More Lessons in Getting Along

This is the fifth day of our new regimen of cat introductions. Moki, Lilly and Lu are eating meals together in the main part of the house for the first time since Lilly's second week with us.

Breakfast Sunday morning, Moki and Lilly are keeping an eye on each other.

Since Moki's attack on Lilly Thursday evening, we have not seen anything more than a hiss from her in Lilly's direction, though she did have a spat with Lu two nights ago. Lilly, however, has been extremely nervous in Moki's presence. I started treating her with Safe Space for Cats when Moki is out, while Moki has gotten a dose of Bully Remedy.  I just put a couple of drops on my hand, then pet the cat in question.

This morning's meeting seemed a little better for both cats. When we put the leash on Lilly now she knows Moki is going to come out.  She often retreats to one of the bedrooms.  Unlike in the past, when Moki came upstairs, this time she did not nervously hunt for Lilly, but went out on the porch to look around.

Moki even took some time to chase her tail, but it happened too fast for the camera. So she was sitting under the table while Lu was lounging back in the house, keeping a close watch on Moki.

 Moki was relaxed enough to wash her whiskers.

 

At this point, on her own, Lilly decided she could come out too. The two cats are about 17 feet apart, with nothing between them. Lilly hadn't even noticed Moki when I took the photo, but she saw her a few seconds later.

Moki shows some wariness. I was sitting to one side and reminded Moki she should relax, to take a deep breath with me.

 

Lilly moved around at the other end of the deck, even disappearing behind the large wooden box while Moki stayed glued in her spot.

Lilly worked her way to the back door and was partially hidden from Moki's view behind the gas grill, scene of the attack on Thursday night.

 But Moki remained in her sunny spot.

Lilly took a moment to flop on the doormat.  Moki made a forward movement when Lilly got up again, but we reminded her to be nice with a stern "Moki!" and she backed down.

Lilly decided to end the session, and walked with Norris back to our bedroom.  We closed the door so Norris and Lilly could have a nap while Moki, Lu and I relax.  (Photo taken with my tablet.)

The behavior vet we consulted with in January 2012 told us it was very important to end sessions before anything bad happens. Everyone seems to think this one finished on a positive note.