Fritz!

After taking him back to Sheri's, we took a few days to think about Oscar. And the terrible decision to introduce him so quickly. We decided to give it another try, but with a very different strategy. So, we went back to get him!

And he now answers to Fritz!

We have been doing a very slow introduction this time around. For a few days, Fritz stayed in the 2nd bedroom at all times. Interest was building on both sides of the door. Last weekend, we put up a tall doggy gate (borrowed from Sheri) so that the kitties could all see each other and start getting used to the idea of meeting him and vice versa. This went well, and it was discovered that this boy can JUMP! He escaped numerous times, even though the gate came up to my armpits.



We've built up to Fritz now having free range of the apartment when we're home. We leave his door open, and he wanders in (to eat and sleep) and out (to explore, play, etc.). It's worked pretty well.

Fritz and Johnny have had some promising interactions mixed in with just a couple tense ones. All in all, there is not much hissing/growling anymore. I think they have the potential to get along great.

Katie is another story. She was doing pretty well as long as he didn't come near her. She was interested in watching him and seemed to be getting more comfortable until she was chased yesterday.

Fritz chased her from the living room into our bedroom. She ran under the bed, which is her "safe place." Johnny has never followed her under there. Well, Fritz did. She was literally screaming. Brian finally was able to grab Katie, who was very traumatized. She's now very wary of him and more on edge, understandably.

Hopefully this memory will fade. And hopefully Fritz learned a lesson by being placed back in isolation.

I'll post some more photos soon.