Hello! I'm currently in the process of introducing two cats and feel like I'm at the end of my rope. Our two kitties are Nui (F, 2 years old, spayed) and Solaire (M, 1 year old, neutered). Nui lived with us for about 9 months until we brought Solaire into the house. When it comes to them getting along, she seems to be the "troublemaker." Here's what we've done so far to try to help them adjust...
- Solaire has his own room with a litter box, toys, food, and a gate on the door to avoid any escape attacks. We have been doing a room swap almost every day.
- They are fed together at breakfast when possible and always at dinner. We started with the door closed, but they will gladly eat with the door open and gate up right in front of each other.
- Towels rubbed gently on their cheeks to transfer scent.
- Playtime in front of the door with the gate up is most recent, but Nui gets agitated.
About a month ago we thought they were ready for a full introduction, but Nui attacked Solaire. He didn't fight back and he seems like he's afraid of her for obvious reasons. It's important to note that when we adopted Nui, she was in a small area with another cat who wasn't a littermate and they got along just fine.
My husband and I just really want our kitty babies to get along and feel safe, but at this rate, we feel like they never will! Does anyone have any advice? I really, really don't want to just let them "fight it out" like some suggest. I feel that will leave a negative mark on their relationship forever. Please help!
Solaire.
Nui.
- Solaire has his own room with a litter box, toys, food, and a gate on the door to avoid any escape attacks. We have been doing a room swap almost every day.
- They are fed together at breakfast when possible and always at dinner. We started with the door closed, but they will gladly eat with the door open and gate up right in front of each other.
- Towels rubbed gently on their cheeks to transfer scent.
- Playtime in front of the door with the gate up is most recent, but Nui gets agitated.
About a month ago we thought they were ready for a full introduction, but Nui attacked Solaire. He didn't fight back and he seems like he's afraid of her for obvious reasons. It's important to note that when we adopted Nui, she was in a small area with another cat who wasn't a littermate and they got along just fine.
My husband and I just really want our kitty babies to get along and feel safe, but at this rate, we feel like they never will! Does anyone have any advice? I really, really don't want to just let them "fight it out" like some suggest. I feel that will leave a negative mark on their relationship forever. Please help!
