Kitten worries

Pictures of my new baby and her cave.
I'm finding it hard to get good photos of Asha because she's in a fairly small space and doesn't stay still unless she's snuggled up to me or in her bed. I don't want to take photos of her in her bed because I'd have to use the flash and that spooks her slightly.

I made a mistake this morning. She'd seemed so active that I thought she might want to play and let off steam. Without thinking, I grabbed one of Shadow 's toys (a long fur fabric thing with a ball on the end) and tried to play with her. It must've smelled too strongly of Shadow because she growled and hissed at it and backed away. It came right in the end. She was on me after lunch and the toy was behind my shoulder. She climbed up me and had a good sniff without freaking out. I think they might eventually be ok together. (I've started Shad on the scent swapping and he's totally chilled about it. I'm going to give Asha chance to settle before I *intentionally * introduce her to his).

She's sooo cuddly! She's gone at least half to sleep in my lap 3 times so far. She's still a bit growly when something worries her...usually road noise or barking dogs downstairs. She sat in my lap (without me stroking or fussing her) and growled at the noises a couple of times.

She got cross when I cleaned out her litter tray at lunchtime (second time today. ..as she's in a confined area I want to keep it as clean as possible for her). We'd just had a long cuddle, then she'd used the tray. As I sorted it out she was growling and hissing at me, and gently hit me a couple of times for added emphasis. I hasten to add that she wasn't inside her 'cave' while I did this, but I did have to reach over her a little.

After that happened I encouraged her into the cage and shut the door. I'd been with her for 2 1/2 hours and I guess she was just a bit over stimulated.

Sorry to go on so much...I'm just so proud and in love with my new fur baby :heart4:

As to her (possible ) mum Aashka, my mum is going to feed and supervise her for the next few days. She was the one who started feeding her in the first place. I'm glad of the break. I think both Aashka and I need a cooling off period after yesterday's fiasco. I feel so guilty about my attitude towards her yesterday. I know I was putting out the wrong energy because of the state Asha was in. I hope I'll be able to rebuild some trust when I go back to her. The look in Aashka ' s eyes when she was hissing at me was one of absolute betrayal
Nothing I can do about it now. I guess it's the perils of working with semi ferals and being unwell myself (too long a list of things to go into - suffice it to say that all the problems are chronic, incurable and difficult to treat effectively ).

Finally, a *huge* thank you to ShadowsRescue and Ondine for all their support.

She is just beautiful.  Thank you for sharing a pic of her.  It seems she is settling in nicely. 

When she is ready for introductions with your other cat(s)? take it slowly.  I have some great articles and few videos on hand if you would like to read/view them on cat to cat intros.  Starting with scent swapping now is a great idea. 

Almost 2 years ago I brought a stray/feral into my home.  I had another cat as well as a large dog living inside the house.  The male cat I brought inside was not nearly as social as your little one.  It took us awhile.  The intro process was long.  But we muddled through it and now the cats are best buds. 

I also have 2 (sometimes 3) ferals living outside on my deck.  My hope is that one day they decide they have had enough of outside living and come inside.  I can pet them both (after years of working with them).  This is the second winter in a row that we have had bitter cold temps and lots of snow.  It has been hard on them and hard on me. 

Keep the updates coming. 

I hope your Mum can help you out with the other female.  She may really have a change in personality once she is spayed.  She also may be missing her friend.

Thank you! I currently have one other cat (the brother to my avatar pic) and two big dogs (greyhound and lab).

The articles and videos sound great. I'd love to see them.

My current introduction plan is this:-absolutely no physical contact for probably a month at least. I'll do lots of scent swapping, progressing to blanket swapping when Asha's accepting Shadow's scent on a sock. When she's spayed and healed I'll first leave her cage door open so she can explore the rest of her room (it's full of doggy smells as the lab sometimes settles on the rug. Shadow's litter tray is also in the corridor just outside so it should give Asha another version of his scent (?).

Once Asha's confident in all of her room, I plan to set up a crate in the living room for her. I'll have her in there supervised so that she can meet the other animals and they can meet her. When the dogs are out of the way (to stop any thieving!) I'll give both cats treats (most likely chicken) at the same time with Shad near Asha's crate. Once they can accept each other I'll let them meet properly. I expect the whole process to take 2-3 months, though I may put Asha in her room overnight for a while longer.

The only change I might be tempted to make to this is to have Asha in my room for part of the time with my door shut. I don't know how long I'll be able to resist have a *comfortable* place to cuddle her. I'll wait at least a month before I try that one though!

Is it worth scent swapping with the dogs too? She'll smell them all over me anyway, and Leah (the lab) introduced herself through the cat carrier when I got home from the vet! No hissing or growling, and Leah was just wagging and interested in the new smell.

I'm glad that your indoor feral settled so well in the end, and I hope your outdoor friends pluck up the courage to move in soon. Sub zero temps and snow are no life for any cat...even my pony doesn't approve and she's *designed* for the harshest of weather!

Here are a few articles and video on cat to cat intros.  It is definitely a process.  Alot depends on the temperment of the cats.  Some learn to like each other right away while others take time.  Also since cats are very territorial by nature, they have to learn to work out boundary lines as well as who will be alpha cat. 

I used a large dog cage too.  When I first used it, I covered it on 3 sides so the cat inside the cat felt safer and not so vulnerable at first.  Lots of yummy treats really helped the process.  Both of my cats were very food motivated.  I also used a screen door that I attached to the door way with tension rods.  It allowed the cats to see and sniff.  It was done supervised only.

By the way, one of my ferals outside (the one in my avatar) is named Shadow!

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/the-ultimate-yet-simplified-guide-to-introducing-cats

http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/a-simple-little-trick-to-use-during-new-cat-introductions/

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/cat-behavior/introducing-your-cat-new-cat

http://jacksongalaxy.com/2010/10/01/cat-to-cat-introductions/

I forgot to add the link to introducing cats to dogs

http://www.thecatsite.com/a/introducing-cats-to-dogs

Thanks for all those links. They've definitely answered a few questions for me. I can't quite do everything as recommended but I can get pretty close.

Covering most of the dog cage is a good tip. I'm already doing that in Asha's room so it makes sense to continue it downstairs when the time comes. It just hadn't occurred to me. I can't make screen doors work here. It's an old house and many of the doorways are a foot thick. They're also all arches not normal doors so I can't see how screen doors can be made to fit.

Would it make sense for the first introduction to be with my greyhound? He's *very* chilled and can't see as well as he used to. His attitude to life is 'as long as I have a bed and a blanket (or preferably a duvet and feather pillow for my head!) I don't care what goes on around me.' I'm concerned that a cat will feel more confrontational because of Aashka stopping Asha from eating. Also, Pixie sleeps in bed with me and my bedroom/workroom is the first part of the rest of the house I want to let Asha into. It's much more doggy than catty if that makes sense.

Your Shadow is beautiful. I should mention that my Shadow is a blue, not a cream like his brother. His name wouldn't make any sense if he was pale!


The more I look at Asha, the more I think she's not related to Aashka. Their builds and coats are totally different. I think I just assumed they were related because Asha looked so young. I'm pretty sure Asha's a Bombay. She's identical to the pics I've found online, and her temperament fits the profile exactly.

She discovered the top of her crate tonight, and settled there happily until I had to put her back in. I think she's going to turn out to be a 'tree dweller'. Once she's able to roam the house I'll have to get her a giant cat tree to explore! She calls after me when I leave her now. *sweet *

Sorry to go on so much. I'm just so in love with this little girl

:9:

Introducing the dog first is fine.  Just know she may be very frightened if she has not had much experience with dogs.  Just take it slow!

The screen door I used was a cheap wooden screen door from a home improvement store.  Here in the US it was $20.  I attached it to the door with tension rods.  I have a picture that I can show you.  I know others have used a bi or tri fold screen that is taller than a baby gates.  Some people use baby gates and stack them on top of one another. 

She is so lucky to have you!  I wonder if she had an owner at one time since she is so comfortable with you. 

My Shadow is my baby.  He was my first feral.  I worked tirelessly with him and I so desperately wanted him to live inside the house.  It was just not meant to be at this time.  He does wander in on occasion when my other animals are put away.  Yet he has a very very very comfy living space outside with his best buddy Stellar. 

Here are the pics of the screen door set up.

Thanks for the pics. I'll definitely look into screen doors. This is just a *very* odd house (two C16th one storey cottages knocked together with a weird 1970s 2nd floor added on...nothing in this place is logical and there isn't a single true right angle, straight wall or level floor in the whole place!)

Even living outside, it sounds like your Shadow and Stella have the best life a pair of outdoor ferals could have. They're so lucky to have found you.

I'm starting to think Asha had early human contact and was then dumped (possibly with a littermate) near the yard. It's on a big army base and apparently it's not uncommon for army folk to abandon their cats when they're posted or relocated ) It's either that or she's so grateful to have been rescued that she's unusually trusting. If she is a Bombay, that would also account for the affection and trust. I guess I'll never know.

Asha's doing amazingly well. I took her a sock saturated with Pixie's (greyhound ) scent this morning. She sniffed it and started purring! Later on she lay down on too of it, and pounced it when I went to move it. Good signs I think.

She also played with Shadow's toy a little. I think she'd have played longer but it's not a very satisfying toy to engage with. I've got a fishing rod and feather style toy (not da bird but a store brand version ) on order and I think that'll be more interesting for her.

I gave Shad the Asha sock to sniff last night. He was initially curious, but then backed off 2 steps and turned away from it a little. He stayed on the footstool with it though. Is the ignoring good or bad?

Leah (lab) is dying to meet Asha. She spends a lot of time lying outside Asha's door and was really interested in the Asha sock...sniffing and sniffing at it while gently wagging her tail.

I'm giving Asha a little more freedom in her room now. She's getting bolder and more inquisitive. She's not growling at the dogs barking now, she just tenses a little and opens her eyes. Her den is set up on a mezzanine level with a ladder down to the main room. Leah's got in to the bottom half of the room a couple of times, and Asha's existed cautious interest. I hasten to add that in that situation there's someone on each level, and that Leah is unable to climb the ladder to the mezzanine.

The only thing I've done wrong is let her have an extra feed. She was begging and begging and, knowing how underweight she is and given that I'd forgotten to take the rest of the tin away, I caved. Is that dreadful of me?

Asha loves having a really good knead on me, and she's now sticking her head down between her paws and sucking at me (well, my clothes) while she kneads, purring all the while. I think she must be under a year old...maybe 9 months or so. She's got all her adult teeth but they're very clean, and it just seems like she acts kittenish.

I'm sooo glad I kept her. :heart3: :kitty2:

Sounds like scent swapping is going well.  Keep doing it.  Ignoring it is fine.  You just don't want growling or hissing. 

As far as extra food, it's fine to give her more now.  How much are you feeding her?  You can feed her extra now and then as she puts the weight on, gradually reduce the amount. 

I asked the vet what she thought Asha's healthy weight would be, and I'm feeding her the amount the pack says to feed for that weight. She's getting wet only - a mix of Nature's Menu (some kitten and some adult) pouches and Lily's Kitchen trays. Both are high quality grain free high meat varieties. It works out at 300-400g a day (she weighs a little over 2kg and I was told she should be around 4kg). She's eating enthusiastically, but keeps getting distracted by her desire of cuddles!

I've left Asha with full access to her room for the first time today. She's doing great...apart from getting cross when I leave her...well, she does her best to stop me going anyway

I presented a Shadow scented sock this evening with her dinner. She stood on top of me, sniffed it carefully, then headbutted it and rubbed her cheek all along it. Shadow isn't as keen on her...he's still at the avoid and ignore stage Still, that's better than hostility.

Ashka is in a sulk after Wednesday's fiasco. Apparently she's around in the mornings when we're not there, but mum couldn't find a sign of her tonight. Hopefully she'll come around soon.

Here are a couple of pics of Asha's bad leg. The vet had to shave it to see the damage

Asha's doing great still She's asleep on my stomach as I type... well she was anyway. She just stretched a little too enthusiastically and fell off

Both cats are doing well. Shadow seems happier since I gave him a massive groom yesterday. I think he was feeling a bit pushed out. He's not had as much of my attention lately, but as he's not specifically my cat I didn't think he'd mind. Wrong!

Anyway, they're both fine with the scent socks now. Am I at the point where I can up the ante by switching blankets now? If I do, do I put them in each other's beds, or just in an area they'll easily find them?

I want to do this right...its just hard not to be impatient sometimes.

Aashka is still avoiding us. I hope she regains some confidence soon. I still feel bad for what happened At least other people are seeing her in the daytime so I know she's ok. Also, she seems to be very healthy. At least I don't feel the same urgency as I did with Asha. I don't know how much longer she'd have lasted if I hadn't found her.

Breakthroughs!
Asha met Leah (my chocolate lab) for the first time last night. It went great. Asha was on her perch on top of a filing cabinet when Leah came into the room (I was trying to leave the room to put Leah to bed. Leah was outside the door and pushed in when I opened it). Leah stood in front of the filing cabinet, looked up at Asha, and wagged furiously. She's been dying to meet Asha ever since she came home. Asha shuffled back an inch or two, and just sat looking at Leah. She was a little tense but that was all. Good signs I think?

On to the second milestone. Asha's learnt to use the ladder from the mezzanine where her crate is down to the lower half of the office She loves it now, and is up and down all the time. I made her a perch on the windowsill and another on the filing cabinet. She loves them both, and is getting bolder with her explorations. I'm sooo proud of her

Asha briefly escaped from her room yesterday! She didn't get far - only a few steps. Shadow's litter box is opposite the door to her room, and she went as far as that and poked her head in to investigate (Shad prefers a box with a cover...he always looks so cross if we remove the cover to clean in without realising he's in there. He's definitely a cat who believes in privacy ). Asha was totally unphased by the box. I'm guessing that if she can handle that scent then she'll be fine. Please do correct me if I'm wrong about this btw.

She's definitely showing signs she wants more freedom. I still crate her at night because her room isn't as cat proofed as I'd like it to be. In the daytime there's usually one of us in there (lower half....she's got the upper level as her private sanctuary at the moment. She does seem to like it best if I'm up there with her though :rub: ), but at night I want to be sure she's safe. She's a real Houdini at bedtime though. I bribe her in with a treat, and she wriggles out under the door as I close it; I lead her in there with a toy, and she pops out again before I can shut the door on her; I try to gently grab her to put her in, and she twists out of my grasp like a wriggly eel! I swear to god she's was a contorting St in a former life We manage eventually, but it's getting harder as she gets wise to my tricks. I'm getting impatient to do introductions so that I can have her in my bedroom at night. My room will cat proof much more easily, but I couldn't use it for her base camp because of the greyhound.

I think Asha is ready to meet the gang, but I'm not certain that they're all ready to meet her. I think the dogs will be ok, although I am concerned about stressing Pixie and making him feel pushed out. I'd never forgive myself if Asha's integration caused him to get sicker (chf).

Shadow's the big worry. He's not too impressed with the scent swapping - nothing major, just has a sniff then backs off a pace or so and turns his back on it. I need him to feel really secure about it all. The positive is that he mainly lives downstairs, and I think Asha will spend most of her time with me upstairs. I can't really do site swapping with them as this is a big house, open plan downstairs , and I think Asha may feel overwhelmed to have access to the whole of it in one go . Any thoughts /ideas would be much appreciated.

Anyway. ..that's it for now. She's got a vet check up this afternoon. I really hope everything's as it should be. I'm hoping that she'll be fit enough to spay soon...I want that doing before she comes into heat !

Columbine said:

Asha briefly escaped from her room yesterday! She didn't get far - only a few steps. Shadow's litter box is opposite the door to her room, and she went as far as that and poked her head in to investigate (Shad prefers a box with a cover...he always looks so cross if we remove the cover to clean in without realising he's in there. He's definitely a cat who believes in privacy

). Asha was totally unphased by the box. I'm guessing that if she can handle that scent then she'll be fine. Please do correct me if I'm wrong about this btw.

She's definitely showing signs she wants more freedom. I still crate her at night because her room isn't as cat proofed as I'd like it to be. In the daytime there's usually one of us in there (lower half....she's got the upper level as her private sanctuary at the moment. She does seem to like it best if I'm up there with her though

), but at night I want to be sure she's safe. She's a real Houdini at bedtime though. I bribe her in with a treat, and she wriggles out under the door as I close it; I lead her in there with a toy, and she pops out again before I can shut the door on her; I try to gently grab her to put her in, and she twists out of my grasp like a wriggly eel! I swear to god she's was a contorting St in a former life

We manage eventually, but it's getting harder as she gets wise to my tricks. I'm getting impatient to do introductions so that I can have her in my bedroom at night. My room will cat proof much more easily, but I couldn't use it for her base camp because of the greyhound.

I think Asha is ready to meet the gang, but I'm not certain that they're all ready to meet her. I think the dogs will be ok, although I am concerned about stressing Pixie and making him feel pushed out. I'd never forgive myself if Asha's integration caused him to get sicker (chf).

Shadow's the big worry. He's not too impressed with the scent swapping - nothing major, just has a sniff then backs off a pace or so and turns his back on it. I need him to feel really secure about it all. The positive is that he mainly lives downstairs, and I think Asha will spend most of her time with me upstairs. I can't really do site swapping with them as this is a big house, open plan downstairs , and I think Asha may feel overwhelmed to have access to the whole of it in one go . Any thoughts /ideas would be much appreciated.

Anyway. ..that's it for now. She's got a vet check up this afternoon. I really hope everything's as it should be. I'm hoping that she'll be fit enough to spay soon...I want that doing before she comes into heat !

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Hopefully you will get good news at the vet today.  I would really hold off on intros under she is spayed.  Once she comes home, she will need to recooperate for a few days.  She will have vet and surgery smell all over her.  This may freak Shadow out and get them off to a bad start.  Wait until her scent is normal again.

It's fine not to do site swapping.  You can instead try putting Asha in the crate, covering it on 3 sides with a sheet and allowing Shadow into the room.  Keep it very brief.  Allow Shadow to sniff around the room and if he wants to come to the crate.  Just keep it to a few minutes.  If Shadow or Asha growl or hiss or posture, stop the process.  I also would try feeding them on opposite sides of a closed door.  See how close you can get them to eat.  Food is a great motivator and they can associate yummy food with each other.  Sometimes this step is hard as cats don't want to eat in a strange place.  If that happens, get a yummy special treat ( plain cooked chicken, tuna, treats, or Gerber stage 2 turkey/chicken baby food). 

Just take it very slow.  If Shadow doesn't appear ready, it will back fire.  I had Marvin living inside my house for almost 2 months before scent swapping even began.  Once I got greedy and rushed the process, it was a nightmare.  It got out of control very quickly and it took months to redo the damage. 

Let us know how the vet check goes today.

Thanks ShadowsRescue
I know I have to go slow and not rush things. I'm determined to make things as stress free and positive as possible for all concerned. I'm just worried that they might not want to spay until she's at a healthy weight...

Feeding on opposite sides of a closed door is really not easy with this layout. We do have a huge living room, and I was wondering about feeding at opposite corners of that, with each cat by a doorway for quick escaping if necessary. One doorway has no door, and the other only has velvet curtains with about a foot (the width of the wall!) In between them. Could opposite corners or either side of the curtains work? Neither cat seems to have a fighter personality...from what I know of them, flight seems to be their first choice.

The first place I've wondered about for Asha is my bedroom with the door shut and when the dogs are out. It's not a room Shad uses unless he's coming to get me up to demand breakfast

I really appreciate all your support, and I hope you didn't mind me asking for your input about flower essences in that other thread.

Thank you

I once saw an episode of Jackson Galaxy's " My Cat From Hell" and he was doing cat to cat intros.  The house did not have a door to do feedings on either side.  He had the owners create a barrier to be used in a door way or hallway.  The barrier was just made from sturdy cardboard.  It was tall enough that no one could jump it.  You could do the same with a tall baby gate or stack two on top of each other and then cover the gate completely.  At first you do not want them to see each other, only smell.  Next you can lift the sheet or barrier just a bit so they can maybe see just a hint of each other. 

Not a problem at all to ask for my help on flower essences.  I am no expert, but I have used them for quite some time and have knowledge on their properties.  I love Spirit Essences and have found them to be top notch.  The Bach Flower Remedies are great, but difficult for most people to acquire and mix themselves. 

Keep up the great work with Asha.  She is going to be a great addition to your animal family.  Cats are just so funny.  My resident cat, Jake was certain he did not want another cat in the house.  He hated Marvin and hated him even more when Marvin started attacking him.  Now the two are buddies.  It is a remarkable transition. 

I have worked with a fabulous Animal Communicator for a few years now.  She really helped me with some of Marvin and Jake's issues.  Jake was my predominately my son's cat.  He left for college in the fall.  I was so worried about Jake.  Jake rarely left my son's side.  Once my son was gone, Jake spent a few weeks sulking and not doing much.  I had spoken with the Animal Communicator on how best to work with Jake.  She told me that Jake needed a few weeks of "retirement".  His services of watching daily over my son where no longer needed.  He was taking a vacation and then would find something else to take on.  Well, after about a month, Jake decided to hang out with Marvin.  They started to play and hang out and then groom each other.  It was a remarkable transition.  So Marvin is now Jake's new project!

Oopps  Sorry I got off topic.  It was just another tool that I used to help the process.

Keep us posted on Asha's vet visit.

The cardboard barrier is interesting. That'll be easier than baby gates for me...We get a lot of our pet food online (as well as my jewellery supplies) so we always have a ton of thick cardboard about the place. In fact, Asha's scratching post arrived yesterday in a *huge* box. It's a one piece cylinder so couldn't be flat packed. That might be perfect for intros

I loved hearing about Marvin and Jake. So glad it worked out in the end. They sound really sweet together now. The animal communicator sounds fascinating. I don't think there's anyone like that round here for cats. We have our fair share of horse whisperer and similar though

I've never done cat to cat intros before. When we had new arrivals at our old house all cats were indoor/outdoor. I got the distinct impression that the newbies had already been vetted and granted permission by the residents before paw crossed threshold!

I'll post about the vet vista later...its not for a couple of hours yet. Asha's paw is looking better and almost scab free I have been finding more scabs and scrapes on her head and body though. I just wish I hadn't let my worry over Asha influence my attitude with Aashka that day. Apparently she's disappeared now. I hope she comes back....I'm feeling sooo guilty about her Not that I can do anything now except wait and hope.