Ingrid was with us every step of the way — not just at the start, but asynchronously throughout the entire socialization process. If you're navigating a multi-cat introduction, she is exactly who you want in your corner.
More detail: When we adopted Butterman, a large and very enthusiastic former stray, we knew our shy, territorial resident cat Graymalk was going to need a careful, thoughtful introduction. We turned to Ingrid not only to help us slow-socialize them, but to get ahead of the challenges we didn't even know to anticipate yet — and that foresight made all the difference. (Note: this is the SECOND time we’ve worked with Ingrid; the first time was early 2025 to help Graymalk through a home renovation. There is a clear reason why we returned to Ingrid [and send other cat parents her way].)
As before, Ingrid met with us to offer rich, detailed guidance on navigating slow introductions. She also helped us identify possible scenarios so we could be prepared to address those if they arose. What sets Ingrid apart is that she didn't just set us up and send us on our way. She also worked with us asynchronously as we moved through the process in real time, meeting us where we were and adjusting guidance as new moments arose. This looked like us recording introduction sessions between the cats, and her interpreting what body language and vocalization meant, and let us know if we should hang at that stage a bit longer, or move on to the next step. Throughout it all, Ingrid was plainspoken and encouraging in equal measure — never sugarcoating what the process would require, but always keeping the shared goal in sight: two cats living together harmoniously. (For example, I sent one video thinking it meant we were ready to progress, and she did not hesitate in letting me know “this just means your cats will eat a treat near one another” – which was something, but not the greenlight I wanted it to be.) That kind of grounded, honest partnership is rare, and exactly what you need when you're in the thick of it and wanting to set both cats (and both cat parents) up for success.
And the results? These two are now good friends. They sleep next to each other. They groom one another. They play together, seek one another out, and both have brought out new personality traits in the other. A formerly undersocialized shy cat and a boisterous, velcro former stray — on their way to becoming a bonded pair. While we have been fortunate with our cats’ personalities, we could not have gotten here without Ingrid. Thank you!
