Precerpt from Raising Happy Cat Families (Norwood) - In integrating new cats into happy cat families, leaver the initiative to the cat, respect the new cat's space
Bobolink in one of his comfort places, where he could see others but be "hidden" from them. Percept (pre-publication excerpt from Raising Happy Cat Families by Luna Norwood) I left the initiative to Bobolink. He could join the rest of the family when he was ready and was not forced to do so before he was ready. Bobolink’s cubby on the cat tree was there as his protective fortress; I did not disturb him there—did not feed him there, did not try to pet him there, removed him from there only once a day for his socialization opportunity. The cat tree was in the cat room, and that room became Bobolink’s alone while he was being introduced to the family. This kind of respect for a cat’s boundaries is not just kind—it’s essential. Trust is the foundation of successful integration in a multi-cat household. When a new cat feels pressured, cornered, or overwhelmed, it can lead to defensive behaviors that may slow the entire process and cause unnecessary stress for all involved. But w...