Today I introduced Imogen to the resident cats. It didn’t proceed well.
Predictably, the first to try to welcome the newcomer was Zofia. I left the library door open and Imogen, up on top of a bookcase, watched little Miss Zed come in to the room. Zo was slow in her approach, but when she came too close to Imo, the latter became very defensive. Her ears went back, she screamed, the claws came out. Fortunately, I was ready for such an eventuality, and whisked Zofia out of the room. I had to assure her that she was not at fault.
Such a failure at this stage was, of course, a possibility. I wanted to see if the easy and simple method of integration would work. It has numerous times before; while there would be hissing and growling, tolerance prevailed. Not in this case. Tomorrow, I will put the others away in the bedroom and allow Imogen to wander freely. After that, I will introduce the oldsters to her, hovering near by to stop any action. I fear that in the event, Imogen will just not want to come out of the library.
The fact is that she has probably never interacted with another cat. She may not have seen any other, for that matter. Letting her move about the apartment will permit her to smell the others and grow accustomed to their presence, without actually encountering them. Imogen’s inclusion in life in the Cosy Apartment may take a while.
But she and I had a play-session this evening. It didn’t last long, though she seemed to enjoy herself while it did. She then lost interest. As with everything else, I know nothing about her recreational habits: how active she was in her old home, what she has played with, how much she has played, and if her previous owner ever played with her.
Life with Imogen will be learned as it is lived.
Poor Zofia. It seems that it may take awhile for her to have Imogen for a playmate. You may be correct when you say that Imogen is not used to being with other cats. Hopefully in time she will accept sharing the Cosy Apartment with the others. Unfortunately not every cat enjoys being part of a group. Some cats need to be "only children". Time will tell if that's what Imogen prefers.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to see that yesterday she was coming out more and interacting with you. It is a pity she didn't appreciate seeing Zofia, but if she is not used to seeing other cats it may take her a while to adapt. Hopefully it will come.
ReplyDeleteDon't think any two pussy~cats you've had
ReplyDeleteJohn have been the same in there ways.....
Coming from different homes and circumstances,
their all different..each taking time to settle,
and you always seem succeed in the end...!
With three other cats in your household, I can see where this will be a gradual step for Imogen.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I hoped for different. Katie would be like that I fear. She still gets bent out of shape but to a much lesser degree by passing cats outside. (who are spraying under her favorite viewing window, I might add.)
ReplyDeleteThat's disappointing, but not surprising. Imogen is still trying to adapt to a new home; I suppose adapting to new cats is a bit too much at the moment. Poor Zofia; she could use a new friend.
ReplyDeleteImogen is a blank page!
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts were exactly as you stated: she's probably never seen another cat, or it's been a very long time since.
If anyone can do slow and sure, it's you and The Cosy Apartment, John.
Every cat has it's own distinct reaction. I hope that slow and steady wins the race and I'm sure it will.
ReplyDeleteIt really is best to take it slow and easy since you've heard from two of the parties involved.
ReplyDeleteIt can take a while - Bowie and Bonham are still figuring things out.
ReplyDeleteWhoa, hat twas a strong reaction. Like you said, no other cat/cat interactions in her life with her used to be lady.
ReplyDeleteSlow, slow, slow will be the order of the day(s).
Sure hope eventually she will 'warm up' to the others.
Oh, oh. I hope things go better in future introductions.
ReplyDelete