Help for CC and Pierce...not yet getting along...

chinamom09

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Hello all. I have not posted in some time, but I give all who have offered advice an update. First and foremost, the feral I rescued, CC was become my shadow. She had her very successful hernia surgery 2 weeks ago. Since home she has been a love. She now sleeps up on the bed, has become a lap kitty, and wants/demands constant human companionship. She has become my indoor kitty. Is tolerant of my daughter, and will even occasionally engage with her. Wow, one month ago I never would have thought that was possible. The only sad part of our story is that CC and Pierce (my resident kitty) still do not get along. Granted it has only been a week since they have been exposed to each other, but I am beginning to get discouraged. We slowly introduced them via smell, on opposite sides of a door with treats, and are currently using Feliway diffuser, spray, and calming collars. CC is the aggressive one. She "charges" at poor Pierce. Kinda like she loves her new life and is protecting us from Pierce. Pierce seems to be a nervous wreck now. Our vet said to "let them go" but to monitor them constantly. The vet said they may never be buddies, but should eventually learn to at least coexist. My concern NOW is that Pierce just got injured. He hurt his leg/shoulder while trying to swipe at CC. There is no obvious mark, so I do not believe it was from CC. The fight, the worst so far, happened very fast. My husband believes Pierce attempted to finally strick back at CC injuring his leg. We are open to any suggestions or comments at this point. We have come so far with CC, but want our first kitty to feel safe and secure. Please help!
 

ondine

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First of all, thank you for helping CC.  She probably does see Pierce as competition for her new life.  Because they are sharing everything now, make sure you have enough resources so they each feel comfortable.

Litterboxes (at least three regular sized ones) should be placed in separate rooms (or at least not put right next to each other).  That way, one can't trap the other or keep him/her from using the facilities.

If you free feed, make sure there are at least two feeding stations.  Water should also be in a separate place.  (Apparently they think it might be contaminated if it is too near their food.)

If you feed on a schedule, each cat should have his or her own feeding place.  (We all sit in separate chairs at the table, right?)  All of this will help cut down on territorial kurfuffles.

Also, I read somewhere that brushing them with the same brush will co-mingle their scents and give them a feeling for the "group scent."  I can't brush any of my cats but if you can, it might be worth a try!

Even with all this, you are correct.  They may never be best buds.  But they can learn to co-exist.  Good luck!
 

feralvr

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Great to hear how wonderful CC is doing and has adjusted surprisingly fast!!! :clap: It is possible that allowing CC access to the whole house has been done too quickly from Pierce' point of view although I don't know how long you kept CC confined. Make sure you give Pierce tons and tons of attention in front of CC and on his own. I would also spend time getting them involved in interactive play sessions either separately or together. Separately at first. Offer special treats when CC is being nice and accepting of Pierce. Try to make their interactions positive right now and if need be keep them separate when you are not home. When I have this problem right off the bat upon releasing the newbie from confinement, then I back pedal. They stay in confinement and are only let out for short periods. If first intros and meetings are positive then that will reflect on their future long term relationship. It is definitely not easy with some cats, though. They may never be best friend from the start but down the road things can change. I have two cats that are a true testament of this after three years.

I also agree with Ondine in that you must have multiple litter boxes in different parts of the home and would also schedule feed. I would feed them together though, in the same room but at a safe distance that is comfortable to both of them. Good luck with your two kitties. ;):vibes::vibes:
 

bastfriend

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Will write more later, but so happy to hear CC's coming along so wonderfully! 
 
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chinamom09

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CC was completely confined for 2 weeks with no contact with Pierce. Week 3, she had hernia surgery, and a couple of days into the healing process we let her out into the hall and our bedroom, with some contact initiated under the door of Pierce's "room". hubbys office. After the surgery completely warmed up to her new family. She actually LOVES all of us now, except Pierce. For 5 days we tried to slowly introduce the two, following all the experts advice...even Feliway spray, diffuser, and now calming collars. Pierce did seem a little interested today in checking out where she was upstairs (he is still limping a little after hurting his paw-no obvious injury per vet). We have not let the two even come anywhere near each other since his injury last Monday. One is always confined. (Pierce was confined as much as CC for a couple of days to give his paw a rest.) We try to take turns allowing them to roam the house and get lap time. Think maybe we should try again this week. We are going on vacation on the 20th of this month and really don't want to have too many issues for our 23 year old son to have to deal with. Hubby and I think maybe we will try the feeding in the same room with CC in a harness. Any other thoughts? Open to anything.BTW: Yes, we do have 3 litter boxes and separate eating stations right now, but a water fountain in the kitchen.
 
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chinamom09

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Sorry, have to correct myself. CC joined our home on Feb. 20th and had surgery on March 19th...
 
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