screening my social calls

I've replaced some of the cardboard in the cat barrier with a grid-like screen. I then taught the cats to go up to the screen and sniff each other. That went fairly well. There was some hissing and growling in the beginning from the little guy, but that eventually subsided.

And then, they figured out that they could sniff without my intervention. That was kinda cute. They also discovered that the peepholes are not only a good size for a nose but also for a paw. And they've invented a very amusing game called "Slap me". One kitty sticks a paw through and the other slaps away. I'm assuming that claws are sheathed, because I haven't heard any crying. Then a nose might appear, then the other cat's paw, which all in turn get slapped.

Or Theo will run out of the bathroom and Koa will stick her paw through trying to punch him as he goes by, but of course he's too fast. Now Koa goes looking for him and Theo comes to the screen and cries if she's not nearby.

So I've gotten brave, and we've had a couple of meetings au naturel, without barrier. Nose meets nose, very polite. If Koa looks a little put out, I remove Theo. I have let Theo wander into the bathroom a few times, and Koa has not gotten upset. I have not let Theo wander under the bed when Koa is under there, and I try to get him to lie down when we're hanging out for a few minutes. And I also take him away fairly quickly because I'd like the experiences to be positive for all three of us. For the time being, visits will continue to be supervised closely. Theo in particular can't yet be trusted to "do the right thing" which could easily end badly.

And I've discovered that they're both eager to practice their social skills with me, rubbing my nose with theirs. I am of course charmed to be taken into their tribe.

The introductions continue, slowly but surely. Progress is being made.