Hello Catsiters!
I've had Grizzly for 2 years and 5 months. He's almost 2.5 years old. I would generally describe him as a very active little guy, intelligent, not-your-standard-cuddle kitty, affectionate, perceptive, very playful, lively and bites a whole lot, to show he loves us, or during playtime.. Yeah, that last one is very irritating. We've managed to keep it under control but there are periods of time that he exhibits this behavior more vividly. But overall he is very well-mannered, I must say!
He is a rescue cat, he didn't have the chance to spend much time with his mom and siblings, because his mom was poisoned and the people who rescued the litter, had to find homes immediately for the little ones. So, we got him when he was just 15-17 days old..
Last summer he attacked my mother, so badly, I had to rush her to the hospital to take care of her wounds (some of you might remember the story - those of you who don't, you can look it up on my profile, if you like). After a large period of time and with the help of an animal behaviorist, we overcame this whole problem with flying colors. I must note that at the time of the attack, he was not yet neutered. After this whole incident and his neutering, Grizzly "grew up" in a way. He became more obedient, easy-going etc, but up to a point. I mean, his personality didn't change, but it was improved.
During this whole time, I was unemployed so I was mainly at home. He is used to having me around all the time. He does not like being alone for too long. He doesn't cause any trouble when he's alone, but he makes sure we know he doesn't like it. He gets more vocal, or he sits in front of us but with his butt towards us (LOL) etc. Subtle punishments, in a way!
Apart from all of that, I do still have my doubts and I am concerned..
Any comments, thoughts, concerns etc are more than welcome!
Thanks in advance!
I've had Grizzly for 2 years and 5 months. He's almost 2.5 years old. I would generally describe him as a very active little guy, intelligent, not-your-standard-cuddle kitty, affectionate, perceptive, very playful, lively and bites a whole lot, to show he loves us, or during playtime.. Yeah, that last one is very irritating. We've managed to keep it under control but there are periods of time that he exhibits this behavior more vividly. But overall he is very well-mannered, I must say!
He is a rescue cat, he didn't have the chance to spend much time with his mom and siblings, because his mom was poisoned and the people who rescued the litter, had to find homes immediately for the little ones. So, we got him when he was just 15-17 days old..
Last summer he attacked my mother, so badly, I had to rush her to the hospital to take care of her wounds (some of you might remember the story - those of you who don't, you can look it up on my profile, if you like). After a large period of time and with the help of an animal behaviorist, we overcame this whole problem with flying colors. I must note that at the time of the attack, he was not yet neutered. After this whole incident and his neutering, Grizzly "grew up" in a way. He became more obedient, easy-going etc, but up to a point. I mean, his personality didn't change, but it was improved.
During this whole time, I was unemployed so I was mainly at home. He is used to having me around all the time. He does not like being alone for too long. He doesn't cause any trouble when he's alone, but he makes sure we know he doesn't like it. He gets more vocal, or he sits in front of us but with his butt towards us (LOL) etc. Subtle punishments, in a way!
I talked to her foster mom and she was also rescued when she was days old and has been in a home since then. Now she's almost 2 months old. She's litter-trained and generally trained to live in a home.Apart from all of that, I do still have my doubts and I am concerned..
- The behaviorist had told me that Grizzly might not accept a 2nd cat in our home.. But he said that last summer, when we were still on the process of "re-training" him.. Nevertheless, I do have to take it under consideration.
- I read somewhere that cats that exhibit a "dominating" behavior (like Grizzly), accept a young kitten more easily than another cat that is similar to them - in terms of age and general demeanor
- Would a female kitten and later a female adult cat, cause problems living with a resident adult male cat? I read an article which stated that the Male/Male combination is easier to Male/Female combination.
- Is it a stupid move of mine to try and bring a newcomer, on top of the ongoing changes? I mean the biggest change for him is that I won't be around that much.. So, on top of that, bringing a newcomer might make things actually worse, instead of softening the blow?
- Would it be wiser if I waited a bit longer, hire an employee, so I can at least be at home for a number of hours, in order to properly introduce them?
Any comments, thoughts, concerns etc are more than welcome!
Thanks in advance!