Introduction advice?
Hi guys!
So im introducing my ~3 yr old resident cat to a 4 month old kitten, and it isn’t going badly, but I would like some advice. And my BF is new to cats and is very worried about RC never getting used to our kitten.
We’ve scent swapped a ton, had them eat on opposite sides of the door, and put the kitten in a playpen at least 1-2 times a day, and I usually go in there with him so he can play. We’ve done this for about a two weeks (maybe less).
RC will usually look at him and sometimes hiss (but the amount of hissing for every look has gone down significantly), but sometimes she will walk over (one time she ran over) and hiss and swat at him, then then just loaf nearby, usually watching the bird videos on tv. While i’m in the playpen, my bf usually gives her treats as positive reinforcement. Is her behavior a cause for concern?
I hate the way she approaches just to swat, but the way she then loafs next to the playpen, sometimes yawning and with her back to him implies that she isn’t that stressed. For reference, she shows no signs of stress besides hissing. No airplane ears, normal posture, etc. The pic I used is an example of her doing that, but she’s often closer to the playpen.
Also, she’s only met him outside of the playpen once, and when she did, he only approached her, she tried to keep her distance.
I’m also wondering if she dislikes that I’m in there with him, since i’m her favorite person. Please tell me if i should be doing anything differently! Does it sound like she’s making progress?
Also, he’s getting neutered next week and i’m wondering if his unfixed hormones might be bothering her? idk. She is spayed btw.