Giving Back My New Rescue Cat?

Good might go supe fast! I had a lot of problems cause we did two new kittens with two older residents and moved at the same time. It will be worth it. Many years ago when we introduced our older cats together it took only a week so every case is different. Good luck!

What I hear a lot is to rub cloth on one cat, then rub the cloth on the other cat. Mixing the smells sometimes calms the kitties down. Don't forget the feliway. You're doing great!

I introduced a 9 week old kitten to my 9lb 9 month old kitten, it went brilliantly. He is still smaller than her (he is 18 weeks old now) but can flip her on her back when he wants to!

Minxrat said:

I introduced a 9 week old kitten to my 9lb 9 month old kitten, it went brilliantly. He is still smaller than her (he is 18 weeks old now) but can flip her on her back when he wants to!

Click to expand...

Ahahahah XD I wish I could see that!!!!!

Disaster strikes. The new kitten is so confident that when I used a rather tall piece of cardboard with a tiny window to separate them, she kept jumping over it. It wasn't her but the noise of the cardboard that scared the hell out of my kitten who otherwise would be quite fine with seeing her. The repeated noises on the cardboard scared my kitten to the point that he now stays away from the entire area not just the door.

I am thinking of just letting the new kitten out later today...

Any thoughts?

I would not yet. Ever think about getting a baby gate or two to stack up so they can see each other but stay seperate. I really think the slow intro is key

MrsCassandra said:

Ahahahah XD I wish I could see that!!!!!

Click to expand...

This was about 10 days ago! She lost all dignity lol.

Minxrat said:

View attachment 217512
This was about 10 days ago! She lost all dignity lol.

Click to expand...

Ahahahahah Amazing!!!! XD

Update.

Well, I guess sometimes we do overcomplicate things... XD

I eliminated the cardboard and meticulously added a plastic net which the new devilish kitten climbed relentlessly, again scaring the hell out of my cat, and even managed to escape XD... So I eliminated the net too and managed to make them meet simply through a slightly open door and finally things started going reasonably well. They played through the door!!! My kitten hissed occasionally but only when the new one played a bit too aggressively and within minutes the hissing stopped completely. No hissing on the over part!

Today I try again!!

My kitten only seems a bit worried but I am guessing it's because of me, jealousy I think, perhaps he worries about being replaced as the little prince of the house

Poppy has jealousy. Although she has lots of hugs and kisses (which sadly she hates), I don't think that she gets that I still love her as much, and that getting Milo was to try and help any loneliness. I try to cuddle Milo out of her view sometimes in case it adds to it. It's a shame as I feel I'm rejecting his cuddles sometimes but that's the way it is unfortunately. I haven't a clue what they're up to when I'm at work but there's no blood and the house isn't destroyed so fingers crossed all is well........

No blood is ALWAYS a good sign. There will be squabbles, but young cats are motivated by the chance to play. Remember too that Poppy is female and most females lose their playfulness and wanting cuddles as they get older. They turn into little divas and rule with an iron paw, especially with those pesky boys. There are always exceptions to the rule, after I stated this as a rule set in stone, here comes my latest little 4 year old female who lives for me to stop long enough to cuddle her! But she still rules over the boys. Cats are 'wired' different than us, we are the ones who put human emotions to their actions. Cats really don't feel jealousy, or have spite, they live in the moment and instinct rules their lives. They feel love and affection in their cat ways, they feel anger and fear. They want to rule and be accepted. We have to learn their language. But we all feel love and acceptance.

di and bob said:

No blood is ALWAYS a good sign. There will be squabbles, but young cats are motivated by the chance to play. Remember too that Poppy is female and most females lose their playfulness and wanting cuddles as they get older. They turn into little divas and rule with an iron paw, especially with those pesky boys. Cats really don't feel jealousy, or have spite, they live in the moment and instinct rules their lives. They feel love and affection in their cat ways, they feel anger and fear. They want to rule and be accepted. We have to learn their language. But we all feel love and acceptance.

Click to expand...

Their language is so difficult!! I just wish she didn't defer to him so much - that she stands up for herself. He can just steal food from her mouth, more or less!

Last night was the first night in 9 months she didn't start the night on the bed with me, instead she was under it. Broke my heart as her getting on the bed and settling down kickstarts my own sleep. Little does she know that we have a new bed coming next Monday that they can't get under..... She climbs on me for a cuddle during the night, the only time she wants affection, but last night didn't...either Milo or I upset her somehow! I love them both to bits tho, they're such a revelation! I actually wanted a boy when I got her and she was indeed a "boy" for four months. When the vet finally discovered she was a girl, it answered SO many questions. I think Mrs Cassandra is finding out kittens are awkward critters too lol.

My Chrissy used to hide under the covers and jump out screaming at any other cat that dared get on the bed. She had them so trained, even years after she was gone my Burt would tread lightly and check the bed for lumps! They did get to sleep on the bed, but she had most of it, they just slept on the very edge as far over as possible.
Don't worry it may take a long time, but they WILL adjust, and even become friends. It just takes a lot of time in a cat's world!

di and bob said:

My Chrissy used to hide under the covers and jump out screaming at any other cat that dared get on the bed. She had them so trained, even years after she was gone my Burt would tread lightly and check the bed for lumps! They did get to sleep on the bed, but she had most of it, they just slept on the very edge as far over as possible.
Don't worry it may take a long time, but they WILL adjust, and even become friends. It just takes a lot of time in a cat's world!

Click to expand...

They rub along with no angst. Sometimes she wants to "play", he ignores; other times vice versa. He knows her spot on the bed so he avoids it. I'm quite lucky really. But sad that Poppy is not a cuddler. I'm vowing not to touch her until she wants me to but it's hard...she's soooo fluffy......

your kitty will sleep with you again. when we got our new kittens my little guy who always slept with me basically stayed in my closet for almost two months. hes now back, and out with the kitties (doesn't quite love them yet). but it takes time. sleeps with me again, and is almost back to "normal"

RufusGizmo said:

your kitty will sleep with you again. when we got our new kittens my little guy who always slept with me basically stayed in my closet for almost two months. hes now back, and out with the kitties (doesn't quite love them yet). but it takes time. sleeps with me again, and is almost back to "normal"

Click to expand...

It's the first time she didn't start the night up there, but she got up when I was asleep. Milo sleeps wherever he likes but always, always wakes me up around 2am purring and wanting a snuggle, bless. He knows to avoid her in the night!

Sorry M MrsCassandra I've hijacked your post a bit!!

that's our problem. I still have kittens sleeping in basement cause I know they are going to try and jump in bed when grumpy gizmo is sleeping with me, and i'm sure that is going to turn out bad. kinda waiting til they like each other a bit more. ive tried it a couple times, and it did not turn out good. our basement is great so its not a bad place for the kitties, but i want them out all the time, just cant get over that hurdle. i'm going on a girls week vacation, and hoping my husband can get the older ones used to kitties being out all the time. we will see!

Minxrat said:

Sorry M MrsCassandra I've hijacked your post a bit!!

Click to expand...

No worries!!! Others' experiences are useful and you actually touched a topic that resonates with me!!

MrsCassandra said:

Update. I cried a lot the two days before taking the cat back, feeling horribly about doing what's best for him and worried about shocking him once again.

I took him back with enough time to stay there, observe the situation and comfort him.

Once arrived, he remained in the large, comfortable carrier I put him in, positioned in front of the outdoor wooden cage he used to sleep in at night. Guess what? He was totally relaxed, not scared at all, completely comfortable and even welcomed me petting him. I take I've done the right thing.

I haven't seen him so relaxed in weeks.

Click to expand...

When we took the mother cat to the rescue I cried the whole 100plus miles to the best rescue I could find. I knew she would never be accepted by our resident older cat. I kept in contact and even visited her at adoption events and indeed a woman who considered her choice for several weeks adopted her. She has a home and a life that I would have denied her if I had tried to keep a cat I adored.

kittens mom said:

When we took the mother cat to the rescue I cried the whole 100plus miles to the best rescue I could find. I knew she would never be accepted by our resident older cat. I kept in contact and even visited her at adoption events and indeed a woman who considered her choice for several weeks adopted her. She has a home and a life that I would have denied her if I had tried to keep a cat I adored.

Click to expand...

Thank you, kittens mom. It is indeed something to consider carefully, I think.

The previous cat is now happy and loved. This new kitten I am now trying to introduce is a much easier cat and I think there is an actual chance they will get along well. However, this two weeks' attempt is not only to see whether they will, but also to understand whether I am actually giving her the best chances. In fact, my special needs kitten will remain priority and I am keen on preserving my relationship with him.

I am asking myself if these shocking days and these fractures in my kitten's trust are necessary and if overall being here is really the best option for this lovely young female who might actually find the perfect household in which to be the only cat, loved and free to go wherever she likes from day one and not being restricted to short times of company and freedom until some kind of miracle eventually happens...