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.