Lisa & Leo
Member Since 2012
Hi All!
Last "Welcome Home New Kitty Mako Condo"
Introductions are going *very* slowly, as Leo didn't develop terrific social skills as a kitty in the wild. His tendency to stalk Molly has us concerned that he may view Mako as a threat rather than a buddy. They have sniffed under the door quite extensively, I've exchanged socks and they all smell each other on us. They've seen each other through the open door with Mako being restrained. Leo hangs around a bit then runs off. I hadn't been able to get Leo comfortable enough to eat even the TASTIEST snack anywhere upstairs in the hall near the door. He did get into one stalking position, but has been wary. We've been trying 1 exposure (or maybe 2) times a day.
I've been reading the "Think Like a Cat" book and decided to do the screen door method. We took the back screen door out of the track and put that in front of Mako's door, but I had to hold it because it was slightly too small! Mako stood at attention right at the screen, wanting to get out, and checking out Leo. Leo was again wary, but actually came up and ate two little pieces of yummy warm chicken! GREAT PROGRESS. DH makes machinery that is used to make screen frames, so he made a custom sized one for the door to Mako's room. It's just taped up, not installed. He took a couple pictures the other night for the first "unrestrained" introduction.
Leo and Mako actually touched noses! Neither showed aggression! Mako wanted so much to get out - he's a bored kitty and knows there is excitement outside his "cell." Leo hung out for a couple minutes and then just walked away! MAJOR progress! So, little bits at a time!
Mako behind his "bedroom"screen door
First nose-to-nose meeting with neither cat restrained
Although Leo remains in his crouched wary position, poor nervous guy, at least he isn't howling his house-shattering wails like he does at the neighborhood boys!
Last "Welcome Home New Kitty Mako Condo"
Introductions are going *very* slowly, as Leo didn't develop terrific social skills as a kitty in the wild. His tendency to stalk Molly has us concerned that he may view Mako as a threat rather than a buddy. They have sniffed under the door quite extensively, I've exchanged socks and they all smell each other on us. They've seen each other through the open door with Mako being restrained. Leo hangs around a bit then runs off. I hadn't been able to get Leo comfortable enough to eat even the TASTIEST snack anywhere upstairs in the hall near the door. He did get into one stalking position, but has been wary. We've been trying 1 exposure (or maybe 2) times a day.
I've been reading the "Think Like a Cat" book and decided to do the screen door method. We took the back screen door out of the track and put that in front of Mako's door, but I had to hold it because it was slightly too small! Mako stood at attention right at the screen, wanting to get out, and checking out Leo. Leo was again wary, but actually came up and ate two little pieces of yummy warm chicken! GREAT PROGRESS. DH makes machinery that is used to make screen frames, so he made a custom sized one for the door to Mako's room. It's just taped up, not installed. He took a couple pictures the other night for the first "unrestrained" introduction.
Leo and Mako actually touched noses! Neither showed aggression! Mako wanted so much to get out - he's a bored kitty and knows there is excitement outside his "cell." Leo hung out for a couple minutes and then just walked away! MAJOR progress! So, little bits at a time!
Mako behind his "bedroom"screen door
First nose-to-nose meeting with neither cat restrained
Although Leo remains in his crouched wary position, poor nervous guy, at least he isn't howling his house-shattering wails like he does at the neighborhood boys!
