Chris’s Cat Update: Merging Wasn’t So Bad After All

A couple weeks ago, I was concerned with merging a new kitten into our house with a 1 year old cat.  We wanted them to be friends, but right away.  We were just having problems being patient.  Well, it's been a rough road, but I think we'll be alright. Granted, there's been the ups and downs, as the older cat, Sophie, establishes her dominance over the new cat.  She's pretty much stopped playing with us, and fills her time stalking, slowly approaching, then whapping the kitten, Paris, trying to get a rise out of her.  And for the most part, Paris ignores her.  This however is quite the improvement, as Paris used to hiss or growl. So, we're getting somewhere.

About a week ago, while Sophie was sleeping, and Paris was getting ready for a nap, we placed them next to each other. Eventually, Sophie took notice, and started cleaning Paris, placing a paw over her.  Then, out of nowhere, starts attacking her neck (pictured above). We've since learned it's simply a dominance thing, and hoping this phase will pass.

Then came the oven fiasco.  With the house covered in extinguisher dust, the cats had to be locked up in a bedroom for about 3-4 days.  Apparently, this proved to be quite a bonding experience for them, because last night, in the middle of the night, I woke up to discover this.

And my heart melts. While Sophie still stalks Paris, and Paris mostly ignores it, we have seen more interaction, more mutual chasing each other, more sitting beside each other looking out the window, and more cleaning each other.  I guess we'll call this a success!