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When we asked the vet for advice for integrating our cats, we were given a flyer that was written by a behaviorist who had pretty good advice. Some stuff we knew and already were doing and a few other little tricks that might help. However, the funniest part was the suggestion that any time there was a neutral or good interaction between Willow and Rhubarb (formerly known as Clover/Six) we were supposed to give them a treat (make sense) and burble, "Happy Cats!"
So, of course, immediately, Shawn and I started with the somewhat-ironic "Happy Cats!" declaration.
Mostly, we are being patient. We've had some actual happy cat moments or at least, "I didn't realize you were in my territory because I was sleeping" moments, and continued snapping and hissing. But, the flyer was actually reassuring that integration really can take a long time and that you basically have to go at the pace of the cat who is the most traumatized.
Sometimes that's little loaf:
Image: Rhubarb (a black cat) in a box, being a little loaf.
Sometimes that's big loaf:
Image: Willow (a black cat) in a box, being a big loaf.
This has become our lives. There's been a lot of "Ope! Time for a timeout!" and "Oh, look at you not snarling! Happy Cats!!" around our place, and probably it will continue like this for some time. We want a household where everyone is at least decently tolerating of each other and, as Shawn and I keep reminding ourselves, there's no need to rush since... well, this is basically a lifelong project. There's no deadline. We're in no hurry.
In other news, I adapted a recipe from the Overwatch cookbook to make "bear scat" cookies for my D&D group tonight. For those not reading the D&D/Elf icon posts, basically last adventure we fought a mama bear, so this is just a silly reference to that. There is not bear poop in this recipe, only chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and rice crispies.
Image: round balls of chocolate, peanut butter, rice crispies, and honey.
Happy CATS!!
So, of course, immediately, Shawn and I started with the somewhat-ironic "Happy Cats!" declaration.
Mostly, we are being patient. We've had some actual happy cat moments or at least, "I didn't realize you were in my territory because I was sleeping" moments, and continued snapping and hissing. But, the flyer was actually reassuring that integration really can take a long time and that you basically have to go at the pace of the cat who is the most traumatized.
Sometimes that's little loaf:
Image: Rhubarb (a black cat) in a box, being a little loaf.
Sometimes that's big loaf:
Image: Willow (a black cat) in a box, being a big loaf.
This has become our lives. There's been a lot of "Ope! Time for a timeout!" and "Oh, look at you not snarling! Happy Cats!!" around our place, and probably it will continue like this for some time. We want a household where everyone is at least decently tolerating of each other and, as Shawn and I keep reminding ourselves, there's no need to rush since... well, this is basically a lifelong project. There's no deadline. We're in no hurry.
In other news, I adapted a recipe from the Overwatch cookbook to make "bear scat" cookies for my D&D group tonight. For those not reading the D&D/Elf icon posts, basically last adventure we fought a mama bear, so this is just a silly reference to that. There is not bear poop in this recipe, only chocolate, peanut butter, honey, and rice crispies.
Image: round balls of chocolate, peanut butter, rice crispies, and honey.
Happy CATS!!