Need guidance on cat introductions

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noani

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Will Charly tell him enough is enough if I always interrupt? Or is it a matter of building more trust and keeping it positive before letting them work it out more than me?

I'm starting to get real confused and overwhelmed lol. This is such a complex matter, I admire how much you know about all this and how clueless I am.... 😂
 

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Will Charly tell him enough is enough if I always interrupt? Or is it a matter of building more trust and keeping it positive before letting them work it out more than me?

I'm starting to get real confused and overwhelmed lol. This is such a complex matter, I admire how much you know about all this and how clueless I am.... 😂
"Will Charly tell him enough is enough if I always interrupt?" - Yes, absolutely IF he needs to.

" Or is it a matter of building more trust and keeping it positive before letting them work it out more than me?" - Keep doing what you are doing and when you are exhausted he will take over. They already have a lot of trust. Just do your part as best you can and Charly will figure out when he needs to do his part if or when needed.

"I'm starting to get real confused and overwhelmed lol. This is such a complex matter, I admire how much you know about all this and how clueless I am.... 😂 " - Oh my. All is well so I think we may be overthinking a bit. Just go with it and enjoy them enjoying themselves. IF anything needs to be dealt with we will deal with it. Oh my, you ae not at all clueless!! Far from it, you are doing great!!!

Charly has come so far so much faster than I ever thought. It is amazing!! GREAT JOB!!!

Oh, stay safe in Germany. Omicron is everywhere. :( AND enjoy the holidays and your family!!
 
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Thank you!

I'm trying to ask my partner to keep them separate as much as possible but he's struggling a bit with their door dashing etc. And a little bit i think he's just not that concerned which is frustrating for me but.. anyway it's a long story but I think it's the best we can do for now and I hope it will all go fine .. It all seems fine though, as far as he describes, it sounds like some chasing and running around and a bit of hissing and swatting sometimes from Charly. Also some both minding their own business in different spots and Yoda following my partner around. These interactions are very short anyway, so I'm not too worried about something happening between them. They don't really get into rolling around right away so i don't think it'll get to that stage of play anyway. Sounds like just hide and seek and some running and chasing for now.

I've tried to ask him at least for a few days now to try and really keep them separate as last night and this morning there have been earthquakes.. quite a few. Actually apparently both didn't eat their breakfast but he went back around 2 pm to check on them and they ate it now while he was there. I've also asked him to remove the gates now as I'm too scared the tension mounted rods will become dislodged if there are more earthquakes and one of the metal gates could fall on Yoda! So I've asked him to take the gates outside the house for now.

We get earthquakes sometimes, usually not very strong but many smaller ones, more like a long (over days/hours) series of small earthquakes. Plus me being gone. Poor little ones :(

Thank you for everything and merry Christmas! (In Germany Christmas is the 24th so.. it's Christmas for us already🌲 💓)
 

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Thank you!

I'm trying to ask my partner to keep them separate as much as possible but he's struggling a bit with their door dashing etc. And a little bit i think he's just not that concerned which is frustrating for me but.. anyway it's a long story but I think it's the best we can do for now and I hope it will all go fine .. It all seems fine though, as far as he describes, it sounds like some chasing and running around and a bit of hissing and swatting sometimes from Charly. Also some both minding their own business in different spots and Yoda following my partner around. These interactions are very short anyway, so I'm not too worried about something happening between them. They don't really get into rolling around right away so i don't think it'll get to that stage of play anyway. Sounds like just hide and seek and some running and chasing for now.

I've tried to ask him at least for a few days now to try and really keep them separate as last night and this morning there have been earthquakes.. quite a few. Actually apparently both didn't eat their breakfast but he went back around 2 pm to check on them and they ate it now while he was there. I've also asked him to remove the gates now as I'm too scared the tension mounted rods will become dislodged if there are more earthquakes and one of the metal gates could fall on Yoda! So I've asked him to take the gates outside the house for now.

We get earthquakes sometimes, usually not very strong but many smaller ones, more like a long (over days/hours) series of small earthquakes. Plus me being gone. Poor little ones :(

Thank you for everything and merry Christmas! (In Germany Christmas is the 24th so.. it's Christmas for us already🌲 💓)
"Thank you!" - You are welcome

"I'm trying to ask my partner to keep them separate as much as possible but he's struggling a bit with their door dashing etc." - Great and yes, I figured they might "door dash".

" And a little bit i think he's just not that concerned which is frustrating for me " - Ok, please do not get frustrated. If he sees something concerning he will be concerned. I think they should be fine but we always have to be prepared for everything.

"but.. anyway it's a long story but I think it's the best we can do for now and I hope it will all go fine .." - I think it will be fine. They are trusting each other and like each other. So the base is solid and that makes it more likely all is fine.

" It all seems fine though, as far as he describes, it sounds like some chasing and running around and a bit of hissing and swatting sometimes from Charly. " - Ok, so normal.

"Also some both minding their own business in different spots and Yoda following my partner around." - GREAT

" These interactions are very short anyway, so I'm not too worried about something happening between them. They don't really get into rolling around right away so i don't think it'll get to that stage of play anyway. Sounds like just hide and seek and some running and chasing for now." - Ok, it sounds like they are doing well then.

"I've tried to ask him at least for a few days now to try and really keep them separate as last night and this morning there have been earthquakes.. quite a few." - Oh my. Ok.

" Actually apparently both didn't eat their breakfast but he went back around 2 pm to check on them and they ate it now while he was there. " - Great

"I've also asked him to remove the gates now as I'm too scared the tension mounted rods will become dislodged if there are more earthquakes and one of the metal gates could fall on Yoda! So I've asked him to take the gates outside the house for now." - Ok.

"We get earthquakes sometimes, usually not very strong but many smaller ones, more like a long (over days/hours) series of small earthquakes. Plus me being gone. Poor little ones :(" - Ughhhhhhh, what terrible timing. But we have to deal with it. They do have each other though. I am SO GLAD they bonded so quickly!!!

"Thank you for everything and merry Christmas! (In Germany Christmas is the 24th so.. it's Christmas for us already🌲 💓) " - You are welcome. And MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Just try to enjoy yourself. I really do believe they are going to be fine. They bonded quickly and so far all the evidence suggests all will be well. :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
 
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noani

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Hi, hope you've had a nice Christmas 🌲

Not much to update. As far as my partner tells me they:
Are generally together only for short times during which:

- they sniff, play chase with each other and want cuddles from him
- no swatting matches nor rolling around shenanigans have occured in the last 3 days
- they eat together and Charly even allows him to eat from his same plate with him simultaneously while my partner prepares the second plate
- he mixed them up once and put Charly in yoda's room and left Yoda out in the living area by accident (for about 8 hours). No issues in behaviour or improper elimination so either they didn't go or they used each others litter box (not sure which, leaning towards Charly didn't go but Yoda may have used his, but that's just speculation on my part). Charly hissed at my partner twice when he let him back out but was back to normal after three minutes.

All in all seems to be going very well. Can't wait to go back on Friday and see them again 🐱
 

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Hi, hope you've had a nice Christmas 🌲

Not much to update. As far as my partner tells me they:
Are generally together only for short times during which:

- they sniff, play chase with each other and want cuddles from him
- no swatting matches nor rolling around shenanigans have occured in the last 3 days
- they eat together and Charly even allows him to eat from his same plate with him simultaneously while my partner prepares the second plate
- he mixed them up once and put Charly in yoda's room and left Yoda out in the living area by accident (for about 8 hours). No issues in behaviour or improper elimination so either they didn't go or they used each others litter box (not sure which, leaning towards Charly didn't go but Yoda may have used his, but that's just speculation on my part). Charly hissed at my partner twice when he let him back out but was back to normal after three minutes.

All in all seems to be going very well. Can't wait to go back on Friday and see them again 🐱
"Hi, hope you've had a nice Christmas 🌲" - Yes, thank you. I hope and your family did as well!!

"Not much to update. As far as my partner tells me they:
Are generally together only for short times during which:" - Ok, and great

"- they sniff, play chase with each other and want cuddles from him" - Awwwww, perfect.

"- no swatting matches nor rolling around shenanigans have occured in the last 3 days" - GREAT!!!

"- they eat together and Charly even allows him to eat from his same plate with him simultaneously while my partner prepares the second plate" - WOW!!! THAT is GREAT!!!

"- he mixed them up once and put Charly in yoda's room and left Yoda out in the living area by accident (for about 8 hours)." - Yikes. They do sure look alike though!!! :/

" No issues in behaviour or improper elimination so either they didn't go or they used each others litter box (not sure which, leaning towards Charly didn't go but Yoda may have used his, but that's just speculation on my part). " - Wow, AMAZING!!!

"Charly hissed at my partner twice when he let him back out but was back to normal after three minutes." - Hahahaha, yep.

"All in all seems to be going very well. " - BETTER than vey well!!!! AMAZING!!!

"Can't wait to go back on Friday and see them again 🐱 " - Awwwwwwwww, well, enjoy the time with the family and back home. It will go quickly...............................

AWESOME UPDATE!!!! :)
 
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noani

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Okay so I'm a bit late but happy new year anyway :)

I've been back a couple of days now. They are basically out all day together and only get separated for sleeping at night.

I've noticed less swatting matches. Some hisses, a couple of growls when my partner was here (Charly does that sometimes -not sure if it's jealousy or what but what I've described before -will plop down between us or on one of us and if someone moves the slightest bit he will growl and seems ready to attack. Then a few minutes later he'll fall asleep on my partner so not sure what his problem is?)

Yoda still jumps him A LOT and they roll around and Charly does his vocalizing thing, also some hisses but Yoda won't really stop unless I intervene. His fixation with Charly is diminishing a bit - he sti follows him around a lot but has also started going for naps on his own in "his" room or just chilling with me while Charly is elsewhere.
Yesterday I wasn't so well and wasn't able to intervene as much but I left them out anyway and they were fine. One rolling around incident produced one tuft of fur but no blood, no nothing. They also fell asleep backs to each other on the bed five minutes after so maybe it's just what they do.. although Yoda to me seems like a huge PITA for Charly sometimes when he's just chilling and Yoda jumps him. So not sure about that.

Considering either trying to leave them both out at night as well or leaving them alone for a very short time. They do still roll around when Yoda jumps him but either I diffuse it and they are normal after or I've heard them going at it in the other room and they both come out normal.
 

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Okay so I'm a bit late but happy new year anyway :)

I've been back a couple of days now. They are basically out all day together and only get separated for sleeping at night.

I've noticed less swatting matches. Some hisses, a couple of growls when my partner was here (Charly does that sometimes -not sure if it's jealousy or what but what I've described before -will plop down between us or on one of us and if someone moves the slightest bit he will growl and seems ready to attack. Then a few minutes later he'll fall asleep on my partner so not sure what his problem is?)

Yoda still jumps him A LOT and they roll around and Charly does his vocalizing thing, also some hisses but Yoda won't really stop unless I intervene. His fixation with Charly is diminishing a bit - he sti follows him around a lot but has also started going for naps on his own in "his" room or just chilling with me while Charly is elsewhere.
Yesterday I wasn't so well and wasn't able to intervene as much but I left them out anyway and they were fine. One rolling around incident produced one tuft of fur but no blood, no nothing. They also fell asleep backs to each other on the bed five minutes after so maybe it's just what they do.. although Yoda to me seems like a huge PITA for Charly sometimes when he's just chilling and Yoda jumps him. So not sure about that.

Considering either trying to leave them both out at night as well or leaving them alone for a very short time. They do still roll around when Yoda jumps him but either I diffuse it and they are normal after or I've heard them going at it in the other room and they both come out normal.
"Okay so I'm a bit late but happy new year anyway :)" - Earlier than me!! ;) Happy New Year!!! )

"I've been back a couple of days now. They are basically out all day together and only get separated for sleeping at night." - FANTASTIC!!! :)

"I've noticed less swatting matches." - GREAT!!

" Some hisses, a couple of growls when my partner was here (Charly does that sometimes -not sure if it's jealousy or what but what I've described before -will plop down between us or on one of us and if someone moves the slightest bit he will growl and seems ready to attack. Then a few minutes later he'll fall asleep on my partner so not sure what his problem is?)" - Ok, could be protective. Hard to know. Sounds like it is not a big deal though.

"Yoda still jumps him A LOT and they roll around and Charly does his vocalizing thing, also some hisses but Yoda won't really stop unless I intervene." - Ok, his way of playing. :/

" His fixation with Charly is diminishing a bit - he sti follows him around a lot but has also started going for naps on his own in "his" room or just chilling with me while Charly is elsewhere." - Great. The novelty is maybe starting to wear off.

"Yesterday I wasn't so well and wasn't able to intervene as much but I left them out anyway and they were fine." - Oh, I hope you feel better soon.

" One rolling around incident produced one tuft of fur but no blood, no nothing." - Ok, probably an accident.

" They also fell asleep backs to each other on the bed five minutes after so maybe it's just what they do.. " - Yep, that tells you everything. It is all play, no bad intentions.

"although Yoda to me seems like a huge PITA for Charly sometimes when he's just chilling and Yoda jumps him. So not sure about that." - Yep, younger siblings (or at least the new ones) usually are to the resident cat. :/

"Considering either trying to leave them both out at night as well or leaving them alone for a very short time." - Ok. I would do the overnight first.

" They do still roll around when Yoda jumps him but either I diffuse it and they are normal after or I've heard them going at it in the other room and they both come out normal. " - Yes, they are playing rough (Boys............ :/) and Charlie just needs to get his point across to end it. The fact they are normal after tells me neither one thinks it is a threat, etc.

Well, THAT is a great update!!! Keep up the great work and get well soon!!!
 
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noani

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Yeah I really can't tell what charly is thinking. If he's just being a drama queen but enjoying it. Or if he isn't insistent enough on Yoda stopping? Sometimes if I distract Yoda he will go lie down elsewhere. Other times he will start chasing Yoda and they'll play tag.

It seems sort of mutual except for the rolling around which is always Yoda jumping on Charly. They do eat together immediately after though and if I don't intervene I'll find them both on the bed sleeping close to each other a little later.

Not sure what they did tonight while I was sleeping, I'm a pretty heavy sleeper, but I did wake up with two purring cats on top of me so if they did have disagreements in the night nothing major. They were all normal today.

I'm holding off on switching the furniture back (bed still in living room etc) for now but it's looking good so far.

Just need to figure out what is going on when they roll around - Yoda pounces on him and will bite his hind legs a bit to which he will squeal and growl and hiss but he doesn't have scratches and he's always normal after and friendly to him. Also if I distract Yoda momentarily he doesn't try to leave, he just hides behind a box or in a tunnel and swats at Yoda when he walks by and he'll jump him again. If he hated it he could jump up on the shelves to get away I guess?
 

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Yeah I really can't tell what charly is thinking. If he's just being a drama queen but enjoying it. Or if he isn't insistent enough on Yoda stopping? Sometimes if I distract Yoda he will go lie down elsewhere. Other times he will start chasing Yoda and they'll play tag.

It seems sort of mutual except for the rolling around which is always Yoda jumping on Charly. They do eat together immediately after though and if I don't intervene I'll find them both on the bed sleeping close to each other a little later.

Not sure what they did tonight while I was sleeping, I'm a pretty heavy sleeper, but I did wake up with two purring cats on top of me so if they did have disagreements in the night nothing major. They were all normal today.

I'm holding off on switching the furniture back (bed still in living room etc) for now but it's looking good so far.

Just need to figure out what is going on when they roll around - Yoda pounces on him and will bite his hind legs a bit to which he will squeal and growl and hiss but he doesn't have scratches and he's always normal after and friendly to him. Also if I distract Yoda momentarily he doesn't try to leave, he just hides behind a box or in a tunnel and swats at Yoda when he walks by and he'll jump him again. If he hated it he could jump up on the shelves to get away I guess?
"Yeah I really can't tell what charly is thinking. If he's just being a drama queen but enjoying it. Or if he isn't insistent enough on Yoda stopping? Sometimes if I distract Yoda he will go lie down elsewhere. Other times he will start chasing Yoda and they'll play tag." - Well, given how he acts after it doesn't seem like it is that negative. I am sure at times there might be a touch of fear that creeps in when rolling around but it is probably minimal given how he acts after. So I think he enjoys it for the most part but it sometimes gets a bit much BUT he still trusts him since it never really gets bad.

"It seems sort of mutual except for the rolling around which is always Yoda jumping on Charly." - Yes. Given what I know of Yoda it jsut sounds like that is him, his way of playing, having fun.

" They do eat together immediately after though and if I don't intervene I'll find them both on the bed sleeping close to each other a little later." - Exactly, that is why it doesn't seem to be an issue. IF there was an issue we would see it in Charly's behavior.

"Not sure what they did tonight while I was sleeping, I'm a pretty heavy sleeper, but I did wake up with two purring cats on top of me so if they did have disagreements in the night nothing major. They were all normal today." - Awwwwwwwwwwwww. Yep, they are just fine. Brothers. :)

"I'm holding off on switching the furniture back (bed still in living room etc) for now but it's looking good so far." - Agreed, any change can be unsettling so getting them a bit more secure is a good idea.

"Just need to figure out what is going on when they roll around - Yoda pounces on him and will bite his hind legs a bit to which he will squeal and growl and hiss" - Yep, one of my ferals plays like that. :/ The squeal, hiss, growl is Carly's way of saying "this is too much now". IF Yoda wanted to hurt him he could and would and the fact he knows not to tells us a lot about the respect he has for Charly.

" but he doesn't have scratches and he's always normal after and friendly to him. " - Exactly. Yoda has no intention of hurtng. It is play and that is how Charly views it even though at times it gets a bit too rough.

"Also if I distract Yoda momentarily he doesn't try to leave, he just hides behind a box or in a tunnel and swats at Yoda when he walks by and he'll jump him again. If he hated it he could jump up on the shelves to get away I guess? " - Exactly, it is all play. Rough play but play and they seem to enjoy it.

IF we see any signs that it is a problem we will work on it. But it sounds like they are doing just fine and enjoying their new life together. :)
 
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noani

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They've been out together all day again except two hours when I went out. So taking out the couple hours since yesterday morning. About 36 hours!

There have been a few hisses from Charly. Once when Charly was on my lap and Yoda came veeeery close for head scratches, and earlier when playing with a new toy together. Also after the new toy they were both on the bed and Charly swatted him and hissed and growled. Yoda turned away and Charly calmed down. I was actually quite pleased as he seems to be starting to respect Charly saying no more and overall he is definitely less fixated on him now that they've been out together pretty much full time. They haven't really rolled around play fighting at all today and overall they do walk around together (mostly yoda following him and watching him) but they did play together and Yoda also went for a nap by himself while Charly was still playing in the other room with the new toy.

I'll see if they can stay out together through the night again, they had a long nap this eve so I'm hoping they won't keep me up all night now. Charly is pretty well adjusted to my schedule so I'm hoping Yoda will follow his lead. Although I've noticed he never seems to really sleep as deeply as Charly, at least not as much. He's also always acting like he's proper starving and begging for food. Might be the street cat in him. Charly's really almost only ever known inside life with no threats and regular food so it kinda makes sense I guess.

Oh I did actually cut their nails together earlier. I use a liquid snack squeezed on the back of my hand to cut Charly's nails and after I squeezed it on wanting to do yodas, Charly woke up and they both licked it off together (so adorable). In the meantime I clipped all yodas nails first and then some of charlys before the treat ran out. When the bribe is gone they're like ok this is over human 🤣

Tomorrow I'll have to get them their spot on treatment, I'm a bit hesitant because they obviously hate it (especially Charly) and he also seems to hate the smell. I'm worried that the smell on both could make them associate the bad experience with the other if I do it the same day but also worried that if only one smells of it that may be worse?
There's so much I have to learn about two cats at the same time still 🤣
 
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Just a little addition.. they did get into rolling around at around 7 am, effectively waking me up as they wouldn't stop. I decided to feed them after which they both went to sleep with me again. My partner has been feeding them both meals much earlier than I usually do due to my work hours, so I'll have to transition them back over the next days I guess.

I noticed something with their rolling around though, before it looked like Yoda was just walking past Charly peacefully coming towards my head (both next to me on bed) and Charly rolled over on his side and swatted Yoda (no hissing) to which Yoda jumped him and they rolled around. I told Yoda stop (I just woke up lol) and he did but Charly swatted him again while Yoda was just sitting there looking at me. I didn't get a video but does that sound like he actually WANTS him to play like that?? Right after they had some kibble together and are now walking around on the balcony together peacefully, walking side by side, touching, sniffing a bit, turning their backs to watch birds fly by or watch the neighbours, no issues.
 

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They've been out together all day again except two hours when I went out. So taking out the couple hours since yesterday morning. About 36 hours!

There have been a few hisses from Charly. Once when Charly was on my lap and Yoda came veeeery close for head scratches, and earlier when playing with a new toy together. Also after the new toy they were both on the bed and Charly swatted him and hissed and growled. Yoda turned away and Charly calmed down. I was actually quite pleased as he seems to be starting to respect Charly saying no more and overall he is definitely less fixated on him now that they've been out together pretty much full time. They haven't really rolled around play fighting at all today and overall they do walk around together (mostly yoda following him and watching him) but they did play together and Yoda also went for a nap by himself while Charly was still playing in the other room with the new toy.

I'll see if they can stay out together through the night again, they had a long nap this eve so I'm hoping they won't keep me up all night now. Charly is pretty well adjusted to my schedule so I'm hoping Yoda will follow his lead. Although I've noticed he never seems to really sleep as deeply as Charly, at least not as much. He's also always acting like he's proper starving and begging for food. Might be the street cat in him. Charly's really almost only ever known inside life with no threats and regular food so it kinda makes sense I guess.

Oh I did actually cut their nails together earlier. I use a liquid snack squeezed on the back of my hand to cut Charly's nails and after I squeezed it on wanting to do yodas, Charly woke up and they both licked it off together (so adorable). In the meantime I clipped all yodas nails first and then some of charlys before the treat ran out. When the bribe is gone they're like ok this is over human 🤣

Tomorrow I'll have to get them their spot on treatment, I'm a bit hesitant because they obviously hate it (especially Charly) and he also seems to hate the smell. I'm worried that the smell on both could make them associate the bad experience with the other if I do it the same day but also worried that if only one smells of it that may be worse?
There's so much I have to learn about two cats at the same time still 🤣
"They've been out together all day again except two hours when I went out. So taking out the couple hours since yesterday morning. About 36 hours!" - WOW!!! :) FANTASTIC!!!

"There have been a few hisses from Charly." - Ok, that will happen. As long as it is respected and doesn't lead to an escalation and then issues after it is not a big deal. Think of it as how humans get into a disagreement, or get annoyed etc. It happens but the key is that both sides get over it because they have a strong base of trust and respect and love.

" Once when Charly was on my lap and Yoda came veeeery close for head scratches, and earlier when playing with a new toy together. Also after the new toy they were both on the bed and Charly swatted him and hissed and growled. " - Ok, sounds common.

"Yoda turned away and Charly calmed down." - PERFECT, and THAT is what tells us everything. They get over it.

" I was actually quite pleased as he seems to be starting to respect Charly saying no more and overall he is definitely less fixated on him now that they've been out together pretty much full time. " - Agreed, it is terrific!!

"They haven't really rolled around play fighting at all today and overall they do walk around together (mostly yoda following him and watching him) but they did play together and Yoda also went for a nap by himself while Charly was still playing in the other room with the new toy." - Awwwww, prefect!!!

"I'll see if they can stay out together through the night again, they had a long nap this eve so I'm hoping they won't keep me up all night now." - Oh my, long nap means some energy might be pent up.

" Charly is pretty well adjusted to my schedule so I'm hoping Yoda will follow his lead. Although I've noticed he never seems to really sleep as deeply as Charly, at least not as much. He's also always acting like he's proper starving and begging for food. Might be the street cat in him. Charly's really almost only ever known inside life with no threats and regular food so it kinda makes sense I guess." - Yes, and cats normally like to eat at night since that is the instinct (that is when they hunt in the wild). But it sounds fine.

"Oh I did actually cut their nails together earlier. I use a liquid snack squeezed on the back of my hand to cut Charly's nails and after I squeezed it on wanting to do yodas, Charly woke up and they both licked it off together (so adorable). In the meantime I clipped all yodas nails first and then some of charlys before the treat ran out. When the bribe is gone they're like ok this is over human 🤣" - AWESOME!!! They are such great cats!!!

"Tomorrow I'll have to get them their spot on treatment, I'm a bit hesitant because they obviously hate it (especially Charly) and he also seems to hate the smell. I'm worried that the smell on both could make them associate the bad experience with the other if I do it the same day but also worried that if only one smells of it that may be worse?" - Spot on treatment?

"There's so much I have to learn about two cats at the same time still 🤣 " - Well, I think you are doing great!!!

"Just a little addition.. they did get into rolling around at around 7 am, effectively waking me up as they wouldn't stop." - Ok, not surprising. They have energy and want to have some fun.

" I decided to feed them after which they both went to sleep with me again." - GREAT JOB!!!! That tells us it was all play.

" My partner has been feeding them both meals much earlier than I usually do due to my work hours, so I'll have to transition them back over the next days I guess." - That is fine.

"I noticed something with their rolling around though, before it looked like Yoda was just walking past Charly peacefully coming towards my head (both next to me on bed) and Charly rolled over on his side and swatted Yoda (no hissing) to which Yoda jumped him and they rolled around." - Awwwwwwww

" I told Yoda stop (I just woke up lol) and he did but Charly swatted him again while Yoda was just sitting there looking at me. I didn't get a video but does that sound like he actually WANTS him to play like that?? " - Well, I would have to see it but it sure sounds like it.

"Right after they had some kibble together and are now walking around on the balcony together peacefully, walking side by side, touching, sniffing a bit, turning their backs to watch birds fly by or watch the neighbours, no issues. " - Ok and great. THAT tells us it is all play. I think they just like playing rough. They are boys. :/ They seem to really love each other. I can't believe they bonded so quickly!!! It is FANTASTIC!!!!

GREAT JOB!!!
 
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noani

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Thanks for all the insight :)

Spot on I meant their anti parassite treatment thing. Since Yoda was full of parasites when he came we have another cycle of the strong stuff (Nexgard which covers basically everything) to go and then they'll go back to just frontline for prevention.
They both hate it, especially Charly..

I just left them alone a bit for the first time. Just to go to the bank and supermarket near here, maybe 45 minutes? When I came back they were both sitting on the bed (next to the door) looking at me. They are acting all normal.

They still rolled around a bit and played chase like two lunatics earlier but all good. They slept on adjoining chairs after. They've been out non stop together now for a couple days and nights. So all is looking well. They shared another liquid treat again when I did the remainder of Charly's nails earlier and they are just generally adorable :) Yoda is a bit less of a PITA (and I say that with a lot of love for him of course!!!) now that he gets to be out full time.

Today I've moved a few items of furniture back to where they belonged before, just within the bedroom for now.. but the big change (re-inverting living and bedroom) I will wait another bit.

My mum gave a me a surveillance camera kind of thing for Christmas and I'll use that tomorrow to leave them alone another bit and observe. Today the WiFi was out so couldn't use it but they seem completely normal since I've been back. They actually just had a couple treats after I came back and are now relaxing.

I'll see how being alone develops. I don't go back to work until Monday which is good I guess. I'm kind of hoping I won't have to separate them when I do go back and they'll be ready to stay alone (probably around 4-8 hours per day, no more). Monday I have a short day so just three hours.

Do you think that's doable?
 
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calicosrspecial

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Thanks for all the insight :)

Spot on I meant their anti parassite treatment thing. Since Yoda was full of parasites when he came we have another cycle of the strong stuff (Nexgard which covers basically everything) to go and then they'll go back to just frontline for prevention.
They both hate it, especially Charly..

I just left them alone a bit for the first time. Just to go to the bank and supermarket near here, maybe 45 minutes? When I came back they were both sitting on the bed (next to the door) looking at me. They are acting all normal.

They still rolled around a bit and played chase like two lunatics earlier but all good. They slept on adjoining chairs after. They've been out non stop together now for a couple days and nights. So all is looking well. They shared another liquid treat again when I did the remainder of Charly's nails earlier and they are just generally adorable :) Yoda is a bit less of a PITA (and I say that with a lot of love for him of course!!!) now that he gets to be out full time.

Today I've moved a few items of furniture back to where they belonged before, just within the bedroom for now.. but the big change (re-inverting living and bedroom) I will wait another bit.

My mum gave a me a surveillance camera kind of thing for Christmas and I'll use that tomorrow to leave them alone another bit and observe. Today the WiFi was out so couldn't use it but they seem completely normal since I've been back. They actually just had a couple treats after I came back and are now relaxing.

I'll see how being alone develops. I don't go back to work until Monday which is good I guess. I'm kind of hoping I won't have to separate them when I do go back and they'll be ready to stay alone (probably around 4-8 hours per day, no more). Monday I have a short day so just three hours.

Do you think that's doable?
"Thanks for all the insight :)" - You are very welcome

"Spot on I meant their anti parassite treatment thing. Since Yoda was full of parasites when he came we have another cycle of the strong stuff (Nexgard which covers basically everything) to go and then they'll go back to just frontline for prevention.
They both hate it, especially Charly.." - Ahhhh, yes.

"I just left them alone a bit for the first time. Just to go to the bank and supermarket near here, maybe 45 minutes? When I came back they were both sitting on the bed (next to the door) looking at me. They are acting all normal." - GREAT!!!! :)

"They still rolled around a bit and played chase like two lunatics earlier but all good. " - I think theyare enjoying being brothers!!! :)

"They slept on adjoining chairs after." - Awwwwwwwww

" They've been out non stop together now for a couple days and nights. So all is looking well." - TERRIFIC!!! I think you achieved it. :)

" They shared another liquid treat again when I did the remainder of Charly's nails earlier and they are just generally adorable :) Yoda is a bit less of a PITA (and I say that with a lot of love for him of course!!!) now that he gets to be out full time." - Awwwww, they really are!!!

"Today I've moved a few items of furniture back to where they belonged before, just within the bedroom for now.. but the big change (re-inverting living and bedroom) I will wait another bit." - Ok, yes, good that you wait for the big change.

"My mum gave a me a surveillance camera kind of thing for Christmas and I'll use that tomorrow to leave them alone another bit and observe. Today the WiFi was out so couldn't use it but they seem completely normal since I've been back. They actually just had a couple treats after I came back and are now relaxing." - What a great present!!! That is great.

"I'll see how being alone develops." - Yes

" I don't go back to work until Monday which is good I guess." - Very good

" I'm kind of hoping I won't have to separate them when I do go back and they'll be ready to stay alone (probably around 4-8 hours per day, no more)." - Agreed

" Monday I have a short day so just three hours." - That is really good.

"Do you think that's doable? " - Absolutely!!!

GREAT JOB!!! :)
 
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noani

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Do you think the spot on treatment could have negative effects, cause they will smell of it? I'm probably overthinking again...

I woke up around 6 again to two cats rolling around next to me.. I broke it up, gave Yoda a few pieces of kibble and Charly a couple of treats ("bedtime routine") and laid back down and they did too. Then didn't wake up until 11 with Charly on top of me and Yoda right next to me. So whatever else they got up to in the night they seem ok. Had breakfast together and are now playing chase again.

I'm sure the rolling around is all play on yoda's part but Charly sometimes seems scared to me, although he is usually normal after. Last night I was at the table and Charly on bed. When Yoda jumped up and lay close to him grooming himself he looked at him and jumped off the bed and went to sleep in the other room instead. Granted he does that sometimes even before Yoda, kinda like "yeah I just wanted my peace and quiet"... Yoda just stayed on the bed and they both had a nap.

I'm going to try and get a video again but I'm unsure how to handle the rolling around, etc. The chasing seems mutual with both taking turns, but the rolling around is always Yoda jumping Charly. I'm not sure to what degree I should intervene or to what degree they just need to work stuff out by themselves. No one is getting hurt so I'm letting it go on a lot of the time, but I'm worried Charly may get scared or come to dislike him over time. Although he's currently chasing Yoda like he's his favourite toy so maybe again, overthinking?
I don't want negativity to build due to my passivity, nor do I want to baby Charly cause they do need to be able to handle themselves when I'm away at some point.

How much hissing, swatting, growling is normal and to be expected? Should we see it subside? Or is it possible it's just how they will be, Charly hissing and sometimes swatting at Yoda who frankly seems like a hyperactive cat on crack a lot of the time? I mean they are always fine after, but I'm not sure how much hissing, swatting is normal or how much is a cause for concern that things could go downhill over time?

With us humans, if you try to pet Charly when he doesn't want to, or do something else he doesn't want, he will usually mock bite. He doesn't hiss much at humans but he will mock bite or sometimes bite but not drawing blood (unless you overdo it like my partner sometimes does, in which case you'll have a few superficial marks..)

I guess he's just in general a very "everything on my terms" cat, plus 80% of the time he wants to be left alone but be close by. Yoda on the other hand is always up for anything 🤣 petting, play, whatever. So not sure, maybe the hissing and swatting is the equivalent of Charly's mock bites to us to say NO not now. But he still comes to be loved on a bit later when HE wants it. Just Yoda doesn't always care when Charly doesn't want to play... He'll go bother him anyway.
 
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calicosrspecial

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Do you think the spot on treatment could have negative effects, cause they will smell of it? I'm probably overthinking again...

I woke up around 6 again to two cats rolling around next to me.. I broke it up, gave Yoda a few pieces of kibble and Charly a couple of treats ("bedtime routine") and laid back down and they did too. Then didn't wake up until 11 with Charly on top of me and Yoda right next to me. So whatever else they got up to in the night they seem ok. Had breakfast together and are now playing chase again.

I'm sure the rolling around is all play on yoda's part but Charly sometimes seems scared to me, although he is usually normal after. Last night I was at the table and Charly on bed. When Yoda jumped up and lay close to him grooming himself he looked at him and jumped off the bed and went to sleep in the other room instead. Granted he does that sometimes even before Yoda, kinda like "yeah I just wanted my peace and quiet"... Yoda just stayed on the bed and they both had a nap.

I'm going to try and get a video again but I'm unsure how to handle the rolling around, etc. The chasing seems mutual with both taking turns, but the rolling around is always Yoda jumping Charly. I'm not sure to what degree I should intervene or to what degree they just need to work stuff out by themselves. No one is getting hurt so I'm letting it go on a lot of the time, but I'm worried Charly may get scared or come to dislike him over time. Although he's currently chasing Yoda like he's his favourite toy so maybe again, overthinking?
I don't want negativity to build due to my passivity, nor do I want to baby Charly cause they do need to be able to handle themselves when I'm away at some point.

How much hissing, swatting, growling is normal and to be expected? Should we see it subside? Or is it possible it's just how they will be, Charly hissing and sometimes swatting at Yoda who frankly seems like a hyperactive cat on crack a lot of the time? I mean they are always fine after, but I'm not sure how much hissing, swatting is normal or how much is a cause for concern that things could go downhill over time?

With us humans, if you try to pet Charly when he doesn't want to, or do something else he doesn't want, he will usually mock bite. He doesn't hiss much at humans but he will mock bite or sometimes bite but not drawing blood (unless you overdo it like my partner sometimes does, in which case you'll have a few superficial marks..)

I guess he's just in general a very "everything on my terms" cat, plus 80% of the time he wants to be left alone but be close by. Yoda on the other hand is always up for anything 🤣 petting, play, whatever. So not sure, maybe the hissing and swatting is the equivalent of Charly's mock bites to us to say NO not now. But he still comes to be loved on a bit later when HE wants it. Just Yoda doesn't always care when Charly doesn't want to play... He'll go bother him anyway.
"Do you think the spot on treatment could have negative effects, cause they will smell of it? I'm probably overthinking again..." - No, they know each other. It might make them in a bad mood which may affect them but not the smell.

"I woke up around 6 again to two cats rolling around next to me.. " - Yep, playtime. :/

"I broke it up, gave Yoda a few pieces of kibble and Charly a couple of treats ("bedtime routine") and laid back down and they did too. Then didn't wake up until 11 with Charly on top of me and Yoda right next to me. So whatever else they got up to in the night they seem ok. Had breakfast together and are now playing chase again." - Exactly, they are just fine. :)

"I'm sure the rolling around is all play on yoda's part but Charly sometimes seems scared to me, although he is usually normal after." - Yes, maybe a touch he is scared in the moment but it sure doesn't seem to last. Charly does seem to trust Yoda a lot. We'll keep an eye on it but I think it is fine.

" Last night I was at the table and Charly on bed. When Yoda jumped up and lay close to him grooming himself he looked at him and jumped off the bed and went to sleep in the other room instead. Granted he does that sometimes even before Yoda, kinda like "yeah I just wanted my peace and quiet"... Yoda just stayed on the bed and they both had a nap." - Not an issue at all. Totally fine

"I'm going to try and get a video again but I'm unsure how to handle the rolling around, etc. The chasing seems mutual with both taking turns, but the rolling around is always Yoda jumping Charly. I'm not sure to what degree I should intervene or to what degree they just need to work stuff out by themselves. No one is getting hurt so I'm letting it go on a lot of the time," - Ok, just feel free to call their names, somehow distract them to break it up. It is all play but if you think it is too much then feel free to intervene.

" but I'm worried Charly may get scared or come to dislike him over time." - Hmmmm, highly unlikely. Yoda would have to have bad intent for that to happen and I don't see that bad intent at all.

"Although he's currently chasing Yoda like he's his favourite toy so maybe again, overthinking?" - Yep, they enjoy playing. No, not overthinking, you just want to make sure all is fine.

"I don't want negativity to build due to my passivity," - We would have a lot of time before that would happen.

" nor do I want to baby Charly cause they do need to be able to handle themselves when I'm away at some point." - Exactly. It is a fine line but you can distract them with names, words, etc which wouldn't be babying but would achieve the objective.

"How much hissing, swatting, growling is normal and to be expected?" - It depends. Some A LOT, some none, and some all in the middle.

" Should we see it subside?" - Probably but they are young energetic cats so it will probably be a longer time from now.

"Or is it possible it's just how they will be," - It will diminish over time as they get less energetic.

" Charly hissing and sometimes swatting at Yoda who frankly seems like a hyperactive cat on crack a lot of the time? I mean they are always fine after, but I'm not sure how much hissing, swatting is normal or how much is a cause for concern that things could go downhill over time?" - Charly is teaching manners. "normal" depends on the cats. Yoda and Charly are normal cats to me. Wild, rough at times, but normal. At this point I am not at all worried about them. But we will keep an eye on them. Their base of trust and respect and even love is really strong already.

"With us humans, if you try to pet Charly when he doesn't want to, or do something else he doesn't want, he will usually mock bite. He doesn't hiss much at humans but he will mock bite or sometimes bite but not drawing blood (unless you overdo it like my partner sometimes does, in which case you'll have a few superficial marks..)" - Yep, some cats will do that. We just learn to let them initiate contact then.

"I guess he's just in general a very "everything on my terms" cat, plus 80% of the time he wants to be left alone but be close by." - Yep, cats are like that.

" Yoda on the other hand is always up for anything 🤣 petting, play, whatever. " - Exactly

"So not sure, maybe the hissing and swatting is the equivalent of Charly's mock bites to us to say NO not now." - Yes and I think some is his way of initiating play.

"But he still comes to be loved on a bit later when HE wants it." - Exactly

" Just Yoda doesn't always care when Charly doesn't want to play... He'll go bother him anyway. " - Haahaha, yep, younger sibling syndrome. ;)

They not only seem normal to me they seem like great cats and they are getting along really well. I am not reading anything to suggest any issues.
 
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noani

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Got the camera set up now although I haven't been able to use it yet (WiFi problems). They were alone about 3 hours last night and about 4 today around lunch. Don't know what they did today. Last night pretty sure they slept lots because when I came back (1ish) they ended up rolling around and chasing until 3. Although, two hours of play without hissing almost.

Today not sure what they did when I was out but they were again both sitting on bed when I came back in. Then they came for some cuddles and we hung out on the bed for a bit. So all seems completely normal and fine :)

I'll see what they get up to when I'm out with the camera tomorrow.

I just wish they wouldn't do the rolling around fighting like lions thing right next to /on me on the bed, at 6 am. Been three days of waking up like that.. it's not bad now because I'm off work still, and I can just go back to sleep after maybe 20 mins.. usually by the time I go to the bathroom and do a re run of the bedtime routine they are ready to chill again, but I would prefer if they didn't wake me up with their rolling around and Charly vocalising so much. It's a bit startling to wake up to 🤣 not sure what to do about that though. Maybe when the furniture is moved back, the bedroom will become the secondary room again and the couch will become the primary piece of furniture again, so maybe theyll just roll around there while I sleep in bed.. or maybe that's wishful thinking 🤣

I've read lots about getting a cat to let you sleep through the night, but it's all about if they're walking you asking for food or attention. They don't want anything from me, they just wake me up by doing their roughhousing next to or on top of me while I'm in bed sleeping. Don't really know what to do about that.
 

calicosrspecial

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Got the camera set up now although I haven't been able to use it yet (WiFi problems). They were alone about 3 hours last night and about 4 today around lunch. Don't know what they did today. Last night pretty sure they slept lots because when I came back (1ish) they ended up rolling around and chasing until 3. Although, two hours of play without hissing almost.

Today not sure what they did when I was out but they were again both sitting on bed when I came back in. Then they came for some cuddles and we hung out on the bed for a bit. So all seems completely normal and fine :)

I'll see what they get up to when I'm out with the camera tomorrow.

I just wish they wouldn't do the rolling around fighting like lions thing right next to /on me on the bed, at 6 am. Been three days of waking up like that.. it's not bad now because I'm off work still, and I can just go back to sleep after maybe 20 mins.. usually by the time I go to the bathroom and do a re run of the bedtime routine they are ready to chill again, but I would prefer if they didn't wake me up with their rolling around and Charly vocalising so much. It's a bit startling to wake up to 🤣 not sure what to do about that though. Maybe when the furniture is moved back, the bedroom will become the secondary room again and the couch will become the primary piece of furniture again, so maybe theyll just roll around there while I sleep in bed.. or maybe that's wishful thinking 🤣

I've read lots about getting a cat to let you sleep through the night, but it's all about if they're walking you asking for food or attention. They don't want anything from me, they just wake me up by doing their roughhousing next to or on top of me while I'm in bed sleeping. Don't really know what to do about that.
"Got the camera set up now although I haven't been able to use it yet (WiFi problems). " - Ok, that is fine.

"They were alone about 3 hours last night and about 4 today around lunch. Don't know what they did today. Last night pretty sure they slept lots because when I came back (1ish) they ended up rolling around and chasing until 3. Although, two hours of play without hissing almost." - Terrific!!!

"Today not sure what they did when I was out but they were again both sitting on bed when I came back in. Then they came for some cuddles and we hung out on the bed for a bit. So all seems completely normal and fine :)" - Perfect!!!! :)

"I'll see what they get up to when I'm out with the camera tomorrow." - Sounds good. It is funny, they might be just really bring for most of it.

"I just wish they wouldn't do the rolling around fighting like lions thing right next to /on me on the bed, at 6 am." - Yep :/ I will say it is better than the usual 4 or 5am a lot of cats do. :/

" Been three days of waking up like that.. it's not bad now because I'm off work still, and I can just go back to sleep after maybe 20 mins.. usually by the time I go to the bathroom and do a re run of the bedtime routine they are ready to chill again, but I would prefer if they didn't wake me up with their rolling around and Charly vocalising so much." - :/ Yep, agreed. You will probably learn to sleep through it in time. :/

" It's a bit startling to wake up to 🤣 not sure what to do about that though." - Not much you can do really. If you separate them they will be acting up as well to get to each other.

" Maybe when the furniture is moved back, the bedroom will become the secondary room again and the couch will become the primary piece of furniture again, so maybe theyll just roll around there while I sleep in bed.. or maybe that's wishful thinking 🤣" - Hopefully!!!

"I've read lots about getting a cat to let you sleep through the night, but it's all about if they're walking you asking for food or attention. They don't want anything from me, they just wake me up by doing their roughhousing next to or on top of me while I'm in bed sleeping." - Yes. I have never found a solution for it sadly. :( I end up just blocking it out most of the time (though mine now are out of that phase).

"Don't really know what to do about that. " - Well, I wish I had good advice. But I don't. Maybe start a new thread and see what advice you can get? It is a common issue for many people.
 
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noani

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Ah it's fine. I will actually probably get used to it and sleep through. Sure works for my alarm, which I have to change every couple weeks/month. If I don't, I can easily sleep through a solid hour of alarms and risk being late. If I have important appointments in the mornings (I work mostly afternoons), my partner will call me on the phone in the morning to make sure I haven't overslept... Which most of the time I would without his help 🤣

If that's my biggest worry regarding the two of them, I suppose all is going good :)

I'm glad they seem to be handling being alone together so well. I really don't want to separate them anymore, and I will have to go back to work soon (unfortunately 🤣). And I really really don't want to lock Yoda up in the windowless bedroom which he already spent two months of isolation in. He's so much happier now that he's "free".

They've made such fast progress, so much faster and better than I could have ever imagined! (Okay, after two months of isolation in close proximity 🤣). It really makes me a bit angry with the vets etc who told me not even to attempt this and just leave him to his fate. I really don't think I could have done it without all the help on this site ❤
 
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