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

[sasvermont]

I would try rewarding Nakita when she is being good to Phoenix and not acting so huffy around her. Then say..."be a good girl".....when she is not being so good. With a tone of disappointment, if you will.

Sometimes when Miley starts her hissing at Juni and growling etc. I just say, "oh Miley, stop" "be a good girl".....she will calm down. Its as though she needs protection from Juni and my words comfort her. I suspect what is really happening is that Miley wants me all to herself - not wanting to share me with Juni or the others. So by being obnoxious to the others, she gets my attention.

I think the introduction sounds normal so far, to me. The fact that there has not been fur flying - is a great sign. There may be a time, when they turn on each other...... sometimes feeding them together will bring them closer too...sometimes, not.

Have you tried playing with them both at the same time? With a great toy? Maybe they will get the hang of bumping into each other without incident!

[Barbara]

If they sleep in the close presence of each other that would be a good sign to my opinion.
I think I would now no longer make a lot of circumstances.
Give Nakita all the attention she needs. Phoenix is less complicated she will see that she gets what she needs.

Tigris sometimes bullies my little dainty Filou (you know , Momma's boy ) and I always go to Filou and comfort him telling him he's the sweetest etc. etc. because I know he needs it. Tigris is just a big friendly hunk of a cat and even after you told him to leave Filou he jumps up and cuddles with you- so I care for the more sensitive and love the other one nevertheless

[shais_mom]

It only took Zam and Logan about a year to two years to start cuddling. Now they groom each other, wrestle, and cuddle constantly.

Sounds like Nakita and Phoenix will be pals in no time.

and they are MOM AND SON! course they don't know that!
I was kind of like K & L - course I probably shouldn't have been. I picked Kloe up (2 years ago today ) and took her to the vet - brought her home - kept her sequestered in the bathroom when I was at work and sleeping b/c she was so little but other then that she was out with the 'big girls'. Kylie tolerates Kloe to some extent but most of the time they ignore each other. I think that Kloe tries to challenge Kylie for "top Cat" position but Kylie is bigger tho declawed (when I got her) and I always interevene when I'm around.
Good Luck to YOU!

[jenluckenbach]

I would not FORCE Nakita downstairs when she feels more comfortable upstairs. You could try to "coax" her though, with play or treats.

I would really (REALLY) not stress so much. Things sound perfectly normal and I can almost guarrentee that they will only get better.

[Russian Blue]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts.

I would not FORCE Nakita downstairs when she feels more comfortable upstairs. You could try to "coax" her though, with play or treats.

I would really (REALLY) not stress so much. Things sound perfectly normal and I can almost guarrentee that they will only get better.

That's what I was thinking Jen. Yesterday I started coaxing her down with treats and I'm going to try having some play sessions with the two of them. Nakita has come down a few times on her own - but she's very cautious and any movement by Phoenix sends her flying upstairs.

I also have been increasing the verbal communication when Nakita and Phoenix are together and paying more attention to Nakita. Also, handing out rewards when Nakita does make it downstairs. I may start feeding them both in the kitchen and see how that works out.

Thanks again guys...as Rob says leave it to them to figure it out. And I know I need to have some patience! Not a strong suit of mine as you can see...

[catmandu]

Say over and over.
Nakita , and then Nakitas Friend
This may help create a bond.
It helped the Found Cats.

[krazyaboutkatz]

I think that you're doing very well so far but I do agree that they need to work it out among themselves. I also do what K & L do and it's worked for me so far. Since my newest addition,Ziggy, had already been checked out at the vets ahead of time, I just let her roam free and in 3 days she was accepted by all of my other furkids. My cats are used to living with other cats though so this does make a big difference. Good luck and please continue to keep us updated.

[Bengalz]

Kass,

Everyone has given great advice and suggestions. I have been following your thread as well as the thread about Nakita's health issues and can understand your concern. Nakita is a very special baby and you want her to be happy foremost. Phoenix is a kitten and probably very adaptable at this stage - a good thing.

Your maternal instinct is to help Nakita adjust - I would be doing exactly the same thing And my hubby would be saying exactly the same thing Is it possible that Nakita is feeling your stress? As difficult as it may be, try to focus your energy on Nakita. Relax with her and do the things that are normal for her. Phoenix will definitely observe and try to get in on the action and her presence will become more and more normal for Nakita. As cats are creatures of habit -- Phoenix will become a part of that routine and hopefully, it will become easier for Nakita to have another kitty in her life.

My other thought is that if Nakita is not feeling 100%, this may contribute to some of her stress (definitely, to yours). That's a lot of stuff going on all at once. Take deep deep breaths and hug your girls - things will get better.

Both Nakita and Phoenix are adorable and so dear and very lucky to have you and Rob as their purrents. You want all that is good for both of them and that will come. You're a great cat mommy and things will work out - give yourself a little credit.

Hugs, Betty

[ramanth]

and they are MOM AND SON! course they don't know that!

LOL! No kidding. You'd think they'd remember each other when I finally was able to trap Logan, buh ooohhh no. Zam was downright mean and brutal to the poor boy. But the minute he came home from his snip-snip, she started to treat him a little better and over time, she started to mother him again. It was really sweet seeing their relationship blossom.

I think you are doing a great job with introducing Nakita and Phoenix. When I was young, new cats were just put together and after some tiffs and working out the heirarchy, they always did fine and were soon buddies.

[Barbara]

When I was young....

Sorry, it's off topic but it had me ROFL

[ramanth]

Sorry, it's off topic but it had me ROFL

LOL! Okay okay... when I was YOUNGER... as in 10 years old.