So far so good!

[kyrielle]

Apple and Ray had their first introduction at the door to the room Ray's in. Scott was inside petting Ray, and I was outside with Apple (petting her when she allowed, but she was more interested in the StrangeCat in the room). They sniffed at each other and looked curious, and there was no sparring, hissing, or negative reaction. The only time the paws moved toward the other cat was when each of them made an attempt to pry the door open wider.

Here's hoping that auspicious beginning continues. Apple wandered away after a bit and we shut the door again, focusing on the cat with us for a bit. It's good this time that it's a boy/girl pairing rather than two girls; that Ray is young and not used to being in charge, used to being integrated with other kitties in fact; that Apple hasn't had as long to decide the house is All Hers as Babe did last year (inevitable with the weather, but it still did not help). I'm actually feeling pretty hopeful...fingers crossed that it is justified!

Comments

[cynnerth.livejournal.com]

No hissing or growling! That's very, very promising!

[kyrielle]

They are doing amazingly well so far. It's such a contrast to integrating Apple and Babe. Of course, Apple is less nervous/defensive and thus less aggressive, and she hasn't had a month and a half or more to get used to this being Her House.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

I love that name Ray!!! Just so cute. I don't know any other animal Rays.

It sometimes takes a while to get the pets to integrate, but sounds like yours are off to a good start.

I had a foster last year that bit through BeBe's ear. She went back right away, and then here came Trader to stay forever.

Have I told you we suck at fostering? LOL.

[kyrielle]

*grins* The shelter tagged him with Ray, and we liked it so we let it stick.

I remember that foster - not cool, and not one I'd've kept either! (The CAT shelter, when they foster, ask you to keep them separate from your pets. Which means I won't foster because I simply don't have a good long-term residence room for a cat.)

So far this is going REALLY well.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

I am so glad, for you and for Ray!!!

When Greyhounds are fostered, they want them integrated with all your animals, so they know just what home they are suitable for.

Greyhounds are raised with other dogs, so a different set of circumstances. They are usually well socialized.

[kyrielle]

Most of the cats at the shelter are well socialized, too, and I think some fosters are integrated - but not most. Part of that is probably the category of cats that get fostered out, as I understand it: New arrivals, who need to learn people first; new arrivals that are pregnant mothers or have kittens, who in addition need peace and quiet and safety for kitten rearing; cats with medical issues, who are isolated for their sake and your cats' sake and may particularly be fostered to homes with no other cats, and possibly no other pets; and cats that have been in the shelter a long time for some reason and need a break, who need peace and quiet.

[katbyte.livejournal.com]

The need is just so great for all these animals that need a home. I wish I could take more. It is overwhelming to think about.

I have to process it one dog/animal at a time.

[canyoncat.livejournal.com]

Ray looks like a cutie. I am going to have to drag my mom off to a shelter one day when I get home. I just can't imagine her living without a cat for long.

[kyrielle]

He is a cutie.

If your Mom is saying she doesn't want another cat, and if she can't easily handle emergencies, is that really the best thing? I know I'd be lonely without one, but I'd also be freaked by being so responsible for one if I didn't have the ability to actually deliver that care. It may be that the stress of being a kitty parent is greater than the rewards, for her.