Operation Sassification: Caster’s Big Meeting, Part 2
If you saw our post last Monday, you know that Caster recently had his first meeting with sister Sassy. For anyone who is just joining us or doesn’t know Sassy’s story, I’ll give you a brief recap…
We rescued Sassy as a stray back in November of 2013. She tested positive for FIV and was also aggressive towards the other cats, so we we’ve had to keep her segregated. It’s now been over two years since she joined our family, and we have slowly been trying to integrate her with the other four cats. It’s taken a lot of patience and work, but for a while now Sassy has been able to be out with Delilah and Sophie. We’ve held off on introducing her to the boys because the boys are too enthusiastic and interested, and Sassy wouldn’t react well to that. Since she has been doing so well with the girls, we decided it was finally time for her to meet the boys.
We started off with Caster and kept him on a leash to keep him from approaching Sassy. I don’t know if it’s because they’ve all smelled each other so many times by now or what, but Caster had almost no reaction to seeing Sassy. It seemed like Sassy’s presence was old news to him. Sassy didn’t seem phased by Caster’s presence too much either. She hissed a bit to let him know not to approach her, but that was about it. We decided it was safe to take Caster off his leash to see what would happen…
Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing. They simply ignored each other. Internally, I was doing the biggest happy dance I thought I could have imagined. But then we decided to see what would happen if we let Sampson out to meet her too… (I should mention that Delilah and Sophie were already out as well.)
All five cats… in the same room… together… at the same time… Okay, then I was seriously doing the biggest happy dance anyone could have ever imagined. (Delilah isn’t in the picture above because she was behind me.)
I tried to keep them all distracted by engaging them with their favorite wand toy. It went well and lasted about 8-10 minutes before I noticed that Sassy was starting to get a little stressed. At that point, I took her back to her room to decompress. I know 8-10 minutes of having all five of my cats together doesn’t seem like a big deal, but to me it really is. This is something I’ve been working towards for over 2 years now. Though we still have a ways to go, and who knows when or how long it will take (if ever) before Sassy is fully integrated without supervision, but this brief meeting and playtime between all of my kitties together is a HUGE victory for us.
I am absolutely thrilled at the progress that Sassy has made since we rescued her. She has come such a long way, and I am so happy for her. This just goes to show you that you should never give up on an animal. All it takes is love, patience, devotion, and effort. And it is well worth it.
Wow, That is great!!
Worth all the time and effort!
I agree, this is HUGE for Sassy! That was a big step – I hope things continue to work well with everyone.
Wow, I’m really thrilled at the big progress, too! How wonderful not only Caster met Sassy with no problem but Sampson also joined. All five kitties together – it’s really like a dream comes true! And it’s a dream achieved by your patient effort and love. I’m so happy for all of you!
I think that’s tremendous and keep it up, you are doing a wonderful job with the introductions!
Goodness! Your patience is commendable! But well worth it!! xx
Excellent! We knew it would happen and that all your persistence and patience would bring success 🙂 Keep up the good work all of you kitties!
Tell your Mama she should check her e-mails for a special one from us 🙂
Lots of love and hugs,
the critters in the cottage xo
well done you!!! I am hoping that soon they will ALL be able to be together all of the time! BTW LOVE the glimpses of your new home 🙂
It’s spotless!
Pawsome! We admire your dedication and patience.
YAY!!! That is great news. Small increments are a HUGE step. Sassy – we are very proud of you.
That is a big step for Sassy! We can understand how she’d get a little stressed after all that but what great progress to be with her furblings all at once after all this time! Way to go Sassy! And to you too mom! Kudos for your patience!
Your mom is a cat whisperer!! For sure everyone is feeling the love and safety too
Hugs madi your bfff
We think 8 to 10 minutes is terrific, Yippee! Mom understand how joyful you felt Mom Emily. Sassy is so lucky that you rescued her and that she has a great family to get to know. Astrid sends Sampy all her love and bushels of kisses. With love and hugs to all as well. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
That is wonderful. I hope eventually they won’t need to be segregated. Some of ours are segregated for various reasons so I understand your happy dance.
This is wonderful! I can imagine how happy you must be. Your patience and commitment are to be applauded.
Good job, Sassy!
10 minutes without an issue? That is a major victory. Keep taking those baby steps and before you know it, you’ll have one big happy family.
You’ve done extremely well to get to this stage! Most, if not all cat owners will understand how it can get with cats meeting new cats, these things take time and time you are clearly giving these beautiful cats, which is great! I hope soon they can all enjoy quality time together.
Dat is sooooooooo Pawsum!!!! Weez duin’ da happy dance wiff ya’. Weez sendin’ lots of purrayers dat da length of time will continue too incwease and everypawdy will get to hang together all da time. wuldn’t bed time be gweat then.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
guys !!!! this is total lee kewl….we pre dict that bye may… everee one will bee at de same taybull…. sharin a perch pizza & sum donutz !!! YAY !!!! ♥♥♥
Congratulations on making such progress on getting them all together.It’s not easy to get everyone comfortable and predictably stable. Keep up the good work …. slowly but surely…..hopefully they’ll make quicker progress now that they’ve had good interactions.
Yippie! Yay! Happy dance today!!
Pawsome! We admire your dedication and patience.
Pawsome! We admire your dedication and patience.
Pawsome! We admire your dedication and patience.