• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Kitty Cat Chronicles

tails of adventure cats & handicats extraordinaire!

  • Home
  • Meet the Gang
  • KCC Adventure Team
  • Our Adventures
  • Cerebellar Hypoplasia
  • Contact Us
  • Etsy Shop
  • Show Search
Hide Search
You are here: Home / FIV+ / On the Road to Coexistence!

On the Road to Coexistence!

February 12, 2015 35 Comments

Take a look at these pictures. At first glance they aren’t anything worth getting excited about – they certainly aren’t great photos. But do you notice anything special about them?

Photo: Sassy & Sophie

Photo: Sassy & Sophie

SASSY & SOPHIE ARE IN THE SAME ROOM TOGETHER!!!

For anyone new to our blog or for anyone who doesn’t know Sassy’s story, let me give a short recap. She came to us as a stray in November of 2013 – a little over a year ago. She was (and is) very sweet, but she was also rather temperamental. One moment she would be happily laying in my lap purring, and the next she would be hissing and biting me for seemingly no reason. I can’t even keep count of how many times she’s bitten me and drawn blood. 
(Before anyone suggests that her bad temperament is the result of a health issue, she has been the vet and everything is normal and healthy.)

The other cats?! Well, being around them was out of the question. At the sight or smell of any of the other cats, Sassy would go into a hissy fit. She wanted nothing to do with them. Because of her temperament issues, she has had to be kept separated from the other cats. The upstairs of our house is her domain. Sassy is also FIV+, but that on it’s own is not a problem. However, FIV and biting is not a good combination.

I’m not going to speculate as to why Sassy is the way she is – I have no idea. I don’t know her past, I don’t know where she came from, and I don’t know how she contracted FIV (although I can assume it was most likely from fighting). I just know that I couldn’t let her coexist with the other cats as long as she was biting me hard enough to draw blood and as long as she freaked out at the sight of other cats.

Over the past year, we have been working with Sassy to make steps towards her coexisting with the others. We’ve spent lot of time with her, just loving on her and cuddling. We’ve put Delilah/Sampson/Sophie in a carrier and brought them into Sassy’s upstairs territory so she could see and smell them. We’ve used positive reinforcement by feeding Sassy on one side of the door while the other cats were on the opposite side. For a long time, it seemed like a lost cause. Sassy’s temperament never seemed to get better, I always had scratches and bite marks on my hands (and sometimes face), and her attitude towards the other cats never seemed to change. To be honest, I’ve felt like giving up on many occasions. I knew I could never give up on Sassy though – I believe in her and love her too much to do that. 

In the last month or two things have begun to change. She has been calmer, less temperamental. Our cuddling and lovey times haven’t been ending in a hissing and biting rage. I can’t remember the last time she drew blood. I’ve carried Sophie into Sassy’s territory, and Sassy has barely seemed to care, maybe issuing the obligatory hiss and then carrying on with her business. So last week, I asked my husband to bring Sophie into Sassy’s territory and set her down on the futon. He was sure not to take his hands off Sophie in case she needed to be extracted quickly, but in she came! Sassy looked up when Sophie came into the room, but she didn’t hiss. She didn’t growl. She didn’t attack or run away. I got a bag of treats and gave Sassy some in front of where Sophie was (Sophie got some too, of course). Sassy gobbled them right up, never seeming to care that Sophie was right there, one foot away from her. She did eventually hiss one time, but that was it. 

It was amazing. One year ago, or even just 4-5 months ago, this would have never happened. 

We still have some work to do before Sassy can freely coexist with the other cats, but I am filled with so much hope that that time is not too far off. She has come so far, and I just know that it’s possible. And I can’t wait!!!

Photo: Mom & Sassy

One of my favorite photos of Sassy and me


Picture

2 more days!!!
From now until February 14th, 100% of the proceeds made from any bow tie and flower sales will be donated to Catwork in support of the “Real-Life FIV” project they are working on. You can read more about the project in our blog post from last week. The bow ties and flowers make super cute accessories for your pet. If your pet does not wear a collar or would not like wearing one, you can always purchase one for an animal at your local shelter. Who knows — they may help attract the attention of a potential adopter! 

Please help us spread the word about FIV and to raise awareness for this misunderstood disease!

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Print

Related

Filed Under: FIV+, Uncategorized

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Summer says

    February 12, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    Paws up to you for working so diligently with Sassy! She is one of those kitties that needs a lot of work and a lot of humans would not have hung in there. I’m glad you did, and are continuing to do so.

    Reply
  2. Susan Bewley says

    February 13, 2015 at 1:48 am

    Thank you being so patient with Sassy. It took me forever when I was in high school to get my old lady cat Daisy to accept Lucie. She HATED that kitten and made it clear it was not welcome. Over time, they learned to co-exist and became the best of friends. <3

    Reply
  3. Aimable Cats says

    February 13, 2015 at 2:29 am

    I have seen various attempts at getting cats to live with other cats. Parker left the shed (and would have left the feral colony had I not tried hard to keep her there) when the kittens were born the next spring. When I was about 9 or 10, we kept one of Samantha’s kittens; Sam and Sandy did not get along well afterward. Parker sometimes visits with me when I return to the farm; she gets along with one of my parents’ inside cats better than the other.

    Reply
  4. Jenna Drady says

    February 13, 2015 at 2:43 am

    Wow! Well done!
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

    Reply
  5. Amy Shojai, CABC says

    February 13, 2015 at 2:51 am

    I’m so glad you’re making progress! Slowly and surely…

    Reply
  6. Kendall | Lucky Dog says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:03 am

    Wow! You’ve done some great work to give Sassy a happy home. Pets need homes like yours, way to go 🙂

    Reply
  7. Beth | Daily Dog Tag says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:09 am

    What great news! I know someone with a similar situation, hopefully she will have the same great results!

    Reply
  8. Jen Gabbard says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:12 am

    I don’t have a cat at the moment but I definitely remember how temperamental some can be. The beautiful cat I grew up with would freak out suddenly when I was petting her, sort of like that meme that says “you can pet my belly, but exactly 3 times only.” I’m so glad to see them in the same room together – a true testament to the virtue of patience.

    Reply
  9. Random Felines says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:13 am

    What a wonderful update. While there is no telling her history, it is clear that she is finally learning to trust. SO glad you are sticking by her though this…..

    Reply
  10. Connie says

    February 13, 2015 at 3:17 am

    way to go! I know how important those milestones can be

    Reply
    • Sharon Seltzer says

      February 13, 2015 at 4:04 am

      Congratulations on the new book. I subscribed to your newsletter and look forward to your pet peeves and advice!

      Reply
  11. Sharon Seltzer says

    February 13, 2015 at 4:00 am

    Sassy lucked out when she found you. Most people wouldn’t have been so patient in getting her adjusted to a new home. Congratulations that your efforts are paying off for both of you.

    Reply
  12. LP says

    February 13, 2015 at 4:07 am

    That is wonderful news! We are so happy you are not giving up on Sassy! Sophie , great job making Sassy feel at ease. Slow and steady wins the race! 🙂
    the critters in the cottage xo

    Reply
  13. Tamago says

    February 13, 2015 at 4:10 am

    Oh, that is wonderful! What a great progress Sassy has made! And you and your husband made it possible…your understanding, patience and love. I hope she can live in the same space with other kitties eventually, and I’m sure it’ll happen!

    Reply
  14. Alana says

    February 13, 2015 at 4:26 am

    Hurray! We know what a hassle it is to have kitties that don’t get along – it took 1.5 years for Crepes and Peabody to be in the same room without growling and now they’re happy as little clams, as long as those clams don’t touch each other for prolonged periods. We have faith in Sassy. Keep it up! – Alana.

    Reply
  15. Rascal and Rocco says

    February 13, 2015 at 5:09 am

    Fantastic! hope the process is quick and peaceful coexistence is not too far off.

    Reply
  16. Brian Frum says

    February 13, 2015 at 6:31 am

    That is great! Believe me, we know what it is like with Sister Precious.

    Reply
  17. Jessica Shipman | Beagles and Bargains says

    February 13, 2015 at 6:50 am

    What amazing progress!! Well done! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Robin says

    February 13, 2015 at 6:58 am

    This is great news! It can take a long time to ease the mental/spiritual wounds she may have received in her life before your home. Any step forward is big progress. I hope that it continues!

    Reply
  19. Kitties Blue says

    February 13, 2015 at 7:53 am

    Mom Emily with a cat on her head. MOL! This is such excellent news. Whenever cats that have been antisocial begin to change and interact, it really is heartwarming. We know this is only possible because you and Bobby have been so patient and loving. Astrid has e-mailed Sampy something, and she is so excited and pleased that he likes their photo. She knows that tomorrow will be the anniversary of their first date and so she is sending him a total of all the kisses she has sent him in the past. Please join us Sunday for the Selfies blog hop. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

    Reply
  20. Pawesome Cats says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:01 am

    Time makes a world of difference – we are happy to see these guys getting friendlier!

    Reply
  21. da tabbies o trout towne says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:34 am

    high paws N headbonks two ewe sassy !!!!
    thiz iz mega awesum way kewl…..we bet a few monthz frum now, ewe will sew bee chillaxin with everee one…everee wear…. all…de…time……may bee even playin de card game…go fish !!
    happee heartz day oh love two everee one N heerz two a topminnow & trumpetfish kinda week oh end ♥♥♥

    Reply
  22. simon rindy says

    February 13, 2015 at 9:25 am

    So inspiring! Here’s to better days ahead.

    Reply
  23. MattieDog says

    February 13, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Super pawesome job – such love and commitment – so amazing!

    Reply
  24. caren gittleman says

    February 13, 2015 at 12:00 pm

    PAWTASTIC NEWS!! You are to be commended for your diligence!!! Fabulous example of when we do not give up on our pets, they will come through for us!

    Reply
  25. Ruth Cox says

    February 13, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    Patience is certainly one of your virtues, obvious from your compassion for Sassy cat. She is ever so lucky a cat to be in your heart and home. Hopefully now that she has taken that first step, further steps towards interaction with the others will come a bit more quickly.

    Reply
  26. Dezi and Lexi High says

    February 13, 2015 at 1:05 pm

    OMC Dat’s so pawsum. Weez all got da leaky eyes here. Weez so happy fur good signs and even more so dat yous not gven up on Sassy. Come on Sassy we know yous can do it, and it’ll be so pawsum to hav so many pawsum brofurs and sisfurs.
    Luv ya’
    Dezi and Lexi

    Reply
  27. Traveling Cats says

    February 13, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    Happy Valentine’s Day!

    Reply
  28. Fur Everywhere says

    February 14, 2015 at 2:30 am

    This is WONDERFUL news!!! Sometimes it just takes a lot of baby steps and patience to get a kitty to being able to tolerate – and maybe even like – the other kitties in the home. I can’t wait to hear how this progresses. I have total faith that Sassy will continue to improve, and hope and pray that she will be able to run around unsupervised with the other kitties someday!

    Reply
  29. The Swiss Cats says

    February 14, 2015 at 8:01 am

    Well done ! It’s pawsome ! Happy Valentine’s Day ! Purrs

    Reply
  30. Maxwell, Faraday & Allie says

    February 14, 2015 at 8:35 am

    Progress is wonderful!!

    Reply
  31. Rascal and Rocco says

    February 13, 2015 at 5:09 am

    Fantastic! hope the process is quick and peaceful coexistence is not too far off.

    Reply
  32. Maxwell, Faraday & Allie says

    February 14, 2015 at 8:35 am

    Progress is wonderful!!

    Reply
  33. Rascal and Rocco says

    February 13, 2015 at 5:09 am

    Fantastic! hope the process is quick and peaceful coexistence is not too far off.

    Reply
  34. Maxwell, Faraday & Allie says

    February 14, 2015 at 8:35 am

    Progress is wonderful!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Home of the

KCC Adventure Team Logo

Categories

Tabcat Pet Tracker
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Footer

Copyright Notice

All images and content are copyrighted and may not be used or reproduced in whole or in part without written permission. Please contact us if you are interested in re-using any of our content.

Amazon Affiliate Disclosure

Kitty Cat Chronicles is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through any Amazon links on our site. There is no cost to you, but these commissions help to keep our site up and running. Thanks for your support!

Privacy Policy

This web site may collect anonymous, general demographic information about you when you visit, click links, or leave comments. Read our privacy policy for details.

Copyright © 2021 Kitty Cat Chronicles