gate because I'm worried about what will happen next. You aren't alone!

di and bob Just curious! Do you have any thoughts on chasing? My one cat seems to think it's fun/is a bit of bully and the other one runs when chased (and is very upset about being chased - she does not think it's fun). We are at the same stage as G GHsaltie in this thread - they can eat a meal together in the same room, but sometimes when the meal is done or the treats have been put away, we then have a chase. Not trying to hijack the thread! Just curious in the context of your comment on hissing, growling, swatting.

 

[di and bob]

Females are upset when the boys are unruly. (or another female trying to see where they fit in in the hierarchy.) They are prey-driven so when one runs they are compelled to give chase. Your female will more than likely stand her ground eventually, she will tire of being chased. The bully will either be repelled or learn their place. There will be scuffles, and fur may fly, but eventually, they will calm down. i would intervene if it gets too intense, there is no use in one getting truly hurt. Especially in the beginning when the fun can change to anger quickly. Have a stiff piece of cardboard handy to stick between them. Growls, swats, and hissing are all normal. If one hides from the other and does not come back into sight rather quickly, they are really getting hurt. Deep bites are NOT normal, (bites that break the skin) and they must be separated, small scratches and hair are normal.

 

[GHsaltie]

We just got back from vacation this afternoon and we've been moved to our new apartment for two weeks. Last week before we left on vacation Summer was a bit sketchy and jumpy, hissing more than normal and hyperaware of where Leafy was at. Leafy settled in perfectly fine no issues. While we were gone things were kind of a disaster with the petsitter. She understood things perfectly as far as what's going on and I wasn't going to have her try any intros or anything, just keep them separate. Well that wasn't even an issue because Summer decided she did NOT want this girl in the home. She was sweet and behaved during the introduction visit, but as soon as the petsitter came after we left Summer was very aggressive and attacking her. I am thankful that the girl as least was understanding that Summer is very stressed and with a stranger, but after no improvement during the third visit I couldn't in right mind have this girl keep getting attacked liked that. I was able to make other arrangements with my mom and we got it sorted. Summer was still a jerk a couple times but in time ended up completely ignoring my mom's existence. I thought they would be more comfortable with a petsitter than going to a boarding facility, but I don't think I'm going to do that again.
So here we are now. I'm going to start back with introductions tomorrow with meals at a distance just to see where we are at now that dynamics and environment have changed.

 

[di and bob]

I feel sorry for you, but what happened is not unusual. Most cats hide. Cats do not like strangers as a rule. As you know it takes a long time for them to adapt. I'm glad your mom could step in. Two weeks in a strange place (to her) most likely had Summer on high alert. Now that you are back everything should calm down. Sooner or later they HAVE to get along!