cat lovers and experienced owners please share your wisdom and experience!
4 weeks ago, we took in a stray who I found by a busy roundabout crying and scavenging (yes I’m sure she is stray, not chipped, not spayed and I put noticed up in the area and on local FB groups with no response).
We already have our 14 year old Willow, who until last year lived with her brother who died.
We kept Stray in a separate room. She is such a lovely cat, we think about 6-12 months old. Very friendly, not feisty at all.
I started following the Jackson Galaxy method and worked patiently through each stage until it felt like we were ready for the next stage. Stray totally fine upon eye contact with Willow, Willow not keen and very hissy…. However she’d happily play and eat treats within a meter of Stray eventually.
We are now at the stage of supervised sessions. They are both fine when I’m playing with them or giving treats but Willow is not keen on eye contact or when Stray comes close to her. Stray is totally chill…. Not showing any signs of aggression, yawning, rolling over, very relaxed.
We started the sessions this week but each time, Willow just gets fed up after the playing and treats and retreats to her safe place, our bedroom (we don’t let Stray in there as it’s Willows sanctuary).
Stray is still kept separate generally when it’s not supervised but has a few hours out of her room in the rest of the house when willow is sleeping in the bedroom and Willow has some time with the house to herself too.
Question is, has anyone else had a similar experience but the hissing from one cat has subsided and then disappeared? Should I keep going or try to get Stray adopted?
Willow is not young and I want her later years to be relaxed and happy. I’m sure they would get along very well if Willow accepts her as Stray has a lovely temperament and shows signs of wanting to be gentle and friendly with Willow.
Any advice and experiences welcome!!