Adoption Tails: Sidney

 Sidney, now Taco

1 day: Sidney is doing great! She is very comfortable at her new place now although is still alert and shy sometimes. She's eating quite well and has been using new litter without problem. She is now named Taco! Resident cat is a bit emotional right now so they probably won't meet soon but the owner thinks Taco will definitely enjoy the whole place when she gets the chance, she's very curious.

Sydney

1 week: The owner successfully clipped Taco's nails today using cat treat tricks! She was slightly confused. Both Taco and the resident can seem very interested in smelling and seeing each other but the owner is not sure if her resident cat is doing it out of friendliness. They've tried the double feeding for some time now and yesterday, the two cats were eating through a blind which had a tiny opening in the middle. They seem to be fine with eating next to each other so the owner will probably progress introduction more this week. The owner is slightly worried about Taco's teeth, she doesn't like to chew on food especially when they're dry and her breath still smells like fish. The owner has tried dental treats but Taco is not interested (not sure if she's picky about food or having teeth issues). Taco's dry food is a mix of what she had previously and a slightly larger dry kibble; she is capable of chewing both types but she does not prefer to. She prefers finishing her wet food more than her dry which she will leave more than half of for the whole day, which the resident cat is going to eat all of it if he gets the change once they are fully introduced! The owner will ease Taco into being held for brushing her teeth and see how it goes. The owner is concerned that if Taco keeps leaving food, the resident cat Dmitri is going to eat it all when he gets the chance!

1.5 weeks: Taco and Dmitri have been eating in the same space for a while now so the owner tried to switch their places today. Dmitri willingly went into Taco's room without a problem but Taco was very stressed when carried out and decided to take cover under a cabinet. She was so upset that she did not even eat her favourite treat. Although Taco has tried to explore the outside for a while, she's still quite terrified. She really likes going out when nobody's watching. Dmitri is showing extra interest in approaching Taco but Taco seems to have gotten more defensive over time and will hiss or slap Dmitri if he's too close. She also tries to eat his food when he's still eating which the owner puts a stop to and assumes it's a show of dominance. Another thing is that the cats don't like to be petted at the same place/don't like seeing the other being petted. The owner thinks it's them being a little jealous of each other as they definitely don't dislike each other and Taco just needs more time to get more confident so she can accept Dmitri.

Sidney/Taco and Dimitri

2 weeks: Dmitri is quite the curious and persistent kitty when it comes to interacting and playing with Taco who is not a huge fan of being approached and will hiss/growl at him. He definitely does not give up easily! Poor Taco is getting harassed very often... They eat together fine and sometimes even sleep on the same bed. Occasionally when the door is open, Taco peeks out and wanders around. She even stayed in a blanket tent in the living room after the owner coaxed her to come out.

3 weeks: Taco is doing great but there is a problem... she does not like Dmitri at all! The owners have tried everything to make them happy together, including double feeding really closely and playing/petting both in one room. They also sleep under/on the same bed fine but as soon as Dmitri gets within 30cm of Taco, she growls and claws at him. The owner has been noticing a lot of hair in her claws and initially though it was a normal part of sorting out their hierarchy but is now unsure. Taco may be attacking out of fear while Dmitri is trying to play as he never extends his claw out and never hiss or growl at Taco. The owner saw Taco claws at Dmitri's face and is getting worried for both cats' mental health as Taco becomes very alarmed and defensive when Dmitri is around and Dmitri gets very upset from the interactions. There is also the concern that if they are left alone, one of them could get hurt badly (Dmitri can open all the doors in the house and he always tries to play with Taco, even as the first thing in the morning).

After separating the cats again and backtracking on the introduction process, Taco is doing really well now. She's making so much progress. Things that usually upset her like picking her up has not been affecting her anymore! She's also reacting less to Dmitri, only hissing and scratches if he is too close. They even napped together very close. Taco is a lot more vocal now (only to the owner) when she wants food or playing which is a good sign of her starting to trust people at home. Taco even played a little bit in the living room and the owner is so proud of her! Dmitri is acting extremely mature by taking it much slower and not getting jealous at all anymore. "I think he realises that I still love him and he is still getting food!"

1 month: Taco is doing great! She has settled down completely and although she still fights with Dmitri, it has become part of their daily playing routine. "Thank you for all the help, it made so much difference making them accept each other! Now they even sometimes sleep and play in the living room during nighttime!"

Taco