I'm beginning to think that the best approach is to let the kids duke it out. I mean, we're talking territory and dominance, here. How else can they decide who the boss is?

Our first attempt at having them entertained at opposite sides of the room with interactive play or food, while they felt each other's presence, fell through when Stella looked up from her catnip toy and walked right over to Maggie when she entered the room. Sam's petting Stella; I'm petting Maggie. Talking soothingly. Engaging them. Until the growling and hissing. Then, it's back into their corners. And so it went all weekend. Yesterday we were a little more experienced and accustomed to the procedure and everyone was quite calm and patient. No incident and all were content and sleepy when the lights went out.

This morning it was going pretty well until Stella decided to plant herself in Maggie's hiding place in the den. Then, as soon as I turned my head Maggie lunged and Stella went up on her hindquarters with claws out.

Oh my god, wouldn't they look so cute with little red and blue satin shorts and tiny, little kittie boxing gloves?