Conference misery::feline_v1

    Pamela,
    
    It usually takes a while for a cat to get used to a new home.  It
    took Silver about 3 weeks before I didn't have to go hunting for
    her under the couch every time I got home from work.  Now, the
    absolutely love each other.  You don't see one without the other
    one close by.  It may take a little time, but she will get used
    to you.  She is just VERY scared.  She misses her previous home
    and she doesn't know you at all.  You figure, you have taken her
    out of a home that she knows, and brought her into a completely
    strange home to her.  It will take time for Mona to adjust.  As
    for your other cat, you have brought this stranger into the house
    and she is invading HIS territory.  He will have to adjust, too.
    Pretty soon, they will be running around your house, tearing it
    apart. :-)
    
    Holly

I recently cat-sat for a friend of mine.  I have two cats who are about 2 years
old that have been distinctly unfriendly around other cats.  One of the reasons
I wanted to cat-sit for these 2 kittens was to see how my own cats would react
if I were to decide to get some more cats sometime in the future.

The first 2 days were quite funny.  Each of my cats chose one of the kittens to
follow everywhere.  There was some hissing and swatting on both sides. My cats
were brilliant in the ways they would corner the kittens.  For example, the
kittens followed me into the bedroom.  One of my cats parked himself in the
bedroom doorway, daring the kittens to try to get by.  My other cat
parked herself about 5 feet beyond the doorway to form a secondary line of
defense.  Also, I had originally placed 2 litter boxes in the basement right
next to each other.  As soon as the kittens arrived, my male parked himself
between the 2 boxes with a look on his face that said "Go ahead, make my day!"
I had to move one of the boxes upstairs so that he couldn't ambush them.  At
one point, I saw my cats go into conference and then they both turned and
chased the one kitten who had acted most feisty, in an attempt to subdue her.

After about 2 days, everyone was getting very cosy.  They would lick
each other, play together, sometimes even sleeping together.  I was really
enjoying the whole experience, as were the cats.  I can't wait for the
owner of the kittens to have another business trip.

Pam

    This doesn't sound unusual.  I can;t remember quite how long I had
    to keep Sweetie and Holly separated initially while I was at work
    -- a few weeks I think.  If they start making hair-raising noises
    at each other, hang on to the thought that it will eventually work
    itself out.  They both need lots of love and reassurance now.
    

    Just be patient and give them both lots of attention!  
    
    Alex-II was adopted in October, kept separated from the girls in his
    own room for 2 months, introduced to their domain in December, and they
    still just BARELY tolerate each other.  Whenever he's out of his room
    (which is most of the time -- I just feed him separately to ensure that
    they get some food!), the girls spend all their time on top of the tv
    and china cabinet.  He absolutely DOMINATES the rest of the house. 
    
    Good luck!  I'm sure your kitties will become inseparable over time!

    Things are looking up for Schnapps and Mona.  They now get within
    two feet of each other and hiss and chase.  But there is no physical
    fighting...that I know about...But then, I'm at work and they're
    at home...

    See, we all knew it would work out.  Cats are so much smarter than
    us humans.  They just have to make sure everything is `hunky dory'
    before they let you off the hook.  Besides,  they just love to see
    mommy in a tither..
    
    Enjoy the fun of having more than one `bundle of joy and havoc'.
    
    Sandi (Lightning's & DejaVu's mom)
    
    

As I sat and watched Tabby and Hannah chase each other thru the house,
with all sound effects (hissing, growling, spitting) it occurred to me
that some people might think these sounds are FIGHTING noises.
The girls know they are just play noises and make the game so much more
fun when they can get our attention while they play.  Hannah is such
a vocal cat, she has taught everyone else to join in the shouting when
games of tag or chase are on.  I know it's play because they trade off
on who chases who and everyone gets a turn...  

	Maybe the sound effects are more a part of "play challenge"
	than real threat?

				D
 
    

    Lastest update:  The two are best of friends!!!  And only after
    3-4 days!