cats meet - confusing

in article , Justin L at
wrote on 2/16/05 11:26 PM:

Mary wrote:
"Justin L" wrote:


Jake is very nervous because you brought him into Elwood's
territory: Elwood was in the house first, his scent was there when
Jake got there. If Jake had been first, Elwood would be nervous.
It's okay--you are doing everything right. You're a good papa!



Well, I let them go at it a while longer and watch them very closely,
and I must say there were some interesting battles. Elwood Charging
Jake, Jake charging Elwood. Elwood on his back, then Jake on his back. I
must say, Elwood has surprised me in that he is sticking up for himself
quite well.


God, I bet this is cute!! Got a video cam??

Heh, it was pretty entertaining at times, but no video cam



At this point, they are taking a food break, and I would have to say
they are at a draw. Hopefully they tire each other out enough so that I
get a decent nights sleep tonight.




Justin it really sounds to me like you have been successful at
introducing them. Good for you!!


I am not sure, they seemed to be getting serious tonight.
I may have to leave them separated for a while longer

Justin

Yeah, I would just go back to separating them when they are too serious.
Keep bringing them together like at meal times and are you playing with them
with a wand toy so that their focus can be on something other than each
other?

"Justin L" wrote in message
. com...
Phil P. wrote:
snip



Just be sure that neither cat feels punished (separated) if and when you
feel you need to break them up. This could make the 'punished' cat
associate 'punishment' with the other cat which might lead to
provocation on
sight.

I am not really sure what you mean to do here. I had to break them up a
few times. I covered them up with a blanket, and stuck one in the room
to let them cool down. Would that be punishing?


Not necessarily - as long you showed the cat plenty of affection. The cat
might feel punished if you broke them up and put him a room by himself and
closed the door.

Unless the cats are growling and hissing and taking a defensive posture
(ears back, arched back), sometimes if difficult to tell if its play
fighting or for real until its too late. OTHO, play fighting strengthens
their relationship so its usually not a good idea to interfere. An
occasional hiss and swat or even a pounce are perfectly normal behavior. A
queen will often swat a kit on the head when she does something wrong or
annoys her.



Sounds like "this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship,
Louie"!
LOL!

Best of luck.


I am hoping so, thanks!


Better cover your VHS/DVD so they don't get dusty... you won't be using them
much anymore. There's nothing more entertaining than cats! ;-)

Phil