The vet’s opinion, conveyed by the vet-tech over the phone this morning, is that we need to wait with the introduction, for one more week. Teresa made the excellent point that we needed to think about both cats. Not only about protecting Bugs from infection, but also — recalling how much worse Fangie got after that first unplanned intro — being careful of his immune-system challenges also. Fangie does still tend to pant, when he gets excited.
So here are a few pictures to hold us over, until the lighting of the torch on Monday or Tuesday.
Bugsy wants to know: What’s up with the waiting.
He’s ready to move.
No more growling by Base Camp door. Just – what’s up with the waiting.
Why won’t that door open.
Fangie wants to know: Why do I have to keep sitting on this pillow.
I see that wand. I’m not going to chase it. I’m tired of waiting.
Bugsy poses, just before leaping up to Top Shelf. At least he knows where he stands. Or at least he looks that way. And as we all know, it’s more important to look confident than to feel confident.
Pee Ess: For the alert readers who notice that Monday or Tuesday is not exactly one week from today, Thursday – this is a compromise. I do want to be good with the vet’s advice, but we have circumstances. I would really appreciate Teresa’s presence to help with the introduction, and she’s leaving town on Wednesday.
Waiting, watching. Until then.
catself 
I’m goin’ with compromise! Oh Bugsy, no more growiing! I hope it goes well and that Fangie gets rested.
The strategy seems to be working, Lahg — Fangie’s no longer trashing the place in the darkest night. Rest results, from letting a little more air out of his balloon, is having that salutary effect — but it takes hours and hours of play! Will try to write about this later today, if I get time away from this intense project of letting air out of Fangie’s balloon.
hahahhaa letting air out of Fangie’s energy balloon! Will he dash around the whole house tomorrow once he’s out?! >:-D Bouncing off the walls, of course!
And ceiling.
Of course–the 6-way boing!
Poor guys, it does seem as if they are looking forward to meeting each other. I usually subscribe to the ‘let em duke it out’ theory – it never lasts long and cats know best how to deal with other cats. (I’ve had multiple cats in and out of my life my entire life.) But, I agree with the vet in that if Fangs gets stressed easily, it is better to err on the side of caution so he doesn’t get ill again.
I do have the sense that they know what they’re doing better than I!
Aw, they are anxious to meet! Maybe this delay was for the best? I understand the compromise thought. When I got Leo he let me know that he was done with his private room at night with in days. He decided he wanted to fend for himself and he did fine. Your guys got to know each other through the door, and that’s turning out to be a great thing! They still might be hissy or terratorial, but from the progress they’ve already made, I’m betting that it wont last too long.
You’re doing great! I hope you know that!
Andrea, I really appreciate all you say, especially that last encouragement!
Oh, well. Purrrrrring that Bugs & Fangie Big Adventure can start in a just few more days.
Monday! Tomorrow! And really it’s already started in small increments . . . .
I know it’s best for their health, and you are such a good, caring mommy but I’m telling you this is feeling like the world’s longest soap opera! As The Kitty Turns….
It’s riveting. Addictive. In much the same way.
The Miaos are sending healing purrs to Fangie. Awww.
He purrs back at you, plus interest.
When Archie was a kitten he used to run wild until he panted all the time and it worried me. Even though he didn’t have respiratory issues, he just didn’t seem to have the sense to slow down – LOL!!!
Vets can only advise, in the end you must do what you think is best for your individual situation 🙂
Hilarious picture of intoxicated Archie — love the name, BTW. Great point about the vet — this really does seems all about balancing things from her medical point of view, with the practicalities of Teresa’s schedule — and above all, the level of frustration here between the two boys. At least I think it’s frustration. Anyway — let’s just call it ENERGY both boys are putting into each other with the door in between — man do they have passion!
I hope you will have third party arbitration present next week! There will be quite a lot of negotiating to do re rights and privileges. Seriously I hope the meeting will be as smooth as silk and the guys will bond :))
Yoikes. The third-party mediator would be Teresa and then me all by myself — like I said, yoikes . . . . Silk. Yes. Let’s keep that image in full view.
I hope Fangie will feel better soon!
Thank you. He does seem to already and the course of antibiotics will hopefully finish off this latest bug.
Awww… I hope the introduction goes well and they become the best of friends and lifelong snuggle buddies. =^..^=
I’m holding that thought. And smiling. Seems incongruous at this moment — but change is a constant!
I’ll be anxious to hear about how the meet-up goes, when it goes!
Me too. Would love to have a little more distance on this project, but — it’s IN MY FACE!!
I know Bugs is a tough street cat, and that his bite is certainly worse than his bark. But look at how sweet and innocent he looks in that last photo – big round eyes, tiny pink nose…
Oh this street-cat boy, he changes by the minute. He has been so pensive and sweet over the last couple of days — but will this philosopher-cat transform back into the claws of steel guy tomorrow — let us pray not.
I think this softer, sweeter side of Bugs might be just a bit of insecurity. That’s not always a bad thing, especially since he’s finding comfort in you instead of doing something destructive.
I think things will go OK when Fangie comes out of Base Camp. Be prepared for some squabbles over territory, and maybe a bit over YOU… I have my paws crossed that no matter what happens, there’s no cat snot involved!
Hello there!
I started following your blog about 2 weeks ago. I’m surprised at how fast I got attached to it!
Right before you posted this update, I was actually wondering how things were over there. I think the words in my mind were: “What is taking her so long to give us updates?” – LOL
I was very relieved when I got the email with this latest post. It took me a while to make a comment cuz I didn’t really know what to say. So I’m just sticking to the basics: I hope the introduction on Tuesday goes really well! I have my fingers crossed for you.
Love all the way from Brazil,
Ivy
What a treat to hear from you, Ivy! I am thrilled and delighted at whatEVER it occurs to you to say! Goodness! Brazil. How very exciting. Love right back at you.
Amen, Pedro, in so many ways.