Before Mushu could be friend—or even not food—there was an important middle step. 

Side-by-side cages. 

We set their enclosures next to each other so Izzy and Mushu could see, smell, and study one another safely. No sudden introductions. No surprises. Just shared space with a very clear boundary. 

Izzy noticed immediately. 

She approached the glass slowly, posture tall, eyes sharp. This wasn’t hunting mode—it was assessment. What are you? Why are you here? Mushu, much smaller on the other side, did what he did best. He watched. Then he inched closer. Then stopped. Then stared back.