PAtoSF Chapter 5: The Other Relationship

As you’ve probably already read one of our main concerns with the move to San Francisco was moving the pets from a spacious house to a junior studio apartment. When I moved in with my bf in December, Stella had never lived with another pet and Leela had never lived with another pet (especially a cat). I don’t think either had any previous interaction with the other species, so the integration was pretty rough. We let Stella have the safety of the second floor, protected by a baby gate and a flight of stairs.

It went something like:

Stella peeks her head out from hiding. Leela runs toward her with 200% enthusiasm. Stella bolts. Leela whines, paces and jumps around. Continue on and off every 20-30 minutes.

By April Stella had figured out that she was safe behind rails on the stairs but decided to start venturing out when she thought Leela wasn’t paying attention. They still weren’t very keen on the idea of being in a room together - at least Stella wasn’t. She could have cared less about Leela, but Leela wanted to play. If you have a cat, you know how cats are with that. Everything is on their terms.

Some of their landmark points were chronicled on Instagram under #stellameetsleela. Here is the latest.

They, somehow, survived the journey in a van together, trekking across the country from Pennsylvania to California in less than a week. From what I understand, Leela was thrilled to be along for the longest car ride of her life, and Stella eventually got brave (or bored) enough to stop using her litterbox as a bunker.

The bf and I made it to the new apartment a day ahead of the pets, which was extremely helpful in getting some rest and strategizing about set up. I was relieved to see our kitchen would be the perfect spot for Stella to hide out in. There was enough space on top of the refrigerator for her to have food and water, and there was a nice gap above the cabinets to set up a bed. I knew for a fact that she would love being able to walk around on top of the cabinets, not to mention look out the huge window.

We knew Leela would be satisfied to make herself at home in the living area. She spends most of her days sleeping on the bed.

It took them about a month, but they have finally figured out how their relationship will work. Leela got calm enough to slowly approach Stella, and Stella got ballsy enough to come down and check things out. They aren’t snuggling up together or anything, but they can play and stand in the same room without any sort of major freak out (mostly). 

Leela spends most of her day napping...

So much sleeps.

Stella is keeping an eye on all the neighbors.

Neighborhood watch.

And occasionally they get a very nice moment together!

Stunned.

Have you integrated a cat and dog? How did it go? What was your strategy?