I know I am theoretically supposed to wait 4-6 weeks after spaying before bonding. I think this is so that hormone levels can even out and diminish aggressive behavior, thereby making bonding easier. However, Shadow (who was spayed one week ago), has never shown any sign of being aggressive or territorial… Her personality has been constant since I have had her. The only thing she did that was unusual, the week before she was spayed, was to pee outside her litterbox twice. Having said that, Butterscotch (who was neutered about 6 weeks ago), lost his bonded mate Tofu (they had been bonded and living together for a bit over two weeks) three days ago. Butterscotch and Shadow have adjoining pens. They often lie side by side, one grooming the other- more often Butterscotch doing the grooming. Butterscotch sticks his little nose through the grates and steaks Shadow’s greens- even while Shadow is eating the same piece- there is no problem. They have separate play times but in the same part of the house- so both of their smells are on all of the blankets, pillows, chew toys, mazes ect. My question is: how soon can I bring them into a neutral space to see how it goes? My heart is breaking for Butterscotch- who has always been a little more reserved, but came out if his shell when he was with Tofu. Since there has never been any issues between these two (lived in same pen until Butterscotch was neutered 6 weeks ago, as we thought Butterscotch was also a girl…– is it possible to try bonding sooner? I don’t want to do anything g that can hurt either bun, or harm their chances of a successful bond… But seeing them groom each other through their pen today broke my heart. Do I have to wait another three weeks? What are the pros and cons if doing it… Say, now?