I had paused bonding Frank and Winston first of all because they both developed minor health problems (that are now resolved). Also Winston was so darn mad that I figured if it was mostly hormone driven, as the vet had suggested, then it would be easier for everyone if I gave him some time.
That was almost a month ago. I was going to wait longer to bond again, but I noticed that the past week Winston hadn’t been trying to attack, lunge, and growl at Franklin when she came near his pen. Before it was literally every time she came near. Now they nap together through the bars.
I tried again today in the tub. I would like to try the car method, but it is just about -10F here (brrrrr) so I don’t even want to take them on the short journey from my apartment to the car. I feel like that is illness waiting to happen. Also, I do laundry at the laundromat next door, so a jostle on the washer isn’t really an option either. I’ve been switching their pens 1-2 times a day for several hours, litter boxes included.
At first Winston was up to his usual tricks and was NOT excited to see Franklin. When he lunged, I used a pillow to block Franklin. This went on for probably 2 minutes. Then, Franklin came up to Winston and he froze. Franklin licked Winston’s back and put her head under his to be groomed. He didn’t budge. He didn’t seem scared, but not thrilled either…definitely tense. His ears weren’t pinned, but were back a little. He was sitting upright against the tub. They both sat like that, frozen, for probably 3 minutes. Then Franklin groomed Winston’s head. Winston still didn’t move . This went back and forth for probably about 5 minutes, until Winston nipped and growled a little, but not quite so aggressively. He then let Franklin lick him again. At this point I put them back.
What do you guys think? Is Franklin trying to be dominant? What do you think Winston’s action’s mean?
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