While our tale is very different, we had a similar experience. When we'd just driven back from Adelaide with a brand new Jabba, we went upstairs and put him straight in my study and closed the door.

Within seconds both Jabba and Lestat were sniffing and pawing at their respective sides of the door, determined to find out who was on the other side. When they did meet, it was with some sort of recognition; Jabba went to smooch Lestat straight away, so a good sign. Apparently Jabba got quite stressed when Lestat left Adelaide to come and live with Michael, so he must have been pleased to see him (strange as that must be for cats - it's the familiar in a strange environment, I suppose).

Lestat wasn't quite so pleased. He sulked for days.