Reply #16: It took about 3 weeks.

[bvar22]

Your mileage will vary. Bug and Maggie got very sick with an upper respiratory infection. Maggie brought it home from the shelter, but didn't show symptoms for a few days. Bug came down with it about 5 days after Maggie, so their feud was put on hold. Maggie recovered before Bug, and had about 3 days to make parts of the house "hers" without interference from Bug who was too sick to object.

After Bug recovered, Maggie had already established herself. They picked up the squabbling, but it wasn't nearly as intense as before, and their spats diminished steadily after that. I haven't heard a growl or a spit for a couple of months. Going into the 3rd week, we felt safe enough to leave them alone. We were pretty sure that Maggie could and would take care of herself, and Bug wasn't going to hurt her.

I was very worried the first 3 days. I was sure that Bug would kill her if he had the chance. It wasn't pretty. Your pictures reminded me of Bug during the first few days. In retrospect, I believe that their illnesses were helpful in defusing a tense situation.

Now, they are inseparable. Bug has become maternal. He checks on Maggie. He gets upset if he can't find her (she hides from him), and calls and searches for her until he knows that she is OK. He also grooms her, and the favor in not returned by Maggie. She absolutely loves it when Bug grooms her.









I wish you luck and love. I hope your situation mirrors mine.
I am very glad we took the chance. Bug is much happier, and Maggie is a delight.