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

[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!