Introducing adult neutered males

[WitchyWoman]

When should I let Wig's into the master where Jengo sleeps? I haven't crossed that line yet because Jengo needs his turf.

I recommend letting him in there now. The more intermixing of Jengo/Wigs aromas the better. Do you have cat trees/perches in the house? Even if you do, it might be good to buy one or two more trees to ensure there is sufficient vertical space after they're both free in the house. New territory will be established during the course of them becoming friends.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Be aware that the baby gate will NOT confine Wiggles...it will just slow him down as you enter his room and give you a chance to prevent him escaping. If you wish to have the door open with a barrier then you may even need three babygates to fill the doorway or a screen door installed. Two different uses of the baby gate...

 

[Patti]

You can also install an inexpensive screen door over the doorway to let the cats 'meet' each other without having complete access to each other.

 

[Charley]

We had a good day today. I identified Jengo's issues - when Wiggles cries and makes noise it scares him. I'm running sound in all the rooms now. It helps a bit. Jengo's skittish. He just is. He actually enjoys watching Wigs if Wigs can't get near him. He's curious but Wigs has a lot of energy, too much for him. It's going to take time, they mingled in the community area today. Jengo curled under a blanket and watched Wigs go after a bug for like an hour. I curled behind Jengo and he actually sprawled his long legs out and got cozy. Jengo is able to take treats afte a few seconds and eat meal. Wigs is learning his place. We have lots of hides slots for Jengo and he likes them. He likes to watch and observe. Jengo will learn to get used to the energy. He enjoys seeing Wigs a lot. They exchanged a hiss or two and blinky eyes, when Jengo hisses Wiggles walks away. This is good. Seeing and safe is working much better than not seeing and but hearing. Wiggles cries less now too. The vet said they are doing well...I've got to keep Wiggles out of Jengo's food though because it gives him diarrhea...he runs right the bowl when the house is "his" and I've been throwing the food away after so they don't share bowls. Jengo still hesitates if the door is shut, I think he'd rather see his new companion before approaching.

Jengo is snubbing me a bit, lol. I think that will pass once he realizes I'm the one still feeding him. My boyfriend has taken a hugely active role with Wigs. He's very involved because Wigs likes everyone. Jengo wouldn't let him be because he needed so much warm up time. Scent trading is fine, they both sniff and don't seem bothered by the other. So it's personality. Jengo is coming out of his shell in huge ways. He gets timid when he heard Wigs, other than that he is adjusting and he's allowed his time. Them being able to see each other is so great for both of them, they can walk away or not but no one can harm the other. Taking turns I'm the house is good too, Jengo can sniff when he's ready. Wigs still spends a lot of time behind a closed door but its so much better now. Thank you for the help, it's making a big difference. I can interact with both now and it's helping them a lot.

 

[WitchyWoman]

Great news! Thanks for the update. If this is the worst you've seen, it'll only get better from here. Curiosity usually overcomes fear. My Taji, who is most resentful of the new kitten, was playing with him this morning. Then he hissed at him all afternoon and this evening he's sniffing his butt. Baby steps, but in the right direction.

 

[Charley]

There's only been a couple chases, hisses and growls. Those were early on in surprise meetings. Sounds like your brood is doing the same as mine - that makes me feel so much better. I'm sure there are days you wonder if tis going to work then they surprise you! Jengo is going to hiss for a few more weeks, so long as Wigs keeps walking away - it's good. Jengo gets so confused when he just goes away its funny. The look on his face his priceless. The last chase, no one was puffy

It's easier keeping the, where they belong too. I really appreciate all of the advice. I really do. I just adore them, they aren't friends yet but I think they can be. It's all about Jengo right now. Wigs is much happier getting more time in the rest of the house.

It's funny how they interact, hissing one minute, butt sniffing the next. Geez! They drive their servants crazy - I think they like it that way too!

 

[Patti]

So glad to hear that the boys are starting to get used to each other and warming up a bit. I know it's difficult to be patient but it will definitely pay off in the end.

 

[Charley]

Things are getting much better. They actually eat together which is great!!! There have been a couple of food squabbles but nothing awful. They have their own bowls because one is a pig and the other is on a diet. They've actually mingled on the fridge a few times over treats and Jengo just sniffs him. In fact Jengo likes to sniff him during meals. Hissing has calmed right down - just a few random "get away from me's" Wiggles gladly goes.

Their "community" time is going really well and they even played "together" with the same toy. Wiggles still stays in quarantine a lot - I try to play with him before he comes downstairs and that has helped with his energy level. They've got to work out the floor. Jengo is almost always high up in a cat tree or on a counter when Wiggles comes out so Wiggles gets the floor. It's the last bastion they need to cross. Wiggles still sleeps by himself at night - he's crying much less about it now. We play with him til he's sleepy and he happily runs to his room for the night.

In a few weeks I am sure things will be easier. They get easier everyday. They are doing a great job or sorting things out - no bites or claws. I've been taking time every night to put Jengo in Wiggles's room and he's getting much more comfortable. Wiggles gets time in the morning in Jengo's room after Jengo goes downstairs.

Yesterday they both fell asleep in the kitchen. I hear that is a very good sign. They've nose bumped a few times too. The site or sound of Wiggles no longer sends Jengo to panic (very proud of him for that.) The leash training is going okay for Wiggles - he still kind of doesn't get it though but it gives Jengo an opportunity to sniff and observe while Wiggles rolls around and tries to eat the leash.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Definitely sounds like good progress, keep up the good work

 

[Patti]

They are continuing to make good progress - I think you are right, in a few weeks they will be quite comfortable with each other, and maybe even best of friends!