I too have talked to my cats on more than one occassion to ask how they feel so I don't think your mad Nina. But I agree with letting them explore a little at a time and if you can put up a screen that they can see each other through before introducing them that sometimes can help as Nina said. They had that at the sanctuary - Unfortunately Blackie isn't alive now but he kept seeing the sanctuary cat behind the glass door in the office. Gradually the two cats started to try and play through the glass and when they let Blackie in both cats were happy together and Tom ventured out of the office for a stroll around too. Takes time but I think it's much better done behaviourally. They other thing that might help relax the cat in anxiety provoking situations is using the plug in pherimones. It maybe that you let the kittie out the bathroom for 5 mins and gradually progress the time. Patience and perserverence is often the only answer to modifying anxiety related behaviour. It's like humans - exposure is done gradually and built upon. When I first brought my cats home from the sanctuary Buddy was terrified of the television - she would not come out at all if the tv was on - but with gradual exposure she started to venture out and as she learned it was not a threat she improved and it took time but now she doesn't care at all. Hope you have success Michelle, Minstrel, Buddy & Angel Bramble
