Hi everyone! I am new to the site and need some input on a friendly TNR/semi-feral that I rescued. I have named her Neko.
I started feeding/caring for her about a month ago when she showed up in my backyard after a storm. Initially I was just providing the basics: food, water, and shelter. Then I started to bring her in the garage during heavy rains which led to bringing her in the garage every night. We live on a wildlife preserve and I was constantly worried for her safety especially at night. Long story short I started to get "attached" and decided to take her "in" for good. I've contacted several local/national rescues and had one potential rescue respond showing interest, but haven't heard back from them after the initial contact. Not sure if I'm keeping her, but will foster her until I can find her a loving forever home. She was given a clean bill of health from my vet, treated for minor parasites, up to date on vaccinations and is on Advantage Multi for cats.
Well, now that you know her history my dilemma is introducing her to my 2 year old cat, Milo. He is the only cat in our household and has grown up with our 5 year old dog, Luchini.
Neko is currently kept in the screened lanai during the day and in the garage at night. They have interacted throughout the month that I've been caring for her, but only through the screened lanai when she was outdoors during the day. Milo has never hissed or showed any negative reaction to her then. Even now that she's in the lanai in the day he watches her through the sliding door with no objections. However, today I thought I'd try to do a "meet and greet" with her in the crate. I tried it twice and Milo took a defensive posture and hissed at her both times. Neko on the other hand only responded the second time with some submissive meows. I'm not sure if I need to slow down the introductions more or continue on? My vet also advised to have a face to face meet and greet with both cats in harnesses and leases after I move her into her safe room in the house. I feel so bad for Neko as I really want to help her and for Milo because I don't want him to think he's being replaced. Hope this all made sense. Wanted to be sure I got everything in. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Karen