Bruce and Michael adopted Jasper (formerly Ramsey) from Feline Rescue’s adoption center March of 2016. After much thought and discussion they decided to adopt a second Feline Rescue kitty, Wallenda, this time from our foster program February of 2018.
We wanted to give you an update on our three weeks with Wallenda (now Helen Rose Gibson; we know, a really looong name for a cat).
The Transition: Thank you!
We are so grateful to Elizabeth for agreeing to foster Wallenda a bit longer so that we could return from out trip. We’re also thankful to the very helpful written guide from Feline Rescue on how to introduce a second cat. While we know the temperament of the two cats was part of the equation, the process in the brochure was also clear and really helpful. After a week, they were introduced to each other, “free range,” and we haven’t had to separate them since.Home 20 minutes and she was on our laps!
Day 5: Seeing each other for the first time. (We put Jasper in the shower, which has a glass door.) They could see each other and sniff under the door, but no chance of harm
Day 7: Together just a few hours and they are playing! Helen Rose poking her head out of the tunnel.
Day 7: After all that playing, nothing like a little shared time at the “beach.”
Following each of the steps suggested seemed to really make for a smooth transition. Thanks for the great step-by-step guide. (And it was much clearer and less daunting than other advice we had found on the web.)
The Result: So delighted!
Our instincts were accurate. Jasper (Ramsey when he was at Feline Rescue) seems to really enjoy having another cat around to play with. They spend quite a bit of time chasing each other and playing in the cat tunnels. And, of course, they are both fans of bird watching, so they are often both on the cat tree engaging in their respective ornithological studies.
And Ms. Gibson is the wonderful lap and snuggle cat we were hoping to find. She purrs constantly, and rarely passes up an opportunity for a lap when one of us sits down to read or when we’re watching a show. She is incredibly affectionate and good-natured. We couldn’t be happier.
Jasper and Helen Rose Gibson, pausing between chasing each other. (What beautiful cats!)
Morning bird watching.
…and always lots of affection…
Thank you to Bruce and Michael for taking the time to research introducing cats to each other and taking the time to do a slow introduction to improve the changes that Jasper and Helen Rose Gibson would become friends.