[Melina]

Hi Sarah

Thank you so much for reaching out for some help.

You have three options:

1. Option 1: Restart the introduction process from the
   beginning and be patient until your boyfriend’s female cat no longer
   reacts negatively to your cat’s scent. This process can take considerable
   time, especially since the cats have been separated for 6 months.
2. Option 2: To successfully reintroduce the cats,
   start by harness and clicker training both cats in their respective rooms.
   While you can restart the reintroduction process, you can also speed it up
   since you’ve already been partially scent-swapping by stroking each cat.
   Please continue with bed swapping for now. To help incorporate each cat’s
   scent into the home, use a cloth or glove to rub it on the prominent
   areas. If both cats enjoy being brushed, use a slicker brush to help
   intermingle their scents. Additionally, use positive reinforcement with
   treats to help them create positive associations with each other’s
   presence while they are both in the same room (not too close to each
   other) while on harness and leash. This isn’t ideal, though both cats will
   see each other without interacting face-to-face; with time, they will get
   used to seeing each other. However, the hissing and bullying may continue.
3. Option 3: Partition the home to accommodate both
   cats by having a clear divider or barrier like a reinforced cat screen
   mesh or glass door.

To achieve harmony in the home, it’s best to start the introduction process from scratch. However, I understand that not everyone has the time or patience for this approach. For example, I once had a client with a very territorial female cat, and it took her about a year to accept and tolerate another cat.

I hope that helps

Melina