A delicate truce is still a truce

cats in cat beds

Last in a series

Larry’s teeth and gums felt much better; modern medicine also lifted his oppressive anxiety. Curley gained confidence and was learning to relax – out from under the bed. They were still kept separated from Moe, while swapping halves of the house with him. Perching on floor-to-ceiling cat trees and venting their predatory proclivities on stalk and pounce toys had all of them feeling like real cats.

Fulfilling lives for these former feline foes reduced their collective angst and diminished the risk of nuclear conflict. Keeping the peace, on the other hand. would be a lifelong challenge. For these gentlemen to ever safely comingle, they would also need alone time. Cats are social creatures, but only to a point.

Richard was pretty handy. I advised him on building and installing hide boxes at various heights in different rooms. Much like their wild brethren, his and Karen’s kitties could sneak away and meditate. They guard secrets we’ll never unravel.

Moe lived his previous life largely outdoors. He needed to stay inside at his new home because it was located near a busy street. The compromise was a generous-sized outdoor catio with tall climbing structures and a few hide boxes. A cat door allowed Moe to escape to his playground, steering clear of Larry and Curly, the militants within.

Karen and Richard were committed. During catio construction they mounted a Scare Crow Animal Deterrent (cq) booby trap on their fence to discourage the prowling neighbor cat from agitating what was likely to become a delicate truce among Larry, Moe, and Curley.

We now had a foundation for success. I counseled my clients to very slowly, over several weeks, bring Larry and Curley incrementally closer to one side of a covered baby gate, while Moe camped out on the other side. During twice daily controlled exposures the boys would enjoy snacks and gentle petting. Gradually the sheet covering the gate was raised and later eliminated. When the Berlin wall finally came down Larry and Curley went about their lives as though Moe didn’t exist. And, hey, a gin rummy tournament was never in the cards for these guys anyway. Karen and Richard declared victory and went about their lives too, always with one eye out for smoldering turmoil.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.