Fluffy and Fido

When I was in the process of adopting Conor, the Humane Society provided me with a brochure entitled something like, "Introducing Fluffy and Fido." Translated, what steps McKenzie and I should take to ensure that Conor and Levi would be happy roommates. The brochure advised keeping the dog on a leash for the first introduction and not allowing Levi to corner or chase Conor. The adoption advisor also suggested a washcloth method: rub one washcloth on the cat's face and one on the dog's feet (apparently these are the areas where the animals have the strongest scent), and then put each one's washcloth under the other's food bowl. The thought being, I presume, that each would equate eating, a happy activity, with the scent of his new roommate.

Well, we never tried the washcloth method, but we did have the first introduction with Levi on a leash and we tried to prevent him from chasing Conor. At first Levi definitely dominated the relationship: Conor would hiss and growl, but Levi pretty much chased him under the bed most of the time. Conor did not appreciate Levi's barking or attempts to be Conor's new best friend.

Over the past couple of weeks, however, the tide has turned and Conor has become the boss. Conor has progressed from reactive maneuvers to chasing Levi for no reason. If he spots Levi or is annoyed with the barking, he'll jump out with a left or right hook. Fortunately, there is never any actual physical contact and Levi bears no scratch marks. While Levi still barks like crazy upon sight of Conor, Levi has demonstrated that he really is a bit of a wimp, albeit a sweet one. I am trying now to contain Conor from acting like too much of a punk - not sure how that will go.

The two things that prevent any aggression from either party: food (human or animal) and heat. Most of the time they engage in staring matches, waiting for the other to make a move. Case in point:

Bottom line: they have come a long way in three weeks and McKenzie and I have hope that these two quadrupeds may one day indeed be friends.