My Experiment: Day 1 (Livvy & Jonah???)

[NoahsMommy]

I'm going to pray REALLY, REALLY hard every day for this to work out. If you'd like, I'd REALLY love your prayers too.

Experiment:
*See if Jonah & Livvy can get along enough to be roommates (inside and out as weather/time of day permits)

Game Plan:
*Clean out Livvy's enclosure, making it accessible to both cats, with hiding spots for safety and birds for distraction. (CHECK)

*Shower Livvy with attention so she's calm and content when she first meets Jonah. Clip nails. (CHECK)

*Shower Jonah with attention so he's calm and content when he first meets Livvy (CHECK)

*Sit close by during introductions, make sure no one gets swat at or hurt. (CHECK)

*Sit outside for an hour trial period, in between both cats if any hostility arrises. (CHECK)

What happened:
Livvy was really interested in Jonah and did complain a bit when Jonah hissed at her. But, she realized he wasn't much of a threat, so she laid down on her bed:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d707b3127cceb7021a2928be0000001610

Jonah seemed pretty interested in all the noises outside and immediately knew there was a whole world to stare at under the balcony:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d707b3127cceb7021ae8a94f0000001610

He'd come to me for petting, but then got a bit annoyed (or scared?) at Livvy, so he retreated to a hidey hole:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d707b3127cceb7021bf368fc0000001610

He stayed there for the entire duration of the "trial period". Livvy got a bit curious of him, and vice versa for him:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d707b3127cceb7021dcbe9f70000001610

But, I led her away so he wouldn't feel he didn't have a safe place to hide.

He did come halfway out for chin skritches:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d707b3127cceb7021ba0e99f0000001610

He went back in his hidey hole, Livvy groomed her nails and shared her bed with me while I read.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d707b3127cceb7021c43a9e70000001610

When I decided to put him back in his room, I had to pull him out. We got in his room and he almost went for his bed, but wasn't too freaked out because he turned around and flopped for petting. I think about an hour each day might help?

Please pray this works out. I don't want to give that boy up and I'm desperate for a solution for Olivia. I don't want her outside this winter or stuck in the closet alone. (she hates it)

[Tonya]

It sounds like you have a pretty good battle plan. Before you know it, they'll be best buddies. I'll be praying for Livvy and Jonah.

[NoahsMommy]

I sure hope so, Tonya. Thanks for the prayers. :)

[sirrahbed]

Kelly - for day one, I would say it went VERY WELL - don't you think? I really think it sounds promising and I have said a prayer for you and that the plan works out.

[jazzcat]

I agree with Debbie, sounds like a promising day one. Prayers on the way that it works out. I think Olivia and Jonah would be very happy to have each other.

[rg_girlca]

I agree with the others that it seemed like a good first meeting.

I hope and pray that all works out for everyone in the end.

[jenluckenbach]

The introduction went well from the sounds of it. But if I may ask (without getting dirty looks) how is this going to be Olivia's solution?
So, You wish Jonah to be permanent? ;) Not just a foster :) I can't imagine why :rolleyes: :D:D:D I thought you were sending him to me???

[moosmom]

Kelly,

I think you've got a plan, girl!! Just take it one day at a time, or, as my kid always told me while she was recovering from cancer..."Baby steps, Mom, baby steps!!"

Good luck with your plan. I think it's gonna work. Prayers coming from Michigan.

[kimlovescats]

Oh I think it is a wonderful idea, Kelly and it sounds like it is already off to a very good start! I just said a prayer that all will work out for these two and your precious furry family!;) :D

[christa]

Sounds pretty good for a 1st trial run! They'll be snuggling before you know it! (hopefully!)

Praying that these two will adopt each other soon!!! Keep us posted!

[shais_mom]

sounds like quite the game plan Kelly!
GOOD LUCK!

[wolflady]

Gosh, I must be out of the loop! Where did Jonah come from??!! He's gorgeous! (of course, I'm biased....white cats are my favorites ;) LOL )
I sure hope he and Livvy will do well in the enclosure together. It looks like things are off to a pretty good start though! :) I'll still send some good vibes your way though!

**hugs**
Karen

[NoahsMommy]

The reason I want Livvy and Jonah to like each other is so that I can bring Livvy into at least our walk-in closet at night and in cool weather/rain and have her happy.

We've tried putting her in the walk-in and she cries and cries and scratches at the door constantly. Anti-anxiety meds work, but I don't want to drug her.

She occasionally cries outside too, about once a week. We go out and visit, but I can tell she just wants us to live out there with her, or to come inside and not be terrorized by the cats. :(

So, the plan is to have Jonah out with her during the day, when its warm enough, and have them both in the walk-in at night. It'd keep them occupied and happy.

Karen,
Here's a few links to Ophelia/Jonah:
http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58038&highlight=ophelia

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58176&highlight=ophelia

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58548&highlight=ophelia

http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?s=&threadid=58614&highlight=ophelia

:) I'll call you tomorrow night :)

[jenluckenbach]

Gotcha!!! ;)

[catcrazylady]

It sounds like a great plan and it also sounds like things went very well for the first meeting. I'm praying that this works out because I know how upset you are about Livvy. Hopefully this will make Livvy and Jonah happy and ease your mind at the same time. Keep us posted!!

[catmandu]

When I first brought home Mr Scrappy,Pouncer beat him up,and chased him,until he hid,and cried! But one day,as I was going,to take him,way,she came to him,in the carrier,as he was crying,and licked him.For then,on,until she passed on,they were the Best,Of friends! Hopefully,this will happen,with Your Cats,Too!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I guess I missed it too, but I thought Jonah was staying with your friend. I sure hope it works out with Livvy though. Like you, I think she'd like the company - company that's not beating up on you is always a good thing. ;) :D

[Ally Cat's Mommy]

Sounds like it's working so far! Keeping you in my prayers!