New cat introduction... Weird

[Alldara]

That's a great plan. Silver can guide the relationship with Joy afterwards.

 

[chigusa]

I swear I'm about to cry.
She's still a bit wary, she soft growls and hisses at times but most of the times she's calm. She's not yet completely comfortable, but this is the closest I've ever seen them without (mostly without) negative vocalizations. I was not really sure I would have lived to see this day.

It took some treats to let her come to the gate. But then she freely chose to sit close to it.

 

[Alldara]

Oh amazing! Your patience is really sowing results!

 

[chigusa]

Today Anis entered the living room on her own volition. For the first time ever.

She took a few steps, hissing softly and looking around. Joy was on a chair nearby and completely ignored her. Silverio tried to come near her thus she walked back into the kitchen, her back to the living room.
So I closed the door as I did not want Silver to sneak up on her, so to say, and scare her. They watched each other through a small gap of the door: She hissed and growled a bit, and tried to swat him (claws inside I think?) as he pushed a paw inside.

She may tollerate them in the same room imo but I think they need to keep their distance for now.

 

[chigusa]

Hi!
Quick news.

Anis is still slow in getting friendly with the boys but a few days ago she squeaked to them while they were all eating treats.

A sound like this: .

She's getting more and more comfortable while at the gate with them. She still does not like when they get too close though. Perhaps she never will. Honestly I have no idea, she's been so ridden with minor health issues that her personality imo is a mistery yet.

Sometimes I let the boys go in, while I monitor the encounters. They are not pushy, while curious.

Also today while they were in the bedroom, door closed, she ate their food and discovered the sofa.

 

[rubysmama]

Baby steps, but all in the right direction.

 

[chigusa]

Co-habitation is progressing, fortunately.
However a little ago, when I was getting ready for bed my boys started play-fighting and soon after one of them (Joy) meowed loudly, three times in quick succession (something around the lines of "mee-me-meow!") and jumped on the armchair putting an end to it. Subsequently he laid on the drying rack.
The other stared at him a bit, then walked away and into the next room.

I'm sure which cat shrieked as I was not watching, but it seemed to me Joy's "voice".

Should I be worried?

 

[rubysmama]

Maybe the play just got a little too rough for ones of them. But since one just ended it and walked away, and the other didn't pursue, it doesn't sound worrying.

 

[chigusa]

I guess so.
I'm just worried because they almost never play this rough and I never heard them "complain" loudly, except maybe during their first months together.

I hope they're not getting too stressed over Anís.

 

[rubysmama]

It's hard for me to gauge since I'm not there, and don't know your cats. And, actually, I've never had more than 1 cat at a time, so I've no experience with a multi cat household. But generally it's fur flying or bloodshed that is the concerning signs. How are they acting towards each other now?

 

[chigusa]

Well, yesterday after that scene Joy slept on the drying rack, which is surprising given how he usually comes on the bed with me, but considering it is also hot so maybe he liked fresh sheets. He did come near me after dawn.
Silverio was a bit agitated, wanted to play, but did not go bother Joy again and eventually fell asleep too.

This morning they were ok. They brushed against each other on the bed as I was waking up and no incident happened.

 

[Alldara]

It's likely just that they had some extra energy or that she surprised them.

It's really nothing to worry over unless it begins happening daily. Then, the solve is just to get some extra energy out for the boys.

It sounds as if it's going very very well. Keep at it! Don't worry about the ifs. Just count thr little wins.

 

[chigusa]

I'll keep an eye on them to be sure they remain the best of friends. They're so cute together.

Btw I think Anís is warming up to them!
Yesterday she dropped her tail down the washing machine. Silver hopped to play with it, she hissed but then did not move it away. In fact she fell asleep with her tail potentially at their disposal.
And they are so gentlecats that they left her alone.

Yep she still growls if they get too close. Much less though.

 

[Alldara]

I'll keep an eye on them to be sure they remain the best of friends. They're so cute together.

Btw I think Anís is warming up to them!
Yesterday she dropped her tail down the washing machine. Silver hopped to play with it, she hissed but then did not move it away. In fact she fell asleep with her tail potentially at their disposal.
And they are so gentlecats that they left her alone.

Yep she still growls if they get too close. Much less though.

That's great progress!

 

[chigusa]

Hi! Here is an update. I think we might be in the middle of a big progress here.
Anís came down from the kitchen on her own volition to go into the litter box while the boys were around!

After that, she positioned herself near the bathroom entrance. Silver was the first to come in sight. She hissed, growled softly then stopped after a while. Same with Joy, who joined him a bit later.

Once again she appreciates them to keep their distance it seems.
But now she's, I think, relaxing with Joy around.

However Silverio hissed once then went into the living room. I was keeping him a bit away from her, so maybe he was only frustrated.

Thoughts?

 

[Alldara]

I think that's great progress. Really good progress. You should be so proud of your patience and hard work that is leading to thus success. And of the cats too!

Maybe Silvero was frustrated or maybe he was saying, "no YOu stay back." Or "dont you come here if you want ME to stay back." Or "dont hiss at me!" That kind of thing.

 

[chigusa]

Before I closed the doors I also had them eat in the corridor.


Thanks! I hope I'll keep helping them become good friends

I do think the cats are doing the most of the work. The boys are patient, sweet. She's doing her best to trust them and is making an effort.

 

[Alldara]

Don't underestimate your change in additude from fully stressed, to more relaxed facilitator!
Plus you've learned so much along the way AND been able to put it into practice I your home.

Certainly your boys' temperments have to do with it also, but then that's 50% how you've raised them to be confident and calm and to trust you!

 

[chigusa]

I do feel more relaxed. Not enough to leave them alone without me and I still regularly check on them while I'm home, but surely I'm more confident and I know how to handle "incidents" should they happen.

Truth be told, I also asked the help of a professional because I wanted to be sure the co-habitation could work. Probably some tips helped a lot and the supplement I'm giving them, Zylkene, helps them to handle anxiety and stress.

I can share those tips if you are interested

 

[Alldara]

I do feel more relaxed. Not enough to leave them alone without me and I still regularly check on them while I'm home, but surely I'm more confident and I know how to handle "incidents" should they happen.

Truth be told, I also asked the help of a professional because I wanted to be sure the co-habitation could work. Probably some tips helped a lot and the supplement I'm giving them, Zylkene, helps them to handle anxiety and stress.

I can share those tips if you are interested

I'd love to hear about them and I'm glad you were able to find a professional in your area to help. Having some support can make a huge difference.