Phoenix&Nakita - *Update Sept.20th*Feedback please..

[Russian Blue]

I would love for people who have been through cat introduction to provide some comments on our current situation. I'll try to summarize as best as I can.

Nakita has listened to the noise in the above bedroom with a curious nature. Phoenix has meowed a few times and Nakita also looks interested but not upset. I've rubbed both cats down so they get each other's scent. We decided to introduce them today since Phoenix and Nakita adjusted so well to our house on Saturday.

We built a mesh screen that divided the 2 rooms upstairs (our upstairs area is a loft) and Rob stayed on one side of the divider with Phoenix and I stayed with Nakita on the other side. Nakita went up on her own time and we spent a good 40 minutes upstairs. At first, both cats put there backs up and had *poofed* tails, but no growling or hissing. We gave them both treats and Nakita backed up a bit to observe, Phoenix just wanted more treats and to play. After awhile, Nakita approached the barrier and hissed once when Phoenix approached the screen. Phoenix then sat down. Nakita then went back downstairs and quickly returned. Again, only one hiss from Nakita and Phoenix sat down again.

I think we'll have these 'screened' meetings once a day for the next week. I think it will go well, we'll just take it slow. I was quite impressed at Nakita's reaction and I think she was just telling Phoenix who was boss. Once Nakita came back downstairs she returned to her old self, she's still following her normal day to day schedule. Phoenix honestly just wanted to play with Nakita the whole time.

For the experts, was this a good first introduction? Should I make the 'screened' meetings a regular part of our daily routine? Nakita came upstairs both times on her own today. She also ate treats and washed herself during this process as well. When I started making dinner right after this meeting, Nakita was totally normal and went on with her day. Phoenix continued to play upstairs.

Would love some feedback since I've never done this. Thanks so much guys - I just need a little handholding to get me through this since I want the best for all involved.

[catmandu]

I think that you are on the right track.
I think that the most common mistake is to try and rush things.
Just imagine how you would feel if Nakita brought another lady home.
I think that a slow gradual approach will work.
If you pet Nakita more and ignore Phoenix a bit , then Phoenix will look to Nakita for friendship.
There are very few Cats like Scrappy 2, who just made everyone his pal from day 1.
We wish you the best of luck, and hope we see some Dynamic Duo Photos soon.

[sasvermont]

Well, it sounds normal to me. Some cats need more time than others....and no sense ticking them off early on. My sense is that Nakita needs to know that she is #1. I would pay lots of attention to her....telling her that she is your best/favorite kitty......(then of course, tell the other one the same thing )

Keep us posted.....take your time.

It took me one year to get my bunnies to fall in love! Yes, one year and two vet visits due to bites!

Good luck! And take pictures!

[RedHedd]

Sounds right on course to me. Only one hiss? No growling or swatting? Good! You're doing it right to do it so slowly and give them a chance to get used to each others scents. Phoenix sitting down is a sign of submission - that's a smart kitty you have there! Nakita is top cat - Phoenix is invading her territory. Slow is good. We'll expect some togetherness pictures in a month or so. My two are FINALLY getting snuggly after 3.5 years

[krazyaboutkatz]

It sounds like you're doing everything right and in your case it's good to take things more slowly since Nakita isn't used to being with other cats. The screen idea is also great because then they can see each other as well as smell each other. I look forward to seeing many pictures of the 2 of them together soon. Good luck.

[jenluckenbach]

Sounds fine!

If you pet Nakita more and ignore Phoenix a bit , then Phoenix will look to Nakita for friendship.

PURR-fect advice!

Just remember that even though there is no hissing now doesn't mean there won't be any later. When Phoenix can actually come up and TOUCH Nakita you'll here a bit more complaining.

[Russian Blue]

How are the intos going???

I let Nakita and Phoenix meet, face to face with no barrier, on Saturday for the first time. Here's a summary. I'd love some feedback and anything I can do to get Nakita more comfortable with Phoenix. I've been told to just let them work it out but it's hard seeing Nakita so anxious every time she sees Phoenix.


- Since last Sunday, we have had meetings between Phoenix and Nakita upstairs with a mesh divider (plus we have Rescue Remedy and Feliway in the house)
- Phoenix (12 weeks old) would just want to play - Nakita would stay back and hiss once when they first met
- by Thursday they were eating on either side of the mesh screen - Nakita still very cautious of Phoenix
- Nakita has kept to her normal routine - doesn't look stressed at all, plays, eats, sleeps all the same on the main floor - even when she hears Phoenix meowing or playing upstairs


Saturday

- this morning we had the first face to face meeting with no barrier
- Nakita hissed or growled at Phoenix if she came to close, but Phoenix learned fast to give her a wide clearance
- Phoenix didn't seem to pay attention to Nakita, instead she played and explored the house while Nakita watched from the sidelines

- since this mornings meeting went so well, Phoenix came down at dinner time as well
-again, Phoenix almost ignored Nakita the whole time, giving her a wide clearance but the odd time would run past - then Nakita would hiss/growl but not move.
-Rob sat down next to Nakita on the floor, but at the same time Phoenix came running up on the other side of Rob
- not sure if Nakita's view was blocked and she couldn't keep an eye on Phoenix but Nakita flew down Rob's side and chased Phoenix (full menacing growl and jumped towards Phoenix but didn't make contact) approx. 3 metres out of the kitchen and then Nakita ran upstairs to hide under the bed
- they were separated for the night

Sunday

- Phoenix come down for most of the day
- of course, she just wants to play but Nakita always hissed/growled if she approached
- Nakita was on the end of the bed and Phoenix jumped at the head of the bed - Phoenix, again looking like she was playing in the sheets jumped towards Nakita and Nakita let out a huge hiss/growl but no attack
- Nakita again, retreated upstairs
- Phoenix didn't seem phased by this
- they were separated in the afternoon, and both went to sleep
- at dinner they were introduced again, this time Nakita was on top of the cat condo and Phoenix avoided her
- Phoenix fell asleep on the radiator, Nakita walked up to her cautiously but Phoenix woke up and both cats became tense, I separated them
- again, both cats were seperated for the night
- once separated, Nakita becomes her old self, playing, eating, purring

Any feedback guys? Should I just let them wonder about and figure things out for themselves? I'm not worried about Phoenix, she doesn't see to care since she just has one thing on her mind * Let's Play!* I'm just worried about Nakita since she will just stay in one corner and watch. I don't want her to be stuck in a corner and won't go eat or use the litter box when Phoenix is around.

I'm sure they will figure it out and it will take time - it's only been two days of free roaming - but it's so hard watching Nakita hiss/growl when I've never seen her do this in her life. I actually was emotional on Saturday because I brought Phoenix in to *help* Nakita, not make it worse. How long would you allow this to continue before becoming concerned?

[sasvermont]

Well, this sounds as though things are running smoothly. It takes time. It could go on like this forever or you can just bite the bullet and let them alone to work it out. It doesn't sound as though either kitty will fight the other one until death. I would be tempted to let them at each other all day long and keep them apart, if necessary, at night, so that you could get some sleep!

I have found that by playing with both cats at the same time, with a very exciting toy, they sorta learn to "share"...taking turns swatting at the toy.... a fishing pole thingie is what I have in mind.....something that they both cannot resist playing with.......

It sounds as though things are fine there.....good job!

[jenluckenbach]

all seems Perfectly normal!

Nakita flew down Rob's side and chased Phoenix (full menacing growl and jumped towards Phoenix but didn't make contact) approx. 3 metres out of the kitchen and then Nakita ran upstairs to hide under the bed

Here Nakita is teaching Phoenix that Rob is HER'S! The fact that she had no physical contact with Phoenix shows it was just a lesson.

- Phoenix fell asleep on the radiator, Nakita walked up to her cautiously but Phoenix woke up and both cats became tense, I separated them

Part 1 is good. Nakita initiated going up to Phoenix. BUT I would not have seperated them at that moment. Let them interact next time.

_________________


I would keep allowing Phoenix out shile you are there to supervise, and seperate when you are away or asleep. Phoenix seems to be showing no signs of wanting to be dominant, which is good. Nakita will adjust. I guarrentee it!

[Russian Blue]

Thanks for the feedback!

Nakita will adjust. I guarrentee it!

Today, all Nakita did was growl and sit higher up from Phoenix. My concern comes when they meet face to face on the floor level. Today that happened and both their back went up with a death stare from Nakita.

Right now, I can't see how Nakita is going to get over this and I hate this hierarchy posturing. I just don't want to see this lead to a full blown fur fight.

[catmandu]

I remember when Pouncer used to chase Scrappy around and hiss and swat at him.
And yet they became the Very Soul of Cat Friendship, the Veritable Damon and Phythias of the Cat World.
I think that Nakita and Phoenix will grow to be friends, it will take time as Nakita is so used to being THE CAT!!!!

[RedHedd]

Thanks for the feedback!
Right now, I can't see how Nakita is going to get over this and I hate this hierarchy posturing. I just don't want to see this lead to a full blown fur fight.

Nakita will get over it - it will take time. Mitzi was like this when I brought Mishi in. They were fine after a few weeks of supervised meetings. Hang in there. If they're like my two, in three years you'll be posting cuddle pics!

[rosethecopycat]

You are doing good.

Nakita is acting like my Bella does with the foster kittens.
I don't think you'll arrive at a fur fight, as adults don't tend to beat up kittens that bad.
The slower the better with integration, have you tried a playpen (cage) for the kitten in plain sight, in the middle of the room?
You can give Nakita all the attention, while she doesn't feel threatened by Phoenix coming too close. Don't worry about the baby, nothing really offends them, they are very resilient. You can give her affection, in another room, away from Miss Nakita.

They will come around, it usually takes mine a couple weeks to relax around new kittens.

[Russian Blue]

Hang in there. If they're like my two, in three years you'll be posting cuddle pics!

3 Years?!?! Ill really be gray then, better get the hair colouring kit.

The slower the better with integration, have you tried a playpen (cage) for the kitten in plain sight, in the middle of the room?
You can give Nakita all the attention, while she doesn't feel threatened by Phoenix coming too close

That's exactly the problem that is happening. I go to play or talk to Nakita and Phoenix comes running with me which makes things tense. I'll have to see if I can construct something like that. Thanks for the idea!

Yesterday was the first time I saw Phoenix trying 'push' Nakita's limits or simply she was playing. Nakita was trying to eat (her food is temporarily beside the couch) and Phoenix would jump on the couch and tower over her. This is the first video, which was the calm before the storm. After this video Phoenix acted like she was going to jump on Nakita, Nakita growled loudly then moved away.

Here's the video: Nakita & Phoenix

[smokey the elder]

Years ago, I got Mobius when I had Smokey the Elder. I didn't have anywhere to isolate the kitten who was 4 months old at the time. I just kept a wary eye on them and the squirt bottle handy if there ever was any serious fights. There was much growling, hissing and posturing on Smokey's part, for a couple of weeks. Then one night I got home, and they were arm-in-arm cuddling on the couch! Someplace I have a film pic that I should scan in if I can ever find it.

There is hope for even a princess to make friends. Just give it time. It sounds like it's actually going OK.