I Have More Trust Issues Than This Feral..

[Buffster7]

Charlie did air bites too. He is teaching Finn the rules.

What is that air-biting? Is it play, or is it a warning? He will do it with me on rare occasion, too. It feels like a playful warning, like "Cut it out, I'm kinda playing but will get serious real quick if you don't".

That, unfortunately, could become an issue. Especially if Charlie starts having litter box avoidance issues. Hopefully it won't come to that. How many litter boxes do you have?

I currently have 4 litter boxes around the house; one in each boy's room, one in corner of hearth room, and one in Finn's cage in the living room where the door is open and it can be accessed. The cage litter box will eventually be moved to the guest bathroom, so I'll keep 4 boxes.

How do I deter the litter box stalking? I've tried to say, "Finn, NO" but he doesn't listen and if anything seems to become more determined when he's scolded.

 

[walli]

yippee! they are on the cat tree together!!!
super duper!

 

[rubysmama]

How do I deter the litter box stalking? I've tried to say, "Finn, NO" but he doesn't listen and if anything seems to become more determined when he's scolded.

I'm not totally sure, but you don't want the litter boxes anywhere that Charlie will feel trapped or cornered by Finn.

I have seen the suggestion of putting the litter box in a room with a cat flap door, and having the one cat wear a electronic collar that allows only him to go through the door. But that's an extreme solution, and hopefully not something you'll ever need to consider.

 

[Buffster7]

Lots of back and forth today. I'm just posting because it's fun to post good news rather than the freaking out "HALP!" posts. We did a little switcheroo today. Finn has kind of been dominant, and then today Charlie seemed to stand his ground more. It's so fascinating to watch this unfold! Charlie reminds me of a grumpy old man hissing at the kid to get off his lawn. This evening he was walking to the kitchen and must have sensed Finn approaching; he didn't even alter his stride or look over his shoulder. He just started hissing while he was walking and finally turned around when he got to the kitchen and gave one mighty hiss, and Finn backed down.

Earlier today, Finn had pounced him and made him yelp. not long after, he caught Finn in a compromised position and pounced him and bit him - I heard Finn yelp for the first time. I checked him out and couldn't see anything but will do another good check tomorrow. Then later, Finn tried to challenge Charlie for the top spot on the condo, and Charlie stood his ground. He is OVER it - not having it! I don't know if you can zoom the video and see his eyes at the end, but he did a full smackdown with the eyes.


Finally, bunny rabbit to the rescue! He's the Bonding Bunny. All spats forgotten as they shared the spot in front of the window and even looked like buddies. Made my heart sing!

 

[Jcatbird]

Yeah! I wasn’t really after the top seat, I just got up here to hit the ball! Finn! Lol
Charlie is establishing the laws now. Finn is learning them. It took Charlie time to figure out he had to make rules for the young upstart. They are doing so great! I did see the stare down but it was just a “pay attention to my face” kind of look. No fierce confrontational look. I love seeing the bonding happening right before our eyes. It is there already. That is a great term for the bunny! “ Bonding bunny!”

 

[Buffster7]

Yeah! I wasn’t really after the top seat, I just got up here to hit the ball! Finn! Lol
Charlie is establishing the laws now. Finn is learning them. It took Charlie time to figure out he had to make rules for the young upstart. They are doing so great! I did see the stare down but it was just a “pay attention to my face” kind of look. No fierce confrontational look. I love seeing the bonding happening right before our eyes. It is there already. That is a great term for the bunny! “ Bonding bunny!”

Yes, I think they are bonding a little! I know Charlie is so much happier with Finn in the house, even when he's a little hissy. He never goes far and always comes back to occupy the same room. Every day they seem to make progress! Did you hear my neighbor say, "Wow, you're doing really well" when I didn't jump up when they started facing off? Thanks to you! Just had to get over that hump you helped me over! I'm dancing with you!

 

[Jcatbird]

If I was there I think we would absolutely be dancing! Maybe the bunny hop?
I did hear your neighbor! She is right! I knew you could do it. No doubt in my mind. Ever.

 

[pearl99]

That is an adorable video Finn looks like "la la la...I'm not really here..." and Charlie is doing the "Dad stare." Love it. They look so good together.

 

[rubysmama]

I totally loved when Finn swatted the ball. And love the pic of them bunny watching together. What a difference in their sizes though!

 

[walli]

They are sitting so close to each other looking out the window!

 

[Buffster7]

 

[rubysmama]

 

[Jcatbird]

Oh boy! I know you didn’t dare move a muscle! Lol That is a priceless shot. No bunny needed.

 

[Buffster7]

Ha, you're right! I was barely breathing! After that, Finn drifted off and slipped backwards til he landed on top of Charlie. They both looked over their shoulders at each other and there was a moment they were like, "We gonna fight?" then laid their heads back down and went to sleep:

Charlie was actually more of the instigator of joining us and snuggling so close. Finn has been exactly like a 2 year old toddler all day - he's into everything, on top of everything, incredibly restless and constantly complaining and looking to me to entertain him. I'm not complaining, I'm bemused and trying to figure this out. Do you think that now that he isn't fighting sickness or fighting to survive outdoors that he just doesn't know what to do with himself? When I say constant, I do mean constant - CONSTANT need for attention and distraction and wants to be entertained. Almost constant vocalizing. I fed him his dinner an hour early and put him in his room, I just need a break and I need to get some studying done.

Also, how long does this teenager stage last? I want to reiterate that I'm not complaining - he has gone through so many changes in the last few months and he's come SUCH a long way! I'm thrilled with his progress and today just made my heart soar when they touched! I'm just trying to prepare myself for a timeline of this constant supervision. If it's on the floor, it goes in his mouth. If it's small enough to be swallowed, he'll eat it! I watched him knock everything off my nightstand one-by-one today. I'm assuming it's being young and having excess energy and not knowing what to do with himself now that he's not outdoors, and that he'll settle down eventually. At what age do kitties normally settle? Anyway, glad to have him healthy and doing so well and THRILLED to have my boys getting along!!

 

[Talien]

Finn has been exactly like a 2 year old toddler all day - he's into everything, on top of everything, incredibly restless and constantly complaining and looking to me to entertain him. I'm not complaining, I'm bemused and trying to figure this out. Do you think that now that he isn't fighting sickness or fighting to survive outdoors that he just doesn't know what to do with himself? When I say constant, I do mean constant - CONSTANT need for attention and distraction and wants to be entertained. Almost constant vocalizing. I fed him his dinner an hour early and put him in his room, I just need a break and I need to get some studying done.

Also, how long does this teenager stage last? I want to reiterate that I'm not complaining - he has gone through so many changes in the last few months and he's come SUCH a long way! I'm thrilled with his progress and today just made my heart soar when they touched! I'm just trying to prepare myself for a timeline of this constant supervision. If it's on the floor, it goes in his mouth. If it's small enough to be swallowed, he'll eat it! I watched him knock everything off my nightstand one-by-one today. I'm assuming it's being young and having excess energy and not knowing what to do with himself now that he's not outdoors, and that he'll settle down eventually. At what age do kitties normally settle? Anyway, glad to have him healthy and doing so well and THRILLED to have my boys getting along!!

More than likely, yes, he really doesn't know what to do with himself. For probably the first time in a long time he has nothing to worry about so he's free to just have fun.....only he likely doesn't really know how to do that on his own yet.

Trying to eat everything in sight is a very common thing for strays or ferals because they often go hungry and learn to eat what they can when they can, because they don't know when their next meal will be and it can be dangerous for them because it doesn't stop at things that are actually edible. I've seen Cats eat things that you would never expect like dust bunnies and bits of dirt. If Finn is starting to do that then make extra sure you have things like rubber bands, twist ties, thumbtacks, and erasers put away. If he eats bugs you will likely never break him of that.

As for when they stop the "problem child" stage.....well, one of mine is 15 and she still enjoys pushing things off of counters, tables, desks, etc.

 

[walli]

So precious! hopefully they will play with each other soon!
Joey just turned 2 and I think he is just starting to mature a little.
How old is Finn?

 

[rubysmama]

Here's a couple TCS articles that might be helpful:

Bored Cat? What Cat Owners Need To Know (including 10 Actionable Tips) | TheCatSite
Playing With Your Cat: 10 Things You Need To Know | TheCatSite

Plus:
How To Make Your Home Bigger (at Least For Your Cats) | TheCatSite

 

[Buffster7]

More than likely, yes, he really doesn't know what to do with himself. For probably the first time in a long time he has nothing to worry about so he's free to just have fun.....only he likely doesn't really know how to do that on his own yet.

Trying to eat everything in sight is a very common thing for strays or ferals because they often go hungry and learn to eat what they can when they can, because they don't know when their next meal will be and it can be dangerous for them because it doesn't stop at things that are actually edible. I've seen Cats eat things that you would never expect like dust bunnies and bits of dirt. If Finn is starting to do that then make extra sure you have things like rubber bands, twist ties, thumbtacks, and erasers put away. If he eats bugs you will likely never break him of that.

As for when they stop the "problem child" stage.....well, one of mine is 15 and she still enjoys pushing things off of counters, tables, desks, etc.

Yes, I've seen him eat things that aren't edible, so I have to keep a real close eye on him. I recently saw him eat a tiny soft plastic cap that came off a piece of workout equipment; that's when I realized anything was fair game for him. I've seen him eat a piece of fuzz, too. So I've become very careful about what's on my counters and floors. Breaks my heart to think of him starving at one point to create this food obsession.

As for the not knowing what to do with himself - do most of them figure that out eventually? This place is full of toys of all kinds. Lots of windows and perches to look out from. I'm not sure what to do to help the poor little dude. Here's a vid of him being vocal. It's almost non-stop. I'm like, "Help .. me.. help.. you" all Tom Cruise style. What can I DO to ease your angst, Litte One?

 

[Buffster7]

So precious! hopefully they will play with each other soon!
Joey just turned 2 and I think he is just starting to mature a little.
How old is Finn?

My vet thinks he's between 1-2 years, so maybe getting close! He still acts like a kitten, pounces like a kitten, and is super duper affectionate like a kitten. I sure hope he doesn't grow out of THAT part.

 

[Jcatbird]

Sounds like he is calling for reassurance. Hopefully he’ll settle some. I rearrange the toys and rotate them out in stages to keep things interesting for the cats. Sometimes just adding a cardboard box , or two, can help for a little while. Draping a sheet over a table for a new cat cave. Anything they see as new helps. That meow sounds almost like he is calling specifically. Maybe try just answering him. I’m here Finn! Some cats like to have vocal interaction.
Love the snuggle shot with Charlie! Hoping Charlie will fill up some of the needs of Finn soon. Finn is going to be playful for awhile yet. Lol My Mackie will look right at me and then purposely knock something over. Attention please! Now! Lol He is far past teenager. Actually though, I’m glad he still has it in him to play. Exasperating at times but also funny at times.