Grumpy female

[Deleted User]

Hi,

I’ve had smudge, neutered female, for about six months and am currently trying to bond her with Snowball, a six month neutered male. 

Smudge had always been a grumpy lady and is quite difficult to handle. She’ll often growl at me when I try to stroke her etc.

I’ve introduced the two of them, on neutral territory and so far things aren’t going too bad… but could be better. At times Smudge will lower her head and let Snowball groom her. It seems to have to be on her terms though and if he comes up to her she’ll often just run away or growl at him. 

I’ve tried them together over night but so far Smudge has seemed very unhappy and after I found a fair bit of fur in the cage I thought it best to seperate them again… at least at night time. 

They’ll both eat in the same area and seem fairly relaxed but then all of a sudden Smudge seems to decide she doesn’t like Snowball again. 

I’m just wondering how long I should leave it before trying them together at night again and am I doing more harm by seperating them at night when they’ve been together during the day!? 

Am at a bit of a loss as to what to do for the best as I’m worried about both of them really. 

Thanks for any advise you can give. 

[Vienna Blue in France]

Hi Ange – I’m not the right person (other members will follow my post), but can only say you must be absolutely certain of them being happily bonded before leaving them at night unattended (or you could sleep by their side! ) so you don’t come down to 2 injured buns.
Well done for the bonding attempts and keep at it – one step at a time. Lady Smudge will be won over by Snowball’s grooming one day

[Author]

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