First time cat owner with two kittens here! We are about 4 weeks into them getting to know each other and sharing our space, but I just wanted a place where I can get some feedback or maybe other people can share the experiences they’re going through as well because I know it can be tricky introducing.
Our resident baby, DJ, had been with us about 4-5 months and is about 6 months old when I started to think a companion might help him expel some energy and learn to play a little nicer. So when I saw our youngest, Leo (almost 3 months), I fell in love and brought him home! The introduction process was good over about a week. They hissed a little in the beginning, but mostly just boundary setting and learning how each other liked to play. Now they share the space pretty well. DJ stopped most of his naughty “separated from mom too early” behaviors like nipping and other play aggressions, and is a much gentler baby over all. Yay!! Leo is sweet, and affectionate and playful just as expected.
A few things I worry about even though things are going so well (I can’t help it I’m a worrier). #1) they’re not affectionate toward each other, and they actually play pretty rough almost constantly. No fighting like I said. I watch for sheathed claws and ear direction etc but Leo is pretty vocal and meows when they get ramped up. DJ is bigger than him, so it just makes me feel guilty if I don’t try to break it up and have them cool down. Is this right, or should I let them work it out? There’s no blood or fur out of place and Leo and DJ do take turns initiating. They’ve always gotten along, but I just don’t want to over look anything, or perhaps have them develop a bad relationship because they play too hard. (Doesn’t help that Leo wants to play more often than DJ does). We’re afraid to leave them both out in the house over night in case we need to break something up, so we take turns having one sleep with us. I guess I just want to know if I’m being a helicopter parent or if I have a right to be concerned? #2) Leo eats like there’s no tomorrow! The can scarf down his whole share of food and still try to eat DJ’s. I don’t want DJ to start to feel like Leo is stealing from him or something. Are there things that I can do to slow him down?
If you’re introducing (or have before) cats too, I’m interested in other experiences. What was it like for you? Is there anything else I should look out for?
here the babies are (in a rare moment of non-play):
Our resident baby, DJ, had been with us about 4-5 months and is about 6 months old when I started to think a companion might help him expel some energy and learn to play a little nicer. So when I saw our youngest, Leo (almost 3 months), I fell in love and brought him home! The introduction process was good over about a week. They hissed a little in the beginning, but mostly just boundary setting and learning how each other liked to play. Now they share the space pretty well. DJ stopped most of his naughty “separated from mom too early” behaviors like nipping and other play aggressions, and is a much gentler baby over all. Yay!! Leo is sweet, and affectionate and playful just as expected.
A few things I worry about even though things are going so well (I can’t help it I’m a worrier). #1) they’re not affectionate toward each other, and they actually play pretty rough almost constantly. No fighting like I said. I watch for sheathed claws and ear direction etc but Leo is pretty vocal and meows when they get ramped up. DJ is bigger than him, so it just makes me feel guilty if I don’t try to break it up and have them cool down. Is this right, or should I let them work it out? There’s no blood or fur out of place and Leo and DJ do take turns initiating. They’ve always gotten along, but I just don’t want to over look anything, or perhaps have them develop a bad relationship because they play too hard. (Doesn’t help that Leo wants to play more often than DJ does). We’re afraid to leave them both out in the house over night in case we need to break something up, so we take turns having one sleep with us. I guess I just want to know if I’m being a helicopter parent or if I have a right to be concerned? #2) Leo eats like there’s no tomorrow! The can scarf down his whole share of food and still try to eat DJ’s. I don’t want DJ to start to feel like Leo is stealing from him or something. Are there things that I can do to slow him down?
If you’re introducing (or have before) cats too, I’m interested in other experiences. What was it like for you? Is there anything else I should look out for?
here the babies are (in a rare moment of non-play):
!
