It’s been a while since I posted a kitty update.
With the wisdom of hindsight, I now realise that introducing a second cat into a household is not such a great idea – unless they are both kittens, or already used to each other.
However … we have persevered and, after five long months, I think we may actually be over the worst of it (fingers crossed).
The Princess Diva Puss Kitty
Miss Fleur was raised in a loving foster family from the tender age of just two weeks old, until we adopted her in August 2014, just a few weeks before her first birthday.
What can I say about our Fleur – except that she is our precious Princess Diva Puss Kitty? So spoiled she even has her own hashtag – #furbaby #fleurbaby!
She was (and is) so adorable I just wanted another kitty to love! And so … we adopted Seth in June.
Seth’s Story
Our big boy is around 5 years old, and we were told that his previous family brought him here from Tasmania about this time last year. However they were unable to find rental accommodation which allowed pets, so they surrendered him to the pound.
Seth really does seem to dislike the hot weather, which seems to confirm that he is actually a Taswegian tabby, born and bred. He loves nothing better than to flake out in front of the air conditioning, and gives me a really dirty look when I turn it off which is quite funny!
Despite working really hard to introduce the new kitties, they really didn’t get along 🙁 .
Seth started peeing to mark his territory which didn’t exactly endear him to me either!
What Turned Things Around
We even called the pound one weekend to enquire about possibly returning Seth. Things were that bad 🙁 .
However you can’t just surrender a cat with a simple snap of the fingers, you have to go on a waiting list. We decided to adopt a “wait and see” approach, hoping that things would improve …
And thankfully, they have. In my mind, there are a few things that have really helped to turn things around:
- Feliway spray – worth its weight in gold!
- Seth is clearly used to being an outdoors cat. Now while I am against this in principle (see my post “Why I have an Indoor Kitty“), he was clearly unhappy and restless. So I began letting him out in the back yard to play each morning; and he enjoys an hour or two of outside time. At first he would ask to go outside again after lunch, but most of the time once a day is more than enough for him. It’s almost as if now he feels he has that freedom, he doesn’t really need it!
- Mr 22 has begun letting Seth stay in his room (previously off-limits to kitty cats, as he is very precious about his belongings, collectibles etc). As Mr 22 is Seth’s favourite hooman in the whole world, this has also helped improve Seth’s temperament.
As for Fleur and Seth, they seem to have sorted out their differences. They sometimes play chasey, or even eat out of the same bowl!
They don’t groom each other or curl up together for naps like I’d hoped they would, but they have certainly come a long way and things can only get better.
Top Cat
Despite her daintiness, Miss Fleur is without a doubt the top cat in the household. She displays her dominance by leaving her business uncovered in the litter tray (ewwwww), and always being the first to demand pats and love while Seth waits for his turn.
On the whole, Seth is clearly feeling much more relaxed and gradually trusting us. He is even starting to call me “Mummy”! I love this pic where he is resting his head on my foot 🙂 .
I am really looking forward to the day when we have the same bond with him, that we do with Miss Fleur. It will be extra special, because we have worked so hard to achieve it!
How have your pets been behaving themselves lately?!
Linking up with Kylie Purtell for IBOT.
Such good news that Seth has settled. He looks a lovely boy. Our Ralphter has a big day tomorrow. Picked up around 9.30, driven into the airport, plane to Brisvegas, driven to Mudgeeraba then waits at the cattery for 10 days till we can pick him up. It will be interesting to see if he remembers home after four and a bit years away.
Hope the move goes well! It’s amazing what they remember – we were away for 6 months and had some people living in our house and looking after our cat Chloe many years ago. We wondered if Chloe would remember us when we got back, we called her and straight away she came running out, miaowing and just so excited to see us!!!
I love that you persevered with Seth, that is indeed so lovely. We did similar and had one happy dog Jemima (that we raised from a puppy) and then took on my parents-in-law younger dog, one to keep ours company and two, they didn’t want theirs anymore!
It was not an easy merge and at best they tolerated each other. For me, I wish I didn’t do it to us and to my happy girl Jemima. Polly the adopted dog eventually had to go to a new home where she was adored and happy, but I felt it was a period of time that could have been avoided.
I hope your kittys continue to grow closer. Annette from afrenchcollection for #IBOT
I know what you mean, sometimes I worry about how hard we have made it for Miss Fleur. But she seems pretty happy and secure in her own place in the household even with a newcomer!
We just recently took our younger girl to the vet as she had been peeing on the childrens beds and lounge (insert very cranky face) only to be told she has moderate anxiety and is now on medication possibly for the rest of her life. I felt so bad for her, but she really is a different cat now. x
We have considered that option as well, and still have it up our sleeve if need be!
I’m glad they’re bonding! Our two cats tolerate each other – they share the cat castle (ours is exactly the same as yours) but our first cat is definitely dominant and lets our quieter second cat know who’s boss every now and then just to make sure she doesn’t forget. I’d hoped they’d be better friends, but they love us and don’t mind each other so I guess that’s not too bad.
That sounds pretty much like our two to be honest!
So much here to learn about cats and their behaviours. I admire the way in which you and your family are incredibly accepting and loving with the cats as they adjust. Denyse #teamIBOT
We take pet ownership very seriously. I used to know a family who would get a new pet and would just as quickly decide they didn’t want it and get rid of it 🙁 .
Aww looks like it’s all starting to work out just fine. I love the expressions on Seth’s face. I’m sure he’ll be like another member of the family in no time.
I’m looking forward to that day Renee 🙂
I didn’t realise it was such hard yakka getting cats to go together! We found three kittens and a mummy cat on our balcony and although the kittens have all found their fur-ever homes, I think it’s going to be a little harder for mum! Fingers crossed though and high five to you for sticking with Seth and proving that a pet is a fur-ever friend! I’m sure despite their differences, Fleur and Seth really are fur-ever friends!
That’s it Sammie – a pet is fur-ever (except in extenuating circumstances) x
Ah, we did the same thing. The vet had said that our cat wouldn’t like a new cat coming along, but like yours they have found a way to co-exist. I wouldn’t do it again though. Next time, I’ll adopt siblings who’ve always been together. In 20 years!
Yup I’d never do it again either Seana x
Feliway actually saved our lives. We too have achieved a relationship of tolerance and the occasional snuggle.
Ashleigh, hubby and I crashed out on our bed for a nanna nap earlier today and when we woke up both kitties were curled up asleep at our feet – only about 10cm apart. We’re definitely making progress!
Our Rio has settled in now as well. Although he NEEDS to stop clawing at my brand new lounge suite, which is exactly what our old cat did to our old lounge suite and we had holes in the arms for 10 years. Any tips??
Try spraying with Feliway????
They are so cute. Well done for persevering with introducing a new member of the family.
Robyna, hubby and I crashed out for a nanna nap earlier this afternoon and when we woke up they were both curled up at our feet. We are DEFINITELY making progress!!!