I picked up a new playmate for Espy. I went into the wilds of New
Jersy yesterday with my co-worker and made friends with his cat Nipsy,
and then took him with me. That was the plan. Nipsy showed up outside
their door a few months back and they fed him. Then, after he was
attacked by something (likely a raccoon) and badly injured they took
him to the vet and subsequently brought him into the house.

They didn't want a third cat and wanted me to take him since Nico was
preparing to die, but Nico didn't and so he stayed there. He got along
well with their male cat but the female (Lila) freaked out and he
keeps fighting with her (and Bootsy but he likes it). Lately she's
taken to peeing in the house. It was likely crystals and she's being
treated for that but they felt that the constant aggravation wasn't
helping any.

So Nico died and I just took Nipsy away from his home and friends. He
cried all the way in the car. It was so pathetic I was ready to turn
around and bring him back. But now he's in my house, in the "cat
introduction room", under the bed.

Nipsy is a fantastic cat. Very friendly. Maybe 1 1/2 years old. Long
grey hair, with a white chin. Likes to play and fight all the time. I
think he will be a perfect fit for Espy, who keeps looking at the
door.

I go in for a few minutes at a time and talk to him and pet him when
he comes close enough. He came out from under the bed a few times.
It's only been about 12 hours so far and he is doing well. Not the
happiest of cats at the moment but better than I had feared.

I have no time table for opening the door. I think that once he gets
comfortable I'll lock Espy in the bathroom for a while and let Nipsy
have the run of the house. We'll see.

Time to go pet him some more.