Please help with big decision

[Dinah Doll]

Oh man! Thank you pearl99 for your kind words and tips! Kwik, you also just made things easier for me as far as decisions go.

I let Z out again this morning after her breakfast to roam. (Dynah was already in her cattree for the day.) This is great as far as Dynah is concerned because she just stays back there all day anyway!! She roams all night and sleeps all day until 4:00pm. So this is great for Z as she can come out and explore the whole house during the day and leave her scent around. Also, she meowed right outside Dynahs back room multiple times this morning so Dynah knows she is here for certain now.

I will start to leave some towels with their scent on them to leave in each others spaces. I also have already carried Z around the house a few times to check everything out. Then put her down and let her go where she wants. She always goes back to the porch.

As the weather turns colder especially at night, I will be forced to bring Z inside. This is the next decision for me. She feels very safe and is comfy in the unheated back porch now. The question is where do I make a "safe room" for Z at night when Dynah is roaming. This will mean moving the other litter box and bringing the box and Z's food to that room. I am still banging my head with that decision.

Thank you again for your insight!

Here is a 1 minute video I took with Z in my bedroom last night. She loves attention!

Zezah - Totally Graphic Photography

 

[pearl99]

Now Z,from what you've described so far sounds like a really sweet,social mature lady - that is not an indication she's going to be that sweet or social to an unfamiliar cat-

So true! My example is my rainbow kitty Gracie, I volunteered at a shelter and worked with Gracie for over 3 months. She was a sweet, calm, loving cat and I decided to adopt her, she was 12 years old. She had done OK with other cats in the shelter. I had my Mooshoo and Waffles, and Gracie took over the household. She, all of her 7 pounds, totally commanded and ruled the others. She wouldn't let them near her, did not like them at all, and could be jealous of me with them. It worked out, but my 2 other cats were not able to spend as much time with me, and she would not let them on my bed. Gracie also absolutely hated to be confined to a room- meowing, yelling, scratching the door or gate- kept me awake at night- so, be prepared!
Luckily, Waffles and Moo readily and willingly gave in to her being dominant. No fights, just me working things out between them and them resigning to not having access to me whenever they wanted.

Forewarned is forearmed .

 

[Dinah Doll]

So true! My example is my rainbow kitty Gracie, I volunteered at a shelter and worked with Gracie for over 3 months. She was a sweet, calm, loving cat and I decided to adopt her, she was 12 years old. She had done OK with other cats in the shelter. I had my Mooshoo and Waffles, and Gracie took over the household. She, all of her 7 pounds, totally commanded and ruled the others. She wouldn't let them near her, did not like them at all, and could be jealous of me with them. It worked out, but my 2 other cats were not able to spend as much time with me, and she would not let them on my bed. Gracie also absolutely hated to be confined to a room- meowing, yelling, scratching the door or gate- kept me awake at night- so, be prepared!
Luckily, Waffles and Moo readily and willingly gave in to her being dominant. No fights, just me working things out between them and them resigning to not having access to me whenever they wanted.

Forewarned is forearmed .

Wow pearl99 thank you for sharing this with me. Great insight from your experience! So interesting! Totally makes me have a different perspective on my situation now. And Kwik's post is now sinking in more too!!

Perhaps it is not Dynah that I should be concerned about being the aggressor or dominant cat, but Z could be the one to be concerned for Dynahs sake

Either way, you guys have really opened my mind and put me more at ease about this new situation.

Thank you so much folks for chiming in. I will keep you posted and I think I will be a little less "worried" about this and instead, look at it as a really good thing for the three of us

 

[Kwik]

Wow pearl99 thank you for sharing this with me. Great insight from your experience! So interesting! Totally makes me have a different perspective on my situation now. And Kwik's post is now sinking in more too!!

Perhaps it is not Dynah that I should be concerned about being the aggressor or dominant cat, but Z could be the one to be concerned for Dynahs sake

Either way, you guys have really opened my mind and put me more at ease about this new situation.

Thank you so much folks for chiming in. I will keep you posted and I think I will be a little less "worried" about this and instead, look at it as a really good thing for the three of us

Quite frankly Gregg I don't see you really having anything to worry about - and you know I'd most certainly say so if I thought differently.

Watching the video of Z was fantastic- it's plain to see she was once someone's previous little pet- her condition leads us to believe shes been out on her own for some time ,poor little darling but wow,she hit the jackpot!

Id not waste much energy on trying to figure things out- is there a cat flap to the porch? Perhaps you can install one? If you let Z figure out where she feels most comfortable inside the house and when she'd prefer the warmth of inside that'll make everything much simpler - keep letting her come inside or carry her in as you've been and I imagine that's where she's going to want to be

I don't believe there going to be a big issue with Dynah and Z either- for some reason I got that feeling( I'm usually good with gut instinct,lol) Let it take it's course,if Dynah doesn't want to be bothered she will highly likely avoid- Z is handleable so that makes things pretty easy - she's on Dynah turf so even if she is a territorial type she's not going to be very brave or confrontational at this point- it's an advantageous scenario in your favor

Just like my bringing Timmy in the house- he was( is) a very aggressive territorial tough guy- he was like a little sheep with my 4 residents ( who he could easily make minced meat out of- lol) but he was in unfamiliar territory ( lucky for them)

16 months later and they're just now finding out he is not a cat to be trifled with!

 

[Dinah Doll]

Thank you Kwik, I think you are right as usual. Last night, Z was on the porch and Dynah in her bedroom under the bed playing with me with a marble. Z was having some more dinner and I went in the kitchen which is next to the porch. All of a sudden Z came running in, ran down the hall past Dynahs bedroom and into the back bedroom where the Cattree is.
I ran down, closed the door in Dynahs room and when I got to the back room, Z had already jumped up on some shelving right next to the cattree!!!!

WOW...what a rush!!! Z just couldn't wait to check that room out and she knew Dynah was not in it. Incredible how smart these Cats are! That was so incredible!

Fast forward to around 4:00am....Z was on porch and it was really chilly out there so I opened the door and she came in on her own. I went back to bed (I closed Dynahs door) and Z followed me and laid on my bed next to me for almost an hour. Then she got down and meowed to go out of the room. What a little doll she is. When I got up, she was back on the porch. I opened Dynahs door and brought Z's food station inside to the kitchen. This is where it will stay for now.

Then, I decided to let them see each other. Z came into the back room and wandered there a bit and Dynah came out of her cubby to look. When Z jumped on my chair next to Dynah, I picked her up and moved back away from Dynah. Z seemed Ok when she saw Dynah and, Dynah just stayed there peeking out at us with one eye hahaha. Right after that, I visited Dynah to see how she was and I think she may have been visibly shaken? I mean she may have been shaking or, maybe purring I couldn't tell. Her body trembled when she breathed out it seemed. She has done this before but her purrs are so soft, I can't even hear them! So that was it for now.

So Kwik, you are correct. I am not going too worry much about this. If anything, I believe Z may be the BOSS of the two. I will post again. Thank you all for your support. I can get stressed easy these days and you folks help that tremendously!

 

[Kwik]

Thank you Kwik, I think you are right as usual. Last night, Z was on the porch and Dynah in her bedroom under the bed playing with me with a marble. Z was having some more dinner and I went in the kitchen which is next to the porch. All of a sudden Z came running in, ran down the hall past Dynahs bedroom and into the back bedroom where the Cattree is.
I ran down, closed the door in Dynahs room and when I got to the back room, Z had already jumped up on some shelving right next to the cattree!!!!

WOW...what a rush!!! Z just couldn't wait to check that room out and she knew Dynah was not in it. Incredible how smart these Cats are! That was so incredible!

Fast forward to around 4:00am....Z was on porch and it was really chilly out there so I opened the door and she came in on her own. I went back to bed (I closed Dynahs door) and Z followed me and laid on my bed next to me for almost an hour. Then she got down and meowed to go out of the room. What a little doll she is. When I got up, she was back on the porch. I opened Dynahs door and brought Z's food station inside to the kitchen. This is where it will stay for now.

Then, I decided to let them see each other. Z came into the back room and wandered there a bit and Dynah came out of her cubby to look. When Z jumped on my chair next to Dynah, I picked her up and moved back away from Dynah. Z seemed Ok when she saw Dynah and, Dynah just stayed there peeking out at us with one eye hahaha. Right after that, I visited Dynah to see how she was and I think she may have been visibly shaken? I mean she may have been shaking or, maybe purring I couldn't tell. Her body trembled when she breathed out it seemed. She has done this before but her purrs are so soft, I can't even hear them! So that was it for now.

So Kwik, you are correct. I am not going too worry much about this. If anything, I believe Z may be the BOSS of the two. I will post again. Thank you all for your support. I can get stressed easy these days and you folks help that tremendously!

Awww- so often all we really need is to hear " it'll be just fine" ,just knowing someone is there for you can make all the difference -and btw,we all have been in that place of totally stressing out,lol

It's wonderful to be included on your journey ,from meeting Dyna to your moving and now bringing Z into your life to be part of the family..... my pleasure, always a pleasure

 

[Dinah Doll]

Ok folks! Here is the first real face to face contact (video link below) between Zezah and Dynah from last night. Zezah walks into back bedroom where Dynah's cattree is. Dynah is sitting on a perch to the right. I am just out of the frame of the security cam (sorry for poor quality) ready to intervein if something bad happens. But Zezah finally realizes that Dynah is right there. Well see for yourself and thanks for watching.

They are both doing fine. Dynah is very wary of Z's presence and slinks around when coming out to eat or use the litter box. And so is Z aware of Dynah. But I think everything will be OK between them. No fighting, just tolerating each other

here is the video: Zezah meets Dynah!

 

[tabbytom]

Ok folks! Here is the first real face to face contact (video link below) between Zezah and Dynah from last night. Zezah walks into back bedroom where Dynah's cattree is. Dynah is sitting on a perch to the right. I am just out of the frame of the security cam (sorry for poor quality) ready to intervein if something bad happens. But Zezah finally realizes that Dynah is right there. Well see for yourself and thanks for watching.

They are both doing fine. Dynah is very wary of Z's presence and slinks around when coming out to eat or use the litter box. And so is Z aware of Dynah. But I think everything will be OK between them. No fighting, just tolerating each other

This is great! Looks like they checked each other out peacefully and there's no signs of retreat or hostility from Dynah and Z came closed to Dynah and still climbed up the chair.

Looks like Z is kind of respecting Dynah and keeping clear from her. Looks like they'll sort of bond together.

I don't know what made Z ran out of the room so fast

 

[Dinah Doll]

This is great! Looks like they checked each other out peacefully and there's no signs of retreat or hostility from Dynah and Z came closed to Dynah and still climbed up the chair.

Looks like Z is kind of respecting Dynah and keeping clear from her. Looks like they'll sort of bond together.

I don't know what made Z ran out of the room so fast

Thank you TT! I am hopeful that they will eventually get along. Since that encounter, Z has stayed on the porch with an eye trained on the entrance of the porch door seemingly watching for Dynah. Last night during Dynah's usual roaming, she stopped multiple times staring at Z who sits up on a tall table inside the porch.

So Z is a bit nervous now. She has moved back further on the table and behind a little cat bed she has been laying in. This morning I took her to the living room for some bonding time and she sat with me (on my belly) for 10 minutes purring away. I think she feels pretty safe with me.

Then back to the porch for her breakfast. I am trying to get her to eat in the kitchen but she must be feeling vulnerable. It has only been less than 5 days now since she has been in the house so she has been really good about the new situation.

To Everybody: I am changing Zezah's name to Callie, short for Callista. It is a much better fit for her and I think she responds to that name better than Zezah....I think ! This name is a character in a children's bedtime story about a young Puma. I read this story to Dynah sometimes and I think this new name fits this new Cat purrfectly!!!

I am having company over later today and they can't wait to meet Callie! I had offered these friends Callie before I trapped her as they were looking to get another Cat but, they did not want this girl! THEIR LOSS...Callie is all mine now and they can't have her

I will keep you posted on Callie's progress and Dynah's progress too! Thanks again for chiming in!

Greg

 

[Avery]

Callie is a great name and I hope she does well when your company stops by. It could take a little time before Dynah and Callie are best friends, but it sounds like your girls are off to a good start! Thanks for the updates!

 

[pearl99]

Great video. Looks like they are doing very well! It looked like Dynah did a small move and maybe a meow? I saw her mouth open very slightly, and Callie (formerly Zeezah ) took off to familiar territory. It was cool that Callie stretched her neck out to Dynah. Caution and respect is evident!

 

[Dinah Doll]

Thanks Avery! Callie let my friends pet her and was quite comfortable with their presence here. Dynah had again stared into the porch last night and Callie stayed on the table all night. Callie is certainly wary of Dynah and I think afraid of her. But it is time to close the porch off, it is getting too cold. I moved the litter box back in the kitchen.

Pearl99, yes, perhaps a meow from Dynah or she just moved her head a little, I can't tell. I am not sure about tonight when Dynah starts to roam. Unless Callie is dead afraid of Dynah I may have to put Callie back on the porch. I can partition most of the porch off and leave the door wide open to the kitchen. This lets heat into the porch but when the temp really drops, this will not be an option as the porch just gets too cold. So far it's been fine back there and Callie is comfortable during the over night hours.

I will post again as to how we all do tonight!

 

[tabbytom]

hank you TT! I am hopeful that they will eventually get along. Since that encounter, Z has stayed on the porch with an eye trained on the entrance of the porch door seemingly watching for Dynah. Last night during Dynah's usual roaming, she stopped multiple times staring at Z who sits up on a tall table inside the porch.

So Z is a bit nervous now. She has moved back further on the table and behind a little cat bed she has been laying in. This morning I took her to the living room for some bonding time and she sat with me (on my belly) for 10 minutes purring away. I think she feels pretty safe with me.

Then back to the porch for her breakfast. I am trying to get her to eat in the kitchen but she must be feeling vulnerable. It has only been less than 5 days now since she has been in the house so she has been really good about the new situation.

You're welcomed

I'm guessing that there is a submission thing going between them. One have to be dominant and one have to be submissive for them to dwell together. If both are fierce and dominating, there won't be peace.

I think Callie is aware that Dynah is watching her though Dynah is not making any aggressive moves, which is good and Callie is playing her game well to be accepted by Dynah.

 

[Kwik]

Dinah Doll

You can always get a little cat house with a heated bed for when its cold on the porch if she's rather sleep out there....they have self heating material beds as well as electric,so many varieties

 

[Dinah Doll]

Thanks guys! Kwik,...I do have a heated Cat house with a nice soft bed but she didnt seem to want to go in it. Perhaps if she was cold enough I don't know. I am just going to see what happens with Callie in the house tonight. She has been laying everywhere checking out the places to hang and sleep including my lap!

Dynah did come down out of her room and peeked in her bedroom as Callie was cleaning herself on a window landing. She did not see Dynah and Dynah spied on her for a minute and then retreated to her cattree in the backroom again.

Wish us luck tonight. It may be an interesting evening!

 

[pearl99]

Wish us luck tonight. It may be an interesting evening!

Luck!

 

[Kwik]

Thanks guys! Kwik,...I do have a heated Cat house with a nice soft bed but she didnt seem to want to go in it. Perhaps if she was cold enough I don't know. I am just going to see what happens with Callie in the house tonight. She has been laying everywhere checking out the places to hang and sleep including my lap!

Dynah did come down out of her room and peeked in her bedroom as Callie was cleaning herself on a window landing. She did not see Dynah and Dynah spied on her for a minute and then retreated to her cattree in the backroom again.

Wish us luck tonight. It may be an interesting evening!

It'll be fine my friend- nothing the girls cannot sort out. Perhaps take the heated bed out of the cat house for starters so Callie can check it out if she's apprehensive about the enclosed space- she'll likely love the little bed,then you can gradually move it into the house little inches at a time- if she likes treats make a treat trail up to the opening and gradually into the cat house- she's cautious and rightfully so

Just so you know ,my 5 have done very well( with lots of supervision and encouragement)- Graycie is the least cat to cause any issues,,she is gracious,respectful of others space and moves around unintrusively ( smart girl) .Today,16 months Timmy's been inside Graycie was not feeling gracious when Timmy crossed her path- Graycie is a big,strong girl that bothers no one( thank goodness with her strength )....and Timmy doesn't back off

Did fur fly? No! As long as ears are not pinned,hairs not standing and no puffed tail then it's normal for an argument here and there to sort it out,they didn't fight,they had an argument - Graycie did retreat by slipping under the dresser growling fiercly,Timmy went about his business..... no need for my intervention,just being cats

My point is just informational- cats are not pack animsls,their is no heirachy,no need to establish a dominant or alpha position( thsts for hunting,dogs & other pack animals MUST work together for survival) ,cats have no need for pecking order - independent hunters only need a territory without competition,that's why all cats can co-exist peacefully in a shared space when all their needs are met and they have a respective place of their own.

You've got lots of room,they have all they need - they can avoid easily..things only go sideways when humans force introductions and rush them along ,they'll be just fine..... let Callie find her respective place,3 or more litter boxes,individual playtime and attention,multiple water sources,vertical space and it's smooth sailing for those two

 

[Dinah Doll]

It'll be fine my friend- nothing the girls cannot sort out. Perhaps take the heated bed out of the cat house for starters so Callie can check it out if she's apprehensive about the enclosed space- she'll likely love the little bed,then you can gradually move it into the house little inches at a time- if she likes treats make a treat trail up to the opening and gradually into the cat house- she's cautious and rightfully so

Just so you know ,my 5 have done very well( with lots of supervision and encouragement)- Graycie is the least cat to cause any issues,,she is gracious,respectful of others space and moves around unintrusively ( smart girl) .Today,16 months Timmy's been inside Graycie was not feeling gracious when Timmy crossed her path- Graycie is a big,strong girl that bothers no one( thank goodness with her strength )....and Timmy doesn't back off

Did fur fly? No! As long as ears are not pinned,hairs not standing and no puffed tail then it's normal for an argument here and there to sort it out,they didn't fight,they had an argument - Graycie did retreat by slipping under the dresser growling fiercly,Timmy went about his business..... no need for my intervention,just being cats

My point is just informational- cats are not pack animsls,their is no heirachy,no need to establish a dominant or alpha position( thsts for hunting,dogs & other pack animals MUST work together for survival) ,cats have no need for pecking order - independent hunters only need a territory without competition,that's why all cats can co-exist peacefully in a shared space when all their needs are met and they have a respective place of their own.

You've got lots of room,they have all they need - they can avoid easily..things only go sideways when humans force introductions and rush them along ,they'll be just fine..... let Callie find her respective place,3 or more litter boxes,individual playtime and attention,multiple water sources,vertical space and it's smooth sailing for those two

Thank you, and for sharing your stories about your cats. I love to hear about them because we can then all relate better. It sounds like you have a house full of love and like humans, they argue with each other too.

At dinner time, Callie was in Dynah's room and Dynah came in slouching all the way. As soon as Callie saw her, she gave Dynah a huge HISSS. Dynah retreated to the back room and into her cattree but then peered out the windows as if nothing happened.
Then I had to physically move Callie into the kitchen to where her dinner was because she was just staring at the spot where Dynah came in the room But Dynah never came back to eat until I went to bed. Callie stayed with me in my bedroom all night, slept on my bed and on a few other places in the room that I made for her. SHE IS SO STINKING CUTE!

I also brought her food and water in my room too. So a great 1st night in the house. I am relieved and as you said, it will be fine.

I really do not want to put a litter box in my room for Callie at night. She will just have to go to the other two that are in the house and deal with Dynah if they meet in passing. Last night I do not think Callie left my room. But this is a great start to what should be pretty easy transition into the house for Callie.

Thanks again. I will post again soon!

Greg

 

[Kwik]

Thank you, and for sharing your stories about your cats. I love to hear about them because we can then all relate better. It sounds like you have a house full of love and like humans, they argue with each other too.

At dinner time, Callie was in Dynah's room and Dynah came in slouching all the way. As soon as Callie saw her, she gave Dynah a huge HISSS. Dynah retreated to the back room and into her cattree but then peered out the windows as if nothing happened.
Then I had to physically move Callie into the kitchen to where her dinner was because she was just staring at the spot where Dynah came in the room But Dynah never came back to eat until I went to bed. Callie stayed with me in my bedroom all night, slept on my bed and on a few other places in the room that I made for her. SHE IS SO STINKING CUTE!

I also brought her food and water in my room too. So a great 1st night in the house. I am relieved and as you said, it will be fine.

I really do not want to put a litter box in my room for Callie at night. She will just have to go to the other two that are in the house and deal with Dynah if they meet in passing. Last night I do not think Callie left my room. But this is a great start to what should be pretty easy transition into the house for Callie.

Thanks again. I will post again soon!

Greg

I was waiting to hear your good report of Callies first night-had no doubt it would go well

Callie is adorable,it's really nice to have a cuddle bug ...out of my 5 Timmy is actually the one who is the most snuggley believe it or not- who would have thought? Lol - go figure!

 

[Dinah Doll]

I was waiting to hear your good report of Callies first night-had no doubt it would go well

Callie is adorable,it's really nice to have a cuddle bug ...out of my 5 Timmy is actually the one who is the most snuggley believe it or not- who would have thought? Lol - go figure!

Right you are! Just when you think you have a kitty figured out, they throw you a curveball!

So I think I will get another litter box for my room after all, as Callie did not leave my room again all last night.

And WOW, she still has some appetite! She ate a can of Fancy feast plus a tablespoon this morning . And I would like to report that her dull fur coat that the vet mentioned is beginning to get back a shine to it

Ok...off to the pet store again