Hi! This is my first post to this forum, so bear with me. I've reviewed the threads and have seen similar requests, with great insight given, but not exactly what I'm looking for. Here's my situation and I welcome your advice, guidance, reassurances, etc.
I adopted Tiger from the Humane Society in mid-June (neutered male about 2 years old). In early July, Luck entered our lives as a stray(neutered - now, male about 1 - 1/2 years old). I've been taking the gradual approach with the introductions; kept Lucky isolated to one bedroom, let Lucky and Tiger sniff each other under the door, traded places with them, put Lucky in a carrier and let Tiger approach the carrier, reversed that arrangement, lots of attention to both, and so on.
Tiger at first was definitely the aggressor, attacking Lucky's paws under the door, hissing, growling, generally very upset. Lucky seemed less interested in Tiger (maybe because now he had a roof over his head and two meals a day). Now, when I put Lucky in the carrier, Tiger is very interested in Lucky, but in a much less threatening way. Lucky is the one who sits/lays in the carrier and will hiss when Tiger gets too close. When I put Tiger in the carrier, Lucky has no interest in approaching Tiger.
The other day (Sunday), by mistake, the two got together. There was a stand off of about 20 minutes where the two were mostly laying down and making growling/moaning noises. Tiger seemed to be interested in getting closer to Lucky and finally inched his way close enough to sniff Lucky's hind leg. With that, Lucky swatted at Tiger and the two literally rolled in a ball of flying fur, screaming and scratching. Tiger ended up with a small scratch on his forehead, and Lucky seemed no worse for the wear. I got them seperated because Lucky ran under a bed and I was able to distract Tiger, wrap him in a towel, and carry him from the room. But I was a nervous wreck!
Since then (it's now Wednesday), I've had both of them back in their carriers and all's been OK, but I'm terrified to let them be together for fear there will be another attack. Tiger spends the better part of the night scratching and meowing at Lucky's door - so I'm not getting the best sleep right now (at least Tiger/Lucky aren't hissing at each other through the door any more). Tiger does seem to be more aggitated since the encounter.
First, is this behavior typical? Am I expecting too much too fast (it's been 3 weeks)? I've used Bach's Rescue Remedy with some noticeable results with Tiger. I've given it to Lucky twice, both times he threw up so I don't think I'll give it to him again, or maybe less than the 4 drops I gave him before.
Any suggestions, reassurances, advice?
Thanks!
I adopted Tiger from the Humane Society in mid-June (neutered male about 2 years old). In early July, Luck entered our lives as a stray(neutered - now, male about 1 - 1/2 years old). I've been taking the gradual approach with the introductions; kept Lucky isolated to one bedroom, let Lucky and Tiger sniff each other under the door, traded places with them, put Lucky in a carrier and let Tiger approach the carrier, reversed that arrangement, lots of attention to both, and so on.
Tiger at first was definitely the aggressor, attacking Lucky's paws under the door, hissing, growling, generally very upset. Lucky seemed less interested in Tiger (maybe because now he had a roof over his head and two meals a day). Now, when I put Lucky in the carrier, Tiger is very interested in Lucky, but in a much less threatening way. Lucky is the one who sits/lays in the carrier and will hiss when Tiger gets too close. When I put Tiger in the carrier, Lucky has no interest in approaching Tiger.
The other day (Sunday), by mistake, the two got together. There was a stand off of about 20 minutes where the two were mostly laying down and making growling/moaning noises. Tiger seemed to be interested in getting closer to Lucky and finally inched his way close enough to sniff Lucky's hind leg. With that, Lucky swatted at Tiger and the two literally rolled in a ball of flying fur, screaming and scratching. Tiger ended up with a small scratch on his forehead, and Lucky seemed no worse for the wear. I got them seperated because Lucky ran under a bed and I was able to distract Tiger, wrap him in a towel, and carry him from the room. But I was a nervous wreck!
Since then (it's now Wednesday), I've had both of them back in their carriers and all's been OK, but I'm terrified to let them be together for fear there will be another attack. Tiger spends the better part of the night scratching and meowing at Lucky's door - so I'm not getting the best sleep right now (at least Tiger/Lucky aren't hissing at each other through the door any more). Tiger does seem to be more aggitated since the encounter.
First, is this behavior typical? Am I expecting too much too fast (it's been 3 weeks)? I've used Bach's Rescue Remedy with some noticeable results with Tiger. I've given it to Lucky twice, both times he threw up so I don't think I'll give it to him again, or maybe less than the 4 drops I gave him before.
Any suggestions, reassurances, advice?
Thanks!