cat-sitting

[deird1]

The former housemate's cat is staying with me for the next 12 days.

No, not Smudge. The former former housemate. The one who was responsible for the teeny fluffballs (Smudge's brothers). Of course, that was over a year ago - and the teeny fluffball is now a full-grown cat.


Elf is not happy. Prince is also not happy.

They're currently sitting on opposite sides of the living room, glaring balefully at each other and growling. This has been going on for nearly fifteen minutes now...


Any bets on how long it will take them to become friends?

Comments

[velvetwhip]

I hope they become pals soon.


Gabrielle

[swellen.livejournal.com]

If it's just for 12 days I would be keeping them completely separate. Cats are extremely territorial and it can take months to integrate them properly - if you rush it you're likely to have injuries from fighting (ie, the kind of injuries that cost money at the vet!) as well as stress-peeing in places that you might not find for a while. I'd be confining Prince to the spare room with a bed, toys, food and litter tray, then letting him out for an hour or so in the evening for a run around your flat while Elf is confined to your room.

[deird1]

I'm currently keeping Prince in the laundry unless I'm home...

My cat does have a fairly good adaptability for other cats intruding on his life, though. I think in a few days he'll be okay.

[swellen.livejournal.com]

Ah, clearly Elf is more adaptable than Sophie who still (15 months on) growls at Louis and gives him a swipe if he gets too close. She'll allow him to touch noses with her and sleep within a metre of where she is, but that's it. When I'm in bed they sleep on either side of my legs... I feel like Checkpoint Charlie.

[immer_am_lesen]

...this sounds just like my two rabbits...the girls just won't play nice.
Next time you visit you may find the house separated into 'hers' and 'hers', since I dunno that we can ever get them to agree! :-/

So long as you're not having to pull on thick leather gloves, ready to fling yourself between the boys as they lunge at each other. That ain't fun.