Whoops!

Well, I feel asleep on the couch in my spare bedroom (where I've been keeping Claire during the introductions) and hadn't closed the door tight. I woke up a little after 5:00 this morning with Peter sticking his nose in my eyes. I panicked a little at first because this meant Claire had come in contact with my other girls during the night. However, a quick check of the apartment indicated that everyone was fine, seemed happy and there was no evidence of furflying or bloodshed.

Seems like a good sign, but we're still going to take things slowly.

Oh looking good!!!

I bet you panicked as well

Originally Posted by rosiemac

I bet you panicked as well

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.....the face of Peter was " "??????

....

Originally Posted by CoolCat

.....the face of Peter was "

"??????

....

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Originally Posted by catsRNmom

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YOU BET THAT!!! .......isn´t?.....

Let them stay with other, because you were asleep and they didn't pick up any stress they found their way with each other. Slow your breathing down, and just leave the door open a crack and let the one cat just come out on its own. Ignore the fact that they are GASP together, and it should be just fine- But raise your stress level, the cats will pick up on it and they will fight-

Originally Posted by CoolCat

.....the face of Peter was "

"??????

....

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Originally Posted by eilcon

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..........

That's very similar to how Emma and Oliver ended up meeting--the door to the guest suite wasn't locked, and since they were french doors w/ lever-type handles, Oliver could open them. Which he did! I woke up in the middle of the night to the two of them cavorting around our old apartment! I think he was giving her a tour!

Just relax, plug in a Feliway, and go about your business like nothing is different in the house, and they'll be fine. I'd still keep them separated when you leave the house--maybe you can leave Peter and Claire together in one room and leave the two girls in another room so Claire isn't all alone.

Thought I'd just post an update on the introductions here rather than starting a new thread (mostly since Claire has so many already!).

Anyway, I'd never tried Feliway diffusers before, but got a couple on and plugged them in over the weekend - expensive, but worth it if it makes things easier for my crew. Over the weekend I started letting Claire have the full run of the house when I was home. She was a little hesitant to venture out and was quick to retreat to the spare bedroom if something startled her, but seems curious about her new surroundings. Peter's been totally relaxed with her. Katie's been keeping an eye on her from a distance or up above. Gracie's been following her around and growling occasionally, but hasn't been aggressive at all.

Since the weekend went well, I left the door to spare bedroom open when I went to work yesterday, leaving the cats alone for 9 hours. When I got home late yesterday afternoon everyone seemed calm and happy. Claire was in the spare bedroom, but lounging in chair, not hiding the closest. It's obviously the place where she feels the most secure. I can't imagine how scared and confused she's been for the past couple of weeks, losing both her home and her person. She's been pretty playful and has been coming to me for attention - both good signs.

I've decided to keep Claire confined in the spare bedroom at night for at least another week. I don't want to push it too much with Katie and Gracie.
If there's any signs of stress, we'll slow things down, but at this point, I'm feeling pretty optimistic that everyone will at least tolerate each other. I think they know by now that there's enough love to go around!

That is such wonderful news!! I'm so glad to hear that she is fitting in with the family

Hooray...you are doing a wonderful job with Claire.
I am so proud of your kitties. They are being very good kids.
It looks like they will accept her.

Originally Posted by xocats

They are being very good kids.
It looks like they will accept her.

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... ....I´m hyper happy for Claire!!! ...

Originally Posted by Miss Mew

That is such wonderful news!!

I'm so glad to hear that she is fitting in with the family

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yeah that^

Just wanted to give everybody another update on the introductions.
As of last weekend, Claire now has full run of the house (she hasn't been in the basement though) and aside from a few growls, hisses and swats from Gracie (which I expected) everyone's getting along fine. I have such good kitties! Claire seems to be more relaxed everyday. Last night - and this is a big step in our relationship - she sat close to me (not quite on my lap) for around 45 minutes while I was on the phone. She's definitely home where she belongs!

Such great news!

Awww sweet Claire...you have a forever home. That news fills my heart with joy.

More news - When I hope up this morning, there was a beautiful white cat laying on the other pillow. This is the first time (that I know of) that Claire has slept on the bed!

Awwww brilliant!!

Hey, how special is THAT?!