Purrs In Our Hearts - Cat Forum UK
Cat Health & Behaviour => Health & Behaviour General => Topic started by: NikNakNoo on April 19, 2014, 12:13:08 PM
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Hi all
Hope you are all having a good Easter weekend.
We are bringing home a new kitten in a few weeks which we are excited about however we already have Bebe, our two year old tabby. We rehomed Bebe in Feb from a home where they no longer wanted her. There she lived with another cat and wasn't bothered and she has also had two litters already. (She is now neutered, first thing we did). I just wondered what the best way of introducing little Bruno to Bebe? Do you think there's a high chance of Bebe being okay with the new big bundle of fluff as she is use to living with another cat and also being a mum to two sets of kittens? She also very laid back and patient with everything.
We have quite a small one bed flat so separating them for a long length of time will prove difficult. Any advice would be gratefully received. We are visiting Bruno this evening, can't wait.
Here are some pics of Bruno ....
Thanks,
Nik
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I haven't introduced a kitten myself, but it is meant to be much easier than introducing an adult cat.
I would designate one room for Bruno with everything he needs in it close at hand.when I brought my first two in as kittens they didn't venture out of the living room for a week despite downstairs being open plan!
See how Bebe reacts, then maybe introduce them with Bruno safe in a carrier before you feel confident to let them meet 'properly'
Don't let them have access to each other while you are out until you are positive they are happier with each others company!!!
If you have a small place is there anyway you could borrow a cage from somewhere to keep Bruno in? that would be ideal as he would be safe and they will be able to get used to each other?
Bruno is gorgeous by the way :Luv2:
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Thank you for your reply :)
Are there any rules to bringing up a kitten so they mature into a well rounded happy friendly cat? Ive never had a kitten and Bruno is going to be a big boy so would like him to be friendly. Any tips or ideas on what to do and what not to do?
Nik
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:wow: Bruno's gorgeous!! Bet you cant wait to have him home with you.
I think as Emmy-Lou has said it's a bit easier to introduce a kitten into a household where you have another cat which is not too elderly or set in their ways (although some elderly cats respond very well to having a kitten around, so no hard and fast rules!)
We introduced 3 month old Moray to 18 month old Tinks, and after some initial horror on Tinks part, and much running away and slinking back again, they got along fairly quickly, which was down in part to the very great wisdom Moray showed for such a young cat, as he seemed to innately know that Tinks needed a softly-softly approach.
Pav, another Purrs member, also introduced her cat Miss Felicity to a young and homeless Mr Jangles, and with similar results in a relatively short period of time - in fact Pav was my mentor and "go to" for inspiration.
It really is a good idea to set up a separate spot for young Bruno, and if you dont have a lot of space, then a cage would be a good investment, as he will learn to think of it as his "safe space" and Bebe will be able to view him in a favourable position, again from her own place of "safety." We made Moray a little den in our spare bedroom. He had his litter tray there and his food and water (never put the two near each other - litter trays should be at the opposite side of the room to any food if possible. Whenever we weren't around to supervise, Moray went into his den, and Tinks had the run of the house. It wasnt long before Tinks would go up and sit outside the door to the spare room, curious about the kitten inside. :shify:
For us, the key to integration was taking this steady, and involving both of the boys in regular playtime sessions with the flying frenzy toy - like a wand with a feather attachment on the end of a piece of string. Naturally, Moray as a kitten thought playtime was just amazing, but Tinks became interested too, and would join in enthusiastically - until he remembered he was meant to be sulking, and he'd scuttle off for a bit to watch. Wasnt long before he was joining in again in spite of himself, and I think it took less than three weeks before - eventually - we found Moray curled up next to his new big bruvva, and a look of real satisfaction on his little face.
(http://i58.tinypic.com/ny7221.jpg)
It looked just like this. Moray's on the left and Tinks is on the right - with the big goofy grin on his face.
We began to introduce joint feeding after about a week, but we always made sure that Moray had a little food in his den anyway, and we would always supervise mealtimes. Thankfully, we had little trouble on that score, and they settled to eating together more or less from the outset of our joint feeding venture.
If you play with and pay attention to both of your cats, respond to their needs, and provide them with love and stability and stimulus (particularly if they're going to be indoor only cats) then they will stand every chance of growing up to be happy, well rounded characters.
If they are indoor cats, then think about trying to provide a good size climbing platform for them to share, or a separate one each, and if it's possible to locate them by a window where they can watch things going on, then that's ideal (but taking care to ensure they cant get out of any open window - and cats and kittens can be wonderfully imaginative when it comes to escape - never think a gap is too small!)
Two litter trays are better than one - three are better than two, but when space is limited, that can be tricky, so you have to try and adapt your home as best you can. Be aware of any inappropriate toileting that may crop up - it can be a sign of stress, and can be a potential problem of sharing one litter tray between two cats. A plug in diffuser such as Pet Remedy or Feliway can help to calm the atmosphere too - they smell like sweaty socks to us, but they can help cats to feel more settled. You can buy them online more cheaply than at the pet shop, but either way, they're not a bad idea to begin with. We had two - one downstairs in the living room, and one on the landing midway between the bedrooms. We only used them for around a month before we felt comfortable unplugging them. Might be an idea to get one, and to plug it in a couple of days before the new arrival comes home. :)
Cant wait to learn how things go, and dont be shy about asking questions if there's anything that crops up which you're unsure about. Just to reassure you, there are many many purrs members who've successfully introduced cats and kittens, cats and cats, cats and dogs, cats and guinea-pigs, cats and rabbits and so on, with little or no difficulty. They key is in being aware, monitoring introductions carefully and not rushing the process by imposing our impatience on the situation. (And I say this having shed not a few tears myself over our two when we first brought Moray home, but that's a story for a different day ;) suffice to say, those tears didnt last long, and were as much a reaction to the cat we'd lost, as to the cats we were trying to integrate :hug:)
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A word of advice on bringing a kitten into your home .............. don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!! :scared: :shify: :shify: :scared:
I jest, I jest :evillaugh: :evillaugh: You must however be prepared for young Bruno. I assume he will only be in the 8 to 12 weeks ball park? If so, I suggest you try and leave him with mom if possible for nearer to 12 rather than 8 weeks as mom dishes out a little discipline in that time. Watch out for him chewing wires whilst he is teething. Try and safeguard as much wiring as you can. We've had to get hi-fi and telephones repaired. Block up any open chimneys ......... get the idea?
I'm sure there's a link somewhere that will help prepare you for what is to come :shify: Kittens are utterly adorable :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2: but I'm taking a breather from them for the moment having brought 5 into our home over the last 5 years or so :innocent: Now where's that link?
http://www.purrsinourhearts.co.uk/index.php/topic,4790.0.html
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Thanks for all your replies. The people we are getting him from said they may let the kittens go at 7 weeks depending on how well they are doing. He's 4 weeks old but a chunky monkey and already eating solid foods and he was the first one to use the litter tray. I think I'd be happier if he was 8 weeks and maybe more. I had read that they learn a lot from their mum's between 8 and 12 weeks. Though I guess with Bebe already being a mum to two litters she may be well placed to teach and help little Bruno. I just hope and wish that Bebe likes Bruno, just want Bebe to have a friend :)
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....one other question....if Bruno is a big kitten is that likely to mean he is going to be a big cat? And if so, being a big cat is being an indoor only cat unfair? Thanks
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Hi Nik
My two older cats were over 5 years old when MrPurrfect and I got Ollie. I guess we fell luckly. We let Ollie explore round the room and kept George and Milly out of the way while Ollie got used to his new home. Ollie was a very outgoing kitten and not timid at all, which I think helped, and it was not long before he had been for a look round.
We let in George and Mills to see what all the fuss was about. We didn't want them to feel left out. Near enough to intervene if necessary we put Ollie down. Milly sniffed, put her nose in the air and walked away (very typical Milly like behaviour). George however was not very impressed. He growled and stalked off in a huff. We left him to it as we definitely did not want to force anything. He hid in our bedroom and came down to have another look a couple of hours later. As the offending interloper was still there, he glared at me and went back off again.
We separated Ollie from the other two when it was bedtime and although there were no major fireworks, we did not leave them alone. It did take George a while before he realised that Ollie was not going anywhere and to make George feel left out I made sure I had plenty of quality time with him so he knew he was still my special furbaby. Milly was amazing. She just took things in her stride and very quickly joined in Ollie's made half hours.
George and Milly are still as inseparable as ever but now all three of them can occasionally be found curled up together. That is when Ollie has a quick sleep to recharge his batteries before resuming his mission of systematicaly destroying the house and looking incredible innocent while doing it.
I am sure all cats are different and you will probably get some good advice from some more experienced members
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I don't know if being a big kitten means he is going to be a big cat - maybe he might be a greedy cat tho?! size is probably determined by the parents genes. I don't think size is a factor when deciding if an indoor/ outdoor life is suitable....
Just make sure for both of them they have plenty of excersise and things to occupy them while you are out.
Someone posted a thread in the last few weeks about the best toys for indoor cats. sorry can't post a link on my phone but maybe someone else can?!
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Well mum is quite a large lady and we think we've seen dad and he's a big boy too lol :) he does seem very keen on his food and is the biggest kitten out of the litter of 4. He was the third to be born. :)
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Whether or not he grows to be a cat isn't the determinate factor as to indoor cat status. It's how much stimulus you can create for him in his environment. I daresay he will be a larger size cat from the sound of things, but many larger cat breeds are kept as indoor only (ragdoll, maine coon, Norwegian forest cat for example).
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Our Boris was a diddy little fella. It was touch and go whether vet would neuter him when he reached 6 months. Despite vet nurse feeling sure he would always be a diddy little fella, he is pretty normal size now. I would also think mom and dad's genes would be the determining factor on his eventual size rather than his size at 4 weeks. I don't think size should determine whether a cat should be indoor or outdoor either.
I would be very uncomfortable taking a kitten away from his mum at only 7 weeks old though :(. Sorry had to say it :hug:
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I know. Me too....I will say I'd rather take him at 8 weeks. The mum of the kittens is now going back outside and leaving the kittens, is this normal??
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Between 8 and 12 weeks is a good time to adopt, and the longer a kitten is with it's Mother and littermates, the more likely it is to learn boundaries and cat-technique for want of a betetr description.
However, I think we all appreciate there are often reasons why people will not retain kittens for that ideal length of time. If the owner of this litter will agree, then that's fab. If they won't, and are determined the cats have got to go, you would need to consider taking Bruno when she wants you to, or potentially that she may find another taker for him.
Mother cats will often seek an opportunity for a bit of time away from their kittens and now their eyes are open and they're not entirely helpless it's not unusual. I'd be less happy at the thought the Mum cat was going outside for prolonged periods of time, but I guess that's outside of your control anyway. :hug:
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poor mum cat going outside again already
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poor mum cat going outside again already
Why do you say that?? Is it because she can now mate again? Sorry if that's a stupid question
I thought it was a bit soon to let mum and kittens be apart with mum going outside but I can't actually say how long she is leaving them for as I don't know.
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yes they can mate again very quickly and she won't have recovered from the last lot
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Pregnancy, and there is the added factor that if she (God forbid) was involved in an accident, the kittens may be left without a Mother.
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Ah okay. That's what I thought. But as sue p said , sadly it's out of my control. They seen good genuine people who care very much for their animals so I think it's more not being aware of the above fact then just allowing it to happen
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Pregnancy, and there is the added factor that if she (God forbid) was involved in an accident, the kittens may be left without a Mother.
Yeah that's something else I was worried about. Thankfully though, they live somewhere extremely quiet.
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Let's hope so. :hug: :hug:
It's often the case that people who do genuinely love their animals dont always get the most desirable education in terms of neutering etc, and you have to deal with people carefully to avoid alienating them - particularly if you're hoping to adopt from them. We're always keen to get the message out there, but it can be difficult.
As to RTA's, we moved to an area we thought was quieter and safer regarding our cats. Sadly, we've still lost two in the last two years to the roads.
Anyway. Let's not dwell on things that you can't do much about right now, as it's not really that helpful to you just this minute - let's focus instead on how you will be able to integrate Bruno and Bebe, and think about what you can do to maximise everyone's pleasure in having a new addition to your family. :hug: :hug:
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Indeed :) I've bought a pet play pen for him so he and Bebe can mingle without being able to get to one another...though I'm not sure Bruno will fit for very long as he's such a big boy lol I have a gut feeling Bebe will be very unbothered by the new arrival and just take it in her unflappable stride :)
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That sounds like a great idea. :) :)
Well, Ross, who was Moray's predecessor was a big lad, and he still insisted on stuffing himself into his way-too-small bed and we would smile indulgently as we'd see bits of him flopping out over the top and sides. :Luv: Overspill. :shy:
Sometimes, even big boys need a cuddle, or a toy, or a play pen, way after they've become even bigger boys. ;) :evillaugh:
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That is so cute :) that's what I'm hoping....he will just be a giant squishy baby lol this is what I've ordered...
http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=774&pf_id=50516 - hope that's okay sharing the link. You reckon that'll be okay?
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Well, that's a bobby dazzler! :wow: I suspect you may find he propels himself across the floor in it. :evillaugh:
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Lol :) Yes I hadn't thought of that .....hopefully he doesn't work that out haha
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He's a kitten - it's his job! :evillaugh:
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That looks great and agree with Sue LOL
Now if I had one of thos for Lupin in garden.....................maybe not lol
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Haha :) oh dear well least he will have fun and I'm hoping he will feel safe in there and he can have his own space. Just want to bring him home. Recd more pics today and he is growing daily ...it's amazing :)
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Haha :) oh dear well least he will have fun and I'm hoping he will feel safe in there and he can have his own space. Just want to bring him home. Recd more pics today and he is growing daily ...it's amazing :)
It's lovely to watch them change and grow, their characters develop and come to the fore and to get a glimpse of the cat the kitten will become. :) Would love to see more piccies if you fancy posting them? ;D
Gill - the thought of Lupin in a play pen had me just :rofl: :rofl: the Harry Houdini of the cat world? Lupin's gotta be the biggest kitten of them all. ;) :evillaugh:
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More pics...oh okay then :)
Bruno at just over 4 weeks:
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:wow: :wow: :wow: Look at him grow!! Oh he's so lovely. No wonder you can't wait til he can come home with you.
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He's a chunky monkey do you not think? :)
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I'd have said "sturdy" or "robust" :Luv: He's a similar shape to our Ross when he was a little ticky-tacker. He grew to be a big lad too. :)
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Haha :) yes they are a better way of describing him. And also "well-rounded" haha bless him. Can't wait to see him at 8 weeks. Hope Bebe prepares herself for a bundle of madness :).
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will he have been wormed when he comes to you? if not probably worth doing as that can make them look a little bit round!
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Yes he will be wormed and started on flea treatment which is great. Tho we will get him vet checked when he comes to us anyways :)
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Yes he will be wormed and started on flea treatment which is great. Tho we will get him vet checked when he comes to us anyways :)
I always love the vet check bit, cos I can never help being the overbearing Mum in the school playground: "What do you think of our Reginald/Humphrey/Minnie/insert name of choice - isn't he/she wonderful???!!!" Am always grinning ear to ear and just desperate to hear how gorgeous our baby is. I'm incorrigible! :evillaugh: :naughty:
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Food!
Jaffa and Mosi bonded over baked beans (well, the sauce) the day after I brought Mosi home. I put my plate on the floor and neither could resist. Mosi was 14 weeks and Jaffa was 8 years. Without a lot of space I risked introducing them once Mosi was settled, had eaten and used the tray etc. and Jaffa was settled in another room. Initial response from Jaffa was - what on earth are you? oh ok but just bear in mind I'm the boss. get too close and I'll hiss. get closer and I'll sit on you. response from Mosi was oh ok that's fine as long as you play with me.
It took a few weeks before Jaffa was totally relaxed around him but they played together and everything was ok until Mosi got a bit bigger and a bit bolshier. And I think testosterone started to influence things (he was neutered at 5 months). One thing I learned from introducing Jaffa and Mosi is that introductions are not a one off thing. It isn't always a case of going through the process then you're done, especially with a kitten who will grow and mature. I found that the dynamics between them constantly changed and things would be good, then deteriorate a little, then get a bit better and the relationship between them did change as Mosi grew into adulthood (he's a Somali so wasn't fully mature until at least 3 years - physically that is. mentally I don't think he's matured yet :Crazy:) and Jaffa got older. Overall they have been great together but things have been a bit fraught at times and I have had a few problems with Jaffa peeing outside the tray which I think is due to insecurity and wanting to mark his territory.
Would I do it again? I absolutely love Mosi to bits and wouldn't be without him but I don't think I paid enough attention to his temperament and to matching it with Jaffa's. I was told he was a dominant cat and the liveliest of his litter and that he could turn out to be a handful. Did I listen? Only partially. He was so small and cute and cuddly I just couldn't say no. but I have ended up with 2 male cats who are both quite dominant and I really would have been better off getting a kitten with a more placid temperament who wouldn't seem like a threat to Jaffa.
edit - Oh Sue I was exactly the same! Couldn't wait to get Mosi down there for a health check (which he didn't really need) just to show him off! ;D
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I found that the dynamics between them constantly changed and things would be good, then deteriorate a little, then get a bit better and the relationship between them did change as Mosi grew into adulthood
Very true Susanne. When Boris arrived as a 4 month kitten, pretty well everyone used to swear at him (hiss) and warn him to keep his distance but he was incorrigible :innocent: However it wasn't long at all before everyone was putty in his paws and he single pawedly knotted our band of furries together within weeks. It was an eye opener :)
Three years down the line and he is now being not very nice .... to our lovely Ruby in particular :( It'll sort itself out no doubt but certainly relationships change over time.
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Oh Sue I was exactly the same! Couldn't wait to get Mosi down there for a health check (which he didn't really need) just to show him off!
What are we like? :rofl: :rofl:
I've never heard how Jaffa and Mosi were introduced before. How lovely that it worked from the outset - I know what you mean about the dynamics subtly shifting. It's fascinating to watch. I mean Tinks is older than Moray, and yet he gives ground to Moray all of the time, and not because Moray bullies him - he doesn't - he's very subtle about being "in charge" and yet not above giving Moray a right good biffing, rolling round the floor and being a dafter big bruvver with him when the mood is on him. :)
I think the dynamics of cat relationships is one of the most interesting things about them.
NikNakNoo - just wondering, with the opiccies you have, might be worth printing a couple off, and showing them to Bebe now. Kind of getting her used to the idea. She may well "recognise" his shape, colouring, features etc by the time he comes to stay. Or maybe that's just me being a bit barmy? :shify: Might also be an idea, next time you visit Bruno, to take something with you of yours - a towel or a piece of clothing, and rub Bruno with it to get his scent on it. Take it home, and casually leave it somewhere that Bebe can scent it, without being too obvious about it.
Rosella, I remember how Boris won the day, as it were. :) Cant believe he's bullying Ruby. :no no:
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I've never heard how Jaffa and Mosi were introduced before.
You know what's interesting? When I introduced Mosi to Jaffa he hissed. A silly little kitten hiss that Jaffa treated with the contempt it deserved. But between then, and it was just one hiss, until he growled at Jaffa recently after he had a seizure I have never heard Mosi hiss or growl. Not once. And Jaffa did literally sit or lie on him when he got a bit too big for his paws. They would play and Mosi was such a little thing and Jaffa a big, fully grown 8 year old so it was inevitable that Jaffa would win every contest but Mosi just lay there not the least bit bothered until Jaffa released him and they could start all over again :rofl: They actually both slept on the bed Mosi's first night home without any bother.
One thing Mosi's breeder did before I brought him home was to rub baby powder into his fur to disguise the smell of other cats he'd been in contact with and reduce his own smell a bit to Jaffa.
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One thing Mosi's breeder did before I brought him home was to rub baby powder into his fur to disguise the smell of other cats he'd been in contact with and reduce his smell a bit to Jaffa.
That's interesting - never come across that before. I love the way we learn things on here, quite unexpectedly. :)
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It did seem to work as Mosi spent the first night cuddled up to me in bed and Jaffa spent the night the other side of my lying on the bed. No hissing or issues whatsoever.
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wish I'd known susanne, I might have been able to disguise willow when I got her home ;D
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Wow that's all really interesting. I did consider trying to get Bruno's scent on something to bring home to Bebe so she can use to his smell prior to him coming home. If my gut feeling is "they are okay" can I let them meet each other the first night I bring Bruno home? Or is that too much too soon??
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I would play it very much intuitively. You could secret Bruno away in his designated area, and maybe let him out after an hour or so under close - very close - supervision.
If there is lots of hissing and angst, then spirit Bruno away again. Immediately. If not, steer clear and watch them from a suitable distance, being ready to intervene if things become "boisterous"
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Well he us certainly growing daily.... More pics for you :) apparently he looooves his food and is always the first one to start eating and he uses the litter tray every time now and had no accidents. Good boy Bruno :)
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rrrarrgh! he is super! definite hint of mishcief in him though too by the look of it although that is the best way!!!
yes to scent if you can bring something Bruno has slept on home to Bebe, groups of cats have a family smell so if she is familiar with his smell she may think he some long lost nephew already. you shouldn't need to keep them separate for long, especially as its difficult in your house. kittens make adjustments to new things very quickly, although Bebe might want him out of the way sometimes. i wouldn't leave them together unsupervised until you are sure they are both happy. but with a kitten and an adult it may not take long at all. Let Bebe have a high up place where she becomes invisible as Bruno looks like he may be a maniac for playing!
he will be ok if he leaves his mum and sibs a bit early but he will miss out on some learning. Bebe will teach him a lot too but she may not be that interested and kittens learn so much about manners from their brothers and sisters (mainly it hurts when you bite!) we have known some ill-mannered cats who have been unfortunate to grow up as only kittens. i know its not really your call but if you could drop a hint like 'i hope he can stay with his family until they are all 10 weeks (say 8/9 if you think 10 is pushing it) but if his siblings have gone early too of course we will pick him up' sometimes people think that because a kitten is weaned its ready to go and also that because a mum has got fed up (and they sometimes do when the kittens are around 7/8 weeks old) they are good to go. They are OK its just better if they stay a little longer. If the mum cat is going out she will get pregnant again as they can get pregnant when the kittens reach about 5 weeks old and her last 'boyfriend' will surely know where she is! Again its not your responsibility but if you think she is not aware then maybe let her know. I do realise that you don't want to atagonise the owner when she has your baby :)
can't wait for the bruno and bebe together photos xx
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can't wait for the bruno and bebe together photos xx
Me neither - he is such a little darling. Am laughing because NikNakNoo - do we remind you of a bunch of excited Aunties, waiting impatiently for a new baby to be brought home? Well, that's coz we are!!! :evillaugh: :evillaugh: We're bebe and Bruno's huge extended family - all barking mad, and all very excited for you.
Bebe will of course still be Big Boss Lady Cat, but I would bet a pound to a penny that she'll be quite taken with young Bruno in due course.
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can't wait for the bruno and bebe together photos xx
Me neither - he is such a little darling. Am laughing because NikNakNoo - do we remind you of a bunch of excited Aunties, waiting impatiently for a new baby to be brought home? Well, that's coz we are!!! :evillaugh: :evillaugh: We're bebe and Bruno's huge extended family - all barking mad, and all very excited for you.
Bebe will of course still be Big Boss Lady Cat, but I would bet a pound to a penny that she'll be quite taken with young Bruno in due course.
It's lovely you are excited :) and I really hope Bebe does take to him. We are getting him with the hope they will become friends and she can have some company. I hold a bit of quiet hope as Bebe is young, always lived with another cat and been a mum twice. Plus she has a fantastic laid back patient personality :)
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Nice hopeful videos .............
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grLyTX8Dpso
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lxGyJzPVZA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv-EWKG55w4
and I'll add one of our own :Luv2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TE-xTuU9j-8
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....and so he grows :) just over 5 weeks now!!
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Rosella, what fab video clips - especially Groucho - couldnt believe my eyes! :wow:
NikNakNoo - Bruno is so lovely. I hope you've let Bebe see so she can watch how he's coming along. :Luv: ;)
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Rosella, what fab video clips - especially Groucho - couldnt believe my eyes! :wow:
NikNakNoo - Bruno is so lovely. I hope you've let Bebe see so she can watch how he's coming along. :Luv: ;)
Not yet but we will probably visit Bruno one last time before we bring him home so will bring something home which smells of Bruno for Bebe to sniff. He is turning into a mighty kitten!!! Hope he likes cuddles :)
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goodgroucho :Luv:
love Bruno's furry pantaloons!
teehee the excited auntie squad indeed ;D
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goodgroucho :Luv:
love Bruno's furry pantaloons!
teehee the excited auntie squad indeed ;D
Yes I noticed that too :) I wonder what length coat he will end up with? He is classed as a"moggy" a bit like a mix of dog breeds is a mongrel?
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Looks like he could well be semi longhaired. ;D Having said that, that's what we thought when we brought Moray home. He now has all the characteristics of a Maine Coon, including the ear tufts, the furry toe pads, the neck mane and the fluffy troosers. As we say: "Just when did he get that fluffy?!" :evillaugh:
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Awww I hope Bruno is a bit fluffy. Mum cat is short haired but who knows about daddy. I love his little fluffy legs and ears :)
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He is just gorgeous. He's got a little mischievous look. I bet he will be in the norty club ;-)
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He is just gorgeous. He's got a little mischievous look. I bet he will be in the norty club ;-)
:)
Yes....we also think he is going to be a monkey lol
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Oh yes - the phrase "monkey trousers" definitely springs to mind. :Luv2: I hope Bebe is bracing herself for the potential onslaught! ;)
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Oh yes - the phrase "monkey trousers" definitely springs to mind. :Luv2: I hope Bebe is bracing herself for the potential onslaught! ;)
It's not Bebe I worry about, it's us! Lol :)
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Bebe has taken your advice and has spent the morning resting ..... :)
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Very wise..... ;) (She does fill that basket beautifully)
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She loves her bed. Wasn't sure about the stranger in the bedroom to start with but then it had treats and catnip on it and after a day of two it didn't seem so scary and actually rather comfortable. Now every night she gets in, pads it down while purring and sleeps all night....and day lol :)
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Isnt it lovely though to see a cat regaining confidence, and then when they have a right good padding session and purr away it always makes my heart swell. :Luv:
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Confidence is something she no longer lacks lol I've just done myself some toast and she invited herself next to me to then pop her paw on top of the toast as if to say this slice is mine! :) such a cutie
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: Well, possession is 9/10ths of the law - you're hers too. Nice thought, isn't it? :)
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: Well, possession is 9/10ths of the law - you're hers too. Nice thought, isn't it? :)
Yes she has done wonders when it comes to my feelings on cats. As I said, always a dog girl but she's changing me ......there's something rather intriguing and interesting about cats that I'd not noticed before :)
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We were always dog people too - we still love dogs (and I'd love to have another, but that's a story for a different day) but cats are the most fascinating of creatures - complex, interesting and so rewarding if you make the effort with them.
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Cats have so much
personality purrsonality. I was always more of a dog person as a child and young adult (I mithered so much for a dog as a child that I was eventually told I could have one if I passed my 11+ - I did and we ended up with a black and white cocker spaniel who I always considred to be "my" dog). Whilst I liked cats I didn't realise how much you could bond with a cat before I shared my life and my home with them. You have to put in the work if you want a relationship with a cat but the more you give the more you get back.
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Another pic of Bruno....Hope you don't mind. :) apparently he is the largest of the litter
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:Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
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Mind? Mind? You're very lucky that we havent been demanding more and more!! :evillaugh: :evillaugh: :hug: :hug: Compared to his littermates he is a big lad :) The little kitten behind him is a bonny little thing too. I bet you cant wait to fetch him home. Heck, we can't wait to welcome him officially to Purrs. ;D
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More...well okay then, just got more...:)
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Hey, NikNakNoo - he's showing definite signs of promise there - clearly keen on photography, and with a very proprietorial interest in the washbag, he could be a real boon around the house. :evillaugh:
Gosh, he's so munch-able! :Luv:
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Gosh, he's so munch-able! :Luv:
He is indeed! :Luv2:
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A few more of Mr fatty mcbruno belly....:)
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Squuueeeeeeee!!!!! :evillaugh: Cuteness overload!! Alert! Alert!!
They are just gorgeous photos, and what a very photogenic litter - I love the little sleepy one on the left.
You are going to have soooo much fun when Bruno comes home with you. ;D
Bebe had better start planning her "time out" spots now, bless her heart. ;)
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:Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
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Oh my!! :Luv2:
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I keep sneaking back to have a look at these piccies - they just perfectly sum up some sleepy babies. The Yawn, the eyes closing, the head drooping and then - fast a'peepies. :Luv: :evillaugh:
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I keep sneaking back to have a look at these piccies - they just perfectly sum up some sleepy babies. The Yawn, the eyes closing, the head drooping and then - fast a'peepies. :Luv: :evillaugh:
I know :) it's so cute. Love the way they are all snoozing together. Hope eventually Bebe and Bruno can do this.
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Well the little man is growing quickly. Saw him yesterday and he's a big lad and quite fluffy. Here are some more pics. :)
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He's a little smasher! How old is he now?
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He's a little smasher! How old is he now?
Yes just over 6 weeks. Litter trained and eating solids. Mum cat doesn't really bother with them now. They just hang out together in a group of kitten cuteness :)
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I bet that is cuteness overload! :briggin:
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Yeah it was lovely watching them play yesterday. Just crossing fingers he and Bebe get along!! :)
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Yeah it was lovely watching them play yesterday. Just crossing fingers he and Bebe get along!! :)
Well, I reckon you've got a lot of things going in your favour, not least of which you want to make it work, you already have a lot of good ideas - and you have us! ;D ;) Ah - that last bit may of course be a mixed blessing! :evillaugh:
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Yeah I hope so. We took a cloth and rubbed it over Bruno and brought it back to show Bebe. She sniffed it all over and then curled up on it to snooze. I don't know if she realises it was another cat or she was just doing the usual cat thing and sitting on anything small and flat :) I guess we will wait and see. One question I do have is do all males spray and Mark their territory? This is a concern of mine? Or will Bruno be too young to be doing that and because he will grow up with Bebe he won't feel the need to do it as he matures?
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Geneerally you find it's only sexually mature un-neutered males who display this kind of behavour, and it is territorial. However, a stressed cat can sometimes indulge in spraying, neutered or not.
When the Padster was alive, he and his brother were intimidated by a cat we used to call "Piddler on the Roof" (long story - lovely cat, just unwanted and unloved, used to seek out the warmth from the chimney stack on our lowset roof).
Pad began spraying inside the house, and even peed in my OH's shoes and work jacket hood. He was trying to protect his territory, bless him. He stopped the behaviour when Piddler disappeared (pre-feliway days back in the 80's)
I dont think it should be a problem for you with Bruno and Bebe. Is there anything in particular making you worry about this being an issue? :hug:
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It's just something I read about when researching males cats before getting Bruno and of course it's something I'd rather he didn't do. But we will be getting him neutered, but is that at 6 months or does that depend on the cat? Also I want to take him for a vet check up asap when we collect him, is it best to pick him and take him straight to the vets before bringing him home? Sorry for all the questions :)
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Less likely to be an issue with your two being indoor cats anyway, but you're right to consider it.
Most vets will neuter cats at around 6 months, but there's a growing trend among vets to accept that earlier neutering is preferable and can be done at 4 to 5 months. I know Ross was quite an early developer in terms of pom-poms, whereas Moray was quite small even at 6 months (but was neutered anyway at that age, small or not!)
You could book your kitten check when you first get him, or give him a few days to settle in. Given that Bebe will have to adjust to him, it might be a good idea to let him have a few days to settle in first without smelling "vettified" (Or conversely you could argue if you get it out of the way whilst Bebe hasnt yet seen him, by the time they meet face to face, the scent will be faint anyway.)
I always love the kitten check bit though - love the chance to show off me lads, and am quite shameless in my promptings - "So what'd'you think, eh? Grown, hasn't he since last time...." etc etc. ;)
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:) well when you have a little bundle of cuteness I think it's only right to show them off hehe. I just thought maybe by taking him straight to the vets I don't have to separate them and then re introduce them by taking him at a later date. I just want to get him registered and health checked and get his flea and worm treated started with us. They have already done that at his home at the moment but want to be prepared here too. Oooooh I just so want them to get along !!!
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Then I would book your kitten check and take him when you're on your way home. :)
I know how excited yet nervous you'll be feeling. We were when we brought Moray home. And by gum we had a tough few days, but looking back now, if I was asked "Were they worth it?" the answer would be a huge and resounding YES!
(And actually, I guess we had it easy - it just felt like a toughie because we were on something of an emotional rolelr-coaster - never the best time to think about effecting introductions, but some folk just have to grasp the nettle with both hands, and I guess that was us!) :shify:
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Did you go through the whole keeping them separated and then introducing smells and then letting them sniff each other before letting them see each other etc? I'm not sure how that is gonna work for us being in quite a small flat. We have the pet tent thing whichll keep Bruno safe while they say hello. Would that be ok?
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We set up the spare bedroom as Moray's "den." That had his litter box and food and water and some toys and a scratching post, all for him. :sneaky:
However, we did allow him to explore straight away under our supervision.
Tinks really didnt like it. He was used to having his big ginger Ross around, and suddenly Ross wasnt there, and then Moray was (we lost Ross to an RTA)
Tinks showed his confusion and unhappiness by scooting off every time he saw Moray, so we began to confine Moray to his room, and give Tinks the run of the house, with only small periods of supervised "contact".
The thing is, Moray was great - he's a very gentle and intuitive cat, wise beyond his not-quite-a-year-yet, and he knew he had to take things very gently with this new friend and in his new home (treading on eggshells as we all were.)
And Tinks has such a big heart and a generous disposition that it wasnt long before he became curious about the play sounds that emanated from the spare bedroom during Moray's "den" times, and he''d sit outside and listen.
It wasnt long after that we were able to introduce the joint play sessions and the joint feeding, and in a total of two to three weeks, Moray had managed to work his way into all our hearts and get close enough to Tinks to actiually - touch - him. :evillaugh:
The only way you'll really be able to tell how it will you for you, Bruno and Bebe is to try it out - your flat is small, so you have to work with what you have, but it should be eminently do-able, so long as you dont try to hurry the process and let the cats set the pace. :) :hug: I think the cat play pen will be a useful tool in that regard.
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Love those pics of them all lined up! :Luv:
When you take bruno for his check I would ask about neutering. Some vets go by weight, some go by age - my vets is 6months, but a lot do it sooner nowadays.
I think the tent is great! you will be able to judge Bebes reaction without being worried about any confrontations.
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Yeah its brilliant. Put it up the other day, took seconds and once you have the idea putting it back down doesn't take long either. It has little doors you can tie up and a roof you can remove. Got pockets in it too.excellent idea for kittens or puppies.
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You put your kittens and puppies in pockets? :evillaugh: :evillaugh: Yeah - gonna have to check her handbag for waifs and strays ladies, she sounds like a serial napper of kittentats and puppydogs, and already has the pockets lined up to pop them in.... ;) :rofl:
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You put your kittens and puppies in pockets? :evillaugh: :evillaugh: Yeah - gonna have to check her handbag for waifs and strays ladies, she sounds like a serial napper of kittentats and puppydogs, and already has the pockets lined up to pop them in.... ;) :rofl:
:) hehe I'd have all the puppies and kittens in the world if I had the money, the time and the space!! But Bruno and Bebe will be all for now and I get a feeling Bruno will be more than enough :)
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I dont blame you - think we all have tendencies in that direction, but Bruno and Bebe are going to be the star turns in your house in a short while. ;D
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Well he's 7 weeks now....look at him :)
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He puts me in mind of our two - he's absolutely lovely. They look very well cared for kittens
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Yeah they are. Plus I reckon they will be bomb proof as the house has two other cats, 2 dogs and about 4 grandkids there 24/7 so they will be use to alsorts. Apparently Bruno is the biggest of the lot, loves his food and enjoys talking a fair bit :)
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:Luv: Sounds just purrfick. :evillaugh:
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Hello all! I'm a newbie here and was after some advice!
I've got a 9 month old neutered male, and have just acquired an 11 week little girl.
It was most definitely not love at first sight! And we've given our little girl Lola her own den in the spare room, I've tied the door open a crack so my older boy Mojo can go and have a look.
It started with a lot of hissing and growling but after a couple days they're batting each other underneath the door and hisses are few and far between. So, I decided to open the door! Little Lola is extremely confident and came immediately charging out causing my boy to run away hissing and growling. So we're now back to the bedroom with the door ajar... Anyone know how/when I can move on and the best way to do it?
My older male was an orphan so has had no interaction with other cats since birth so we knew it would be difficult.
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sounds like you are doing all the right things, maybe just a bit fast, you'll be fine I'm sure - cute picture!
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....Well.....tomorrow we are collecting sir Bruno :)
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NikNakNoo - how exciting! Will be keeping everything crossed and look forward to reports in due course. And piccies too of course. Sending a very gentle ear rub for Bebe so that she doesnt feel left out. :cat rub:
Rachel - what a lovely little girl you have there :) If you read through this thread alone you'll find some hints and tips about introductions which hopefully will be of use, and there are other threads on the forum which will add a few more ideas too. Give us a shout if you cant find them. :) We're always happy to help.
Try not to rush things though - its easy for us to impose our own "wants" on the situation, but given Mojo hasnt had much socialisation with other cats in his relatively short life, he may take a little more time to get used to this interloper on his patch. Be sure to make as much fuss of him in a gentle and understated way as you do of Lola. :Luv:
It would be lovely if you started a thread about Mojo and Lola so we can see how you get on. ;D
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Well he's 7 weeks now....look at him :)
Awwwww how gorgeous is he :blow kiss:
Am getting so excited for you and can't wait to find out how things go. I honestly have a good feeling about it all. Your existing furball sounds adorable and sweet tempered and you have everything planned and in place. Can I just say how impressed I am with the way that you have asked questions and really worked hard to get tips on how to make things easy on both Bebe and then new arrival.
Too many people just go into what is a difficult situation to handle and end up with bad results Well done :)
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Ah well I use to run my own pet care business so I am very much into the welfare of all animals and I think you can never be too prepared ...but thank you and I really hope things go well :)
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Thank you very much - I will start a thread of their own so you can all see how they get on!
Also NikNakNoo - your kittens look beautiful! :Luv: :Luv2:
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Well Bruno is home...Bebe isn't overly impressed sadly. She's growling and hissing but she doesn't go for him. Bruno is very confident and seems very unphased. Should we just let them meet and greet each other??.Will Bebe strike at Bruno??
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He's hone Aunties - yoohoo he's home!! :wow:
Bebe will likely be very suspicious of your little bruiser just now. Might be a good idea to pop him in the playpen, put the carrier down away from him so Bebe can smell that without confronting him directly, and the wait to see what Be be does. Bruno will be busy taking in everything new whilst she checks him out.
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Well he meows constantly in his pen so don't want him being upset. Will she strike him??
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how exciting ;D I think it's perfectly normal for Bebe to hiss and growl. She's just making sure he knows she's the boss and that he knows boundaries. I would keep them separate to begin with and prepare for it to take time. Even though he's a kitten, Bebe will still feel a bit threatened and hissing and growling is her way of communicating and telling him to back off. When I got Mosi Jaffa hissed at him every time he got too close for about a week (except for when they shared a plate of food!).
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Bruno..... :)
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Too much excitement for one day :)
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:Luv: Looks like he's got a definite grin on his face in that last two piccies.
As Susanne says, Bebe will find this all very unsettling to begin with, but I think it's very unlikely she'd strike with malice - at this stage she's just warning him off. So long as she has spaces she can retreat to and survey him from, where he cant get to her, she should be able to find herself a vantage point for watching. He will cry in the pen, because he wants attention, and to be out and about exploring. You can give him that time, but probably better to do that in one room where Bebe isnt around if she's getting too spooked.
I think you mentioned that your flat is quite small and space at a premium. If that's the case, it may be good to get a large-ish cage for Bruno so you can pop him in that after rigorous play and cuddle sessions, and he can have a snooze in peace. Bebe might choose that point to have a bit of a sniff. Or she may just keep away. Let her come round in her own time - trying to rush it may just spook her more.
Bet you're thrilled to bits to have him home with you. :)
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Yeah we are very happy to have him home. Vet checked him all over though couldn't hear his chest because he was purring too much :) we just want Bebe to be okay. Last thing we want is for her to be upset. Bruno is currently fast asleep on my leg and Bebe is in the bedroom with my otherhalf watching a film. She seems okay with him, its just when he gets to close, she states at him and growls and then almost looks like she's stalking him. She doesn't put her ears down or move her tail. She just watches but then when he leaves the room or is busy eating she approaches him to sniff.
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All good signs. :) (I'd just typed a long winded and very wordy post about when Tinks and Moray were introduced, caught a wrong key by mistake and lost the lot, so will take that as a sign I should shut up, and just go "oooooo - Bebe, you have a new playmate!" :hug: )
:rofl:
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Haha oh no I think your help is fantastic ....any advice is gratefully recd. We will try again later. Should we feed them totally separately??
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I would for the first few days, so Bebe can eat without feeling threatened.
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Okay will do. I will hold out for the day that they cuddle each other :)
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I have a solution to all your problems...... give Bruno to me 'cos he is sooooooooooooo adorable :Luv:
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Hehe I'm afraid I'm already very muchly attached to him :)
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Well that was amongst my epic post before. It took about 3 weeks for ours to reach cuddling stage.
Long story short, Tinks used to belong to neighbours. He adored our gorgeous ginger Ross. As Tinks was often locked out of his house overnight during a poor winter, he would sit looking up at ours, wanting to be in. We would hear Ross pawing at the cat flap and meowing for us to let us know his pal was outside and needed to be in (we used to keep Ross in at night during the winter as he wasn't a year old himself). We'd get up, unlock everything, put the alarm off, bring Tinks in and then lock up again and go back to bed - often at 2 or 3 in the morning. :tired:
Tinks and Ross were about two months apart in age.
As a consequence Tinks really wanted to move in with us, but we used to keep toting him "home" with monotonous regularity and with a heavy heart, but as soon as he was allowed out again, he'd make a beeline for our house, and Ross, his cuddle partner.
When Ross was killed, we were devastated. He was the second cat we'd lost in the space of 18 months - both to road traffic accidents.
We hurtled into adopting Moray. I had huge misgivings at the time, but we were all pining for Ross, and for my husband's peace of mind, we gave it a whirl. We got Moray from a rescue - he'd been abandoned with his sister in an empty flat, no food or water for 5 days before he was handed over by the former occupant's parents.
When we brought him home, Tinks was horrified. He ran away and hid. He spent loads of time outside, and although he didnt hiss or growl much at Moray, he was clearly upset. he wouldnt let us touch him, and he would quite deliberately turn his back on us when he caught our eye. Face it, in his world, he'd lost his best buddy, things were weird, and then this - this thing came home with us!
When I came home from work at the end of the second day it was to find my husband distraught at the front door, telling me that Moray would have to go back to the rescue, and he wasnt going to risk Tinks leaving us . I was absolutely gutted - having been unsure about rushing into an adoption anyway, I'd gone with it, and now felt that we were treating Moray like a parcel - "return to sender." Now, I should just say that my OH and I have been together 30+ years, and have previously ended up taking in animals that had problems, that had been "given up on" - mainly dogs with confidence issues. We'd never given up on one, and I didnt relish the prospect of starting then.
Well, we sat down, and after a huge battle of wills, I persuaded (shamed? bullied?) my OH to let me try things my way, and so "Moray's den" was set up, and we took things at a slower pace with Tinks being given the run of the house, and Moray being confined to barracks save for supervised play sessions.
After a few days, and in spite of himself, Tinks found his curiousity getting the better of him. And of course, he'd made his choice months before. He liked living with us. Yes, Ross was gone, but all in all, he still liked living with us. And he wasnt gonna let some usurper interfere with this rather cushy little gaffe he'd got. ;)
Thankfully his former owners were very kind, and knowing we'd lost Ross - and I guess acknowledging they'd already really "lost" Tinks, said we could formally adopt him from them. (They now have two new cats, who are delightful, and who are happy with their little girl, whereas Tinks has always hated being picked up, which we think was mainly the difficulty - that and the fact he couldnt get shelter during the night)
I wont deny in that first week I wept buckets, but am so grateful that my husband eventually gave in and let me give things a try my way. The days that followed weren't always smooth, and weren't always easy, but by reassuring Tinks that he was still Number 1 Big Boss Cat and that Moray was actually quite a good egg given half a chance - had a bad start in life and needed a buddy ;) he gradually came round.
I remain incredibly grateful to all of the support, help and advice I received, not least of which from Pav - who had undergone a similar thing herself not that long before we ended up in the same position, and Liz (who persuaded me to "man up") and Sheila, Rosella, Gill and Susanne who were there for me through my less confident moments. So many lovely people besides those I've mentioned, who encouraged me, put up with me and made me smile through the tears and the hard stuff.
It might not be easy is what I'm trying to say (I cried buckets!) but try not to pre-judge the outcome, and try not to hurry things, keen though you'll be to have them integrate.
The time will come, and when it does, you'll feel sooooo happy. It may come sooner, it may come later, but it will come, I'm sure of it. :) :hug:
Ms Purrfect - think there could be a fight on your hands there! :evillaugh:
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More hehe :)
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Aaaand
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:evillaugh: :wow: :wow: :wow: Look at those little black lips - so kissable, especially with that charming little grin. :Luv2:
You're a very good mummy, letting us all share your photos and your first day of Bruno being home. :Luv:
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Awww Sue P that post had me crying an smiling at the same time. Having lost a cat myself I can really understand and feel your pain :hug:
I can remember when I got our youngest, Ollie, my George was not happy at all. Milly took the new arrival in her stride. We just let George have a place he could go and get out of the way and "sulk" and when I say sulk I mean sulk. I love all my furbabies very much but George and I have such a strong and special bond it is hard to describe. However he stopped purring at me and turned his back on me just in case I hadn't got the message that he was not happy. It sounds silly but the amount of times it made me cry to think George didn't love me anymore.
At the same time my little Olliebobs had stolen my heart as well so it was a real mixture of emotions.
Well, to cut a long story short it was just like Sue P said, George's curiosity got the better of him. He was hiding upstairs in our bedroom but kept coming downstairs. The first couple of times as soon as he saw Ollie was still there he stormed back upstairs in disgust. Then he came down and walked past Ollie, looking but pretending he was not interested. Eventually when Ollie had fallen asleep and George came downstairs, George ventured closer to get a sniff. I should say now that George is a proper scaredy cat so it was quite amusing to watch him. It was obvious he wanted to investigate but was scared of this little bundle of excess energy that kept having mad half hours all over.
It only took about three days for George to stay downstairs for longer periods of time and then to eventually stop running off. George and Milly are the best of friends and snuggle up all of the time. I am pleased to say that now Milly is indifferent and George tolerates Ollie quite nice. Ollie is occasionally even allowed to join in the snuggles on the odd occasion he flops down to recharge is batteries. However he does seems to prefer my knee to fall asleep on if it is available ;)
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: That's exactly it Mrs Purrfect - just as you describe with George and Ollie! And I so know what you mean - Tinks would quite deliberately catch our eye and then turn his back. I hurt so much thinking he no longer loved us, but of course that's exactly what he was wondering about us. He needed to be persuaded otherwise.
Am so pleased Ollie and Milly and George all get to spend cuddle time together now, and NikNakNoo, I hope these tales will inspire you, and keep you going if you get wobbles and doubts. :)
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HELP...He just peed in his den....I've shown him the cat litter tray but he doesn't seem interested any ideas?
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He's now growling in response to Bebe growling :(
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When he peed in his pen, was he able to get out? If not, he may just have been caught short. If he was able to get out, it may be a territorial marking issue if he felt threatened by Bebe. He would have been trying to reassure himself that he had a bit of turf that was his own, so marking it made him feel that bit more in control.
You need to wash the area down with some biological washing powder dissolved in warm water, and dry with a clean cloth or kitchen towel, to discourage a repeat performance.
Dont be discouraged - this is his first day, and both he and Bebe need time to settle to the new arrangement. Remember what we said, and much as you want to hasten things along, this has to happen in the cats' own time. If you get stressed, the cats will pick up on it, and react by being further stressed.
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I think he couldn't work out how to get out. He's since pood and peed twice in the litter tray but only because I've been watching him like a hawk to notice the signs of him wanting to go. Bebe has gone to bed now and Hes curled up with my otherhalf and sleeping. Not sure what to do about bedtime tonight. We let Bebe wonder at night and sleep whenever but not sure what to do tonight....suggestions please? We aren't pushing them together just letting them Bebe. Bebe is okay as long as he's asleep and still :)
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Sounds very much like it was an accident then and nothing to fret over.
Dont forget, Bruno may be the biggest of his litter, but he's still just a baby, and everything is very new now he's away from his littermates. It must be quite scary and a bit unnerving I imagine.
Does Bebe normally sleep with you? If so, I wouldnt change that for now.
What we did (Tinks sleeps on the bottom of our bed) was confine Moray to his den for sleeps. If he woke in the night (which he did) I would nudge OH and he would go in to sleep with the little un. At weekends we'd swap and I would go in and sleep with the little un. :Luv: This went on for a fortnight, until they were much more accepting of each other, when we just left the den door open, and inevitably Moray would wake up and come jaunting in at some ungodly hour in the morning looking for a cuddle (which we then always gave him). Tinks soon compromised on sharing the bed.
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Ok think we will do that then. Just unsure what to do about litter....cos there's not enough room in his den to put his trey. I know must remember he's only been here a few hours and its all new for him
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It's going to be strange for all of your at first. :hug: :hug: It's like taking a new child into the family. Neither he nor Bebe know what your intentions are, or what to expect. You have to show them, very clearly.
Positions and thought processes have to alter and shift to accommodate the newbie.
But it can, and will smooth down. :hug:
The little feller must know where to access his tray. I'd suggest popping him on the tray after a vigorous play session before you go to bed tonight. That way he'll know where to find it after dark. If you can find room for a tray in his den, then I would definitely try to put one in there, even if it means taking his food and water away.
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I would definitely let Bebe sleep with you and try and confine Bruno. To my way of thinking you want to try and keep things as normal as possible for Bebe and give her the reassurance she's not being replaced.
I know it is easy to say but try not to worry too much. It is bound to be unsettling at first. Marking territory is a natural thing for him to do as he is in a strange place and can also smell a strange cat.
It is very early days yet and we're all routing for things to go well
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Yeah we were just saying it might be worth while popping one in his den. He's zonked still fast asleep. I guess we just see how he gets on. :)
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Have had enough Eurovision now, so off to bed shortly, but hoping that you will have a relatively undisturbed night. You're embarking on an adventure right now. Some days will be more rewarding than others, but the "kids" are relying on you to help make things as comforting and as "normal" as can be - if that means some sleepless nights, so be it.
Personally, am a bit of an insomniac, but one of the greatest pleasures in life for me, is lying in bed at night, cuddling one or other of our cats, and knowing they're close and safe and happy. When that happens, I can shrug off whatever's bugging me and just enjoy the moment.
Sending shedloads of positive vibes for you, your OH, Bebe and Bruno.
(I used to tell Moray fair stories to lull him off to sleep - his "favourite" was The Pied Piper of Hamlyn. ;) :hug:)
In case you can't remember :evillaugh:
"Rats!
They fought the dogs and killed the cats,
And bit the babies in the cradles,
And ate the cheeses out of the vats,
And licked the soup from the cooks' own ladles,
Split open the kegs of salted sprats,
Made nests inside men's Sunday hats,
And even spoiled the women's chats,
By drowning their speaking
With shrieking and squeaking
In fifty different sharps and flats."
My sister at this point would be vociferously defending the rights of rats (as a family we've always had rats that we looked after!) and I wouldnt be far behind - I endeavoured to teach Moray morals, but I'm afraid he sees all rodents as fair game...... :shify: Still, as fairy stories go, it worked quite well with Moray. His other favourite was the tale of Baba Yaga (or Hansel & Gretel, depending whether or not you do Brothers Grimm.... ;) followed by Rumpelstiltskin) :evillaugh: Look, we're crazy cat ladies, yes? We can take fairy stories in our stride......
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Night night Bruno, Bebe, NikNakNoo, and NikNakNooManDo. Sleep well, and enjoy the moment. All will be well, and all will be well, and all will be well.....
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::) thank you. I'm sure all will be okay. It's only his first night and the first night of Bebe knowing her little brother.
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Well this is Bruno's den for the night, think it's ok??
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Well the den didn't work. He has cried so much. Took him into the bedroom and Bebe was not happy so me and Bruno are now on the sofa with the duvet while otherhalf and Bebe have the lovely comfy bed. What we do for our pets hey!!!
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Yup. :) :hug:
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Did he settle when you slept on the sofa? ("Slept" was a bit of a euphemism there, sorry :evillaugh:)
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Yes he did. He woke me up a few times but soon settled again though the last time he curled right into me and started licking my hand only to then bite me very hard. I took my hand away and didn't stroke him any further. Hes doing the same this morning too...wanting to lick my hand to then bite me. It's not nibbling or play biting he's proper munching down on my hand, why??
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Moray still does that to us too, although in all honesty he doesnt bite hard - I'd describe it more as taking hold, and he sometimes falls asleep like that. It's part of what they do with littermates, but with humans it can hurt.
The best way to deal with it is just as you have - when he bites, remove your hand or gently but firmly push his face away from you, saying "No". You dont have to shout, but make sure you're firm about it.
If the biting persists, it may be a good idea to keep a soft toy handy, and when he starts licking, present the toy for the licky attention instead.
Ross used to fall asleep suckling on my earlobe. I'd never had a cat did that before him, and he largely grew out of it as he got older, but we did have another cat who loved nothing better than to suckle on a woolly jumper if you were wearing one. She'd reduce it to felt :evillaugh:
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Wow think I've got a lot to learn about my new small friend. Thanks sue. Hes currently fast asleep under the duvet next to me. Hes had some food earlier so obviously nap time. I'll try and get some more pics later. Wonder how Bebe will feel about her new brother today!
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I agree that weeing in the den was just him being caught short. He is very young and although me might have learned how to use the tray it's not unexpected that there will be the odd accident, especially if he wasn't sure how to get out.
I suspect he will be missing the company of his siblings at night. They probably all curled up together. Can you give him something warm to cuddle up to? Or even just a cuddly toy?
I totally agree with the taking things slowly approach, and trying to rush things can be counter productive BUT I'm afraid I just put Jaffa and Mosi together and let them sort it out! I knew Jaffa was a gentle cat who might hiss etc if things got a bit much but would not hurt Mosi in any physical way and I knew that Mosi was a bit of a bolshy character that would not be too upset by anything Jaffa might do. So... I got home with Mosi about 2pm and for the next 6 hours I kept him in the living room/kitchen getting him used to where the tray was etc and playing with him. Jaffa was shut in the bedroom with litter tray etc. and I kept going in there to fuss him. About 8pm I felt a little reckless so picked up Mosi and carried him into the bedroom to see how Jaffa would react. He hissed but I just put Mosi down on the bed to see what happened. He approached Jaffa and hissed (the only time I have ever heard him hiss) and Jaffa hissed back any time Mosi got too close. But I left them to it and apart from a bit of hissing on Jaffa's part they were ok. That night, Jaffa slept one side of the bed and I cuddled Mosi in the other - Mosi slept under my chin and I lay with my body between the two of them. I rubbed baby powder into Mosi's fur to reduce his scent. Both slept the night happily like that. The breeder had advised sleeping with Mosi as he would miss his siblings etc (he had 3 siblings plus there were 3 other adult cats in the house in addition to mum so he was used to other furry beings around to cuddle up to!).
This was lunchtime the following day. They went back to Jaffa hissing as soon as they had finished but hostilities were suspended whilst they licked a plate of tomato sauce (from baked beans)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/urbantigers/croppedkits0001.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/urbantigers/media/croppedkits0001.jpg.html)
And this was a few days later
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y43/urbantigers/MosiJaffaonbed.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/urbantigers/media/MosiJaffaonbed.jpg.html)
Not quite as cosy at they look as it was basically Mosi choosing to lie next to Jaffa and Jaffa tolerating it as long as Mosi didn't get too fresh with him!
As I have limited space I was hoping to not have to keep them separate for long as it would have proved challenging.
I have to admit my approach to introducing cats (especially when one or more is a kitten) is to just let them get on with it as long as neither is getting physically hurt or appearing to be distressed. Doesn't work for all introductions and I'm not exactly experienced at introducing cats, but I would do the same again and only do the gradual thing if it wasn't working. Bebe will have her nose put out of joint and she will feel the need to make sure Bruno knows his place.
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Well this morning Bebe has hissed but when Bruno was on our bed having a quiet moment with his back to Bebe, she lifted herself on to the bed and sniffed brunos back very closely and then walked away. Good sign??
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Definitely a good sign - she feels brave enough to check him out at close (hind) quarters.
Susanne, its lovely to see those piccies of Jaffa and Mosi "the early days" :Luv: And also good to know that the direct approached worked just as effectively with the boys.
When we had Paddy and Flynn (Flynn being the new addition) we left them to get on with it, and to a degree it worked, except for the fact Paddy began to spend more and more time outdoors than he did indoors because he wasn't at all happy. He tolerated Flynn, but Flynn adored Paddy, and Paddy didnt seem able to cope with that adoration in their relationship. :doh: Flynn would even catch two mice - one for him and one for Paddy, and that threw Paddy into complete confusion and panic. I mean he could catch his own, it was just he didnt want to. :shify: It put him under pressure, and he wasnt a competitive cat bless him. When we lost Flynn, Paddy was much happier being an only cat, and yet in his later years, he adapted well when we looked after young kittens for family and for neighbours, even when that meant they were staying with us. By that time he was just more curious, and a little more avuncular in his approach.
Cats are funny, complex, fascinating creatures for sure.
Looking at Mosi and Jaffa again, their colouring was almost identical at that stage. :)
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It is definitely a good sign that Bebe is showing an interest. As Sue P has said, cats are all different and complex. I really didn't have a set timescale or plan to introduce the new member of the Purrfect bunch. I got as much advice and information as I could and had a plan as to how to keep Ollie separate from the others for a while but that was about it. No pressure on us because things weren't progressing according to plan and no pressure on the furbabies either.
Ollie is a very outgoing cat and had soon got used to his surroundings. We just let the other two in the same room as Ollie, ready to step in if things got nasty. We pretty much watched to see how things panned out. I was very lucky as Milly just looked, sniffed and walked away. Ollie looked startled did the wide eyed ears back thing but didn't move. George hissed and growled but it was all show, as soon as Ollie gave a hiss back my big brave George backed off and ran upstairs. There was no real fighting or anything and no sign from either of the older two that this would happen. For the first two days we would separate them if we were going out for any length of time at all and in an evening.
Try not to read too much into things and get anxious. Just enjoy your new baby and let things take their course. You're doing a great job :)
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It was going all so well....see photo. No hissing and growling but then we'll we gave both a treat as they were sitting quite close to each other and then Bruno put a paw out to take bebes and then Bruno was the one who start hissing and almost causing a full on fight. We managed to stop it but...did we go too fast ? Bruno loves food, can they be protective over food like dogs can be??
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Definately :evillaugh:
Misa will push the others out of the way to take the food he wants, sometimes Sasa will sneak back in but he gets away with it cos he is biggest I think.
Napoleon used to do the same with his brother and in the end I had to pick him up and let Ducha get to the food and then put Napoleon down behind where he would sit and wait. He then used to let Ducha ewat first while he sat behind........so polite these two birmans.
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Well there have been moments of progress, glimmers but mostly still a load of hissing and growling. It's odd though as Bebe is the one who seems more keen to be "nice" to the new arrival. Bruno is the one who is now hissing before Bruno and then Bebe is backing down and retreating. Seems strange as he's so young and small, any ideas??
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Of he initiates the first hissing, you could pick him up and pop him in his play pen and ignore him if he cries. If he associates the hissing with being confined to barracks as it were, then he may learn it's not a good thing.
I still dont think that's such bad progress - the photo shows Bebe seems more interested in him than anything else, and Bruno just needs to mind his manners.
How have they been overnight? Were you back on the sofa?
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No not tonight. Bruno slept under the duvet with me and Bebe slept in her bed next to our bed as normal. Bruno does seem confused about using the litter tray. He meows so I take him to the tray and he goes but earlier he walked into the bathroom, walked straight pass the tray and found a corner and started pawing like they do in the tray so I picked him up and popped him in the tray and he weed.
This morning they have been very close together but Bebe hissed and Bruno ran away ....but Bebe seems interested in sniffing the little intruder. Bruno wants to play as well. Its like they both want to be friends but feel they must go through putting on a show just for a little while. Silly cats :) Bruno is now back under the duvet asleep while Bebe is eating breakfast in peace
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Hard work being cute and having breakfast......
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It's all sounding pretty good really - especially the snuggling under the duvet, with Bebeunphased by his presence in the bedroom with you (I do enjoy little snuggles under the duvet with Moray sometimes, but I have to hold the bedclothes up to make a little "tent" and then my arm gets tired and goes to sleep :evillaugh: so Moray scrambles out.)
Thoughts occur to me with regard to the litter tray. Bruno may not want to share the tray with Bebe. The ratio of trays to cats is generally one tray plus one for each cat, but I appreciate that not everyone has room for that amount of litter trays!
We only have the one tray between the two boys, but then there's only really Moray who still occasionally uses his tray, because they both seem to prefer going outside now. Tinks has nver used the tray.
Bruno may not like the design of the tray if it's higher or lower, larger or smaller than he's used to, or he may not like the type of litter you have if its different to what he's used to.
It's good that he knows where to find the tray, and clearly he's being very instinctual in that respect. I'd keep an eye on him, and repeat what you did this time and see if that helps.
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:Luv: :Luv: :Luv:
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I think things sound very postive. there are always moments in the first few days of introducing cats when you think "what the **** have I done?" (right, Sue? ;) ). If Bruno is hissing I think that is just kitten bravado. He sounds like he was probably the bossy one in his litter ;D and is trying to throw his, not so very great, weight around. If he'd stayed with his mum and siblings longer, they probably would have put him in his place. It will be up to Bebe to do that or accept him as the more dominant cat which will require a change in the dynamics but it won't necessarily mean she is unhappy. She may be happy to accept that. Or she may assert her authority and tell him to stop trying to be a grown up cos he's only a teeny weeny kitten (albeit a very cute teeny weeny kitten :Luv:). If he over steps the mark you could try tapping him on the nose and saying no or hissing at him like his mum would do.
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Spot on, Susanne. :evillaugh: :hug: :hug:
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Yes Bruno was he boss in his litter. He was the biggest and we saw him pushing his litter mates out of the way when he was a baby to get to the milk. He is such a confident little kitten, throws himself around everywhere, jumping, climbing...he isn't scared of much apart from the Hoover :)
We've had some progress again this morning. Bebe approached him but he hissed so we told him off. He then decided to approach here (see photos). She only hissed at him and carried on cleaning. They are now kind of following each other around but when noticing one or the other they hiss but then carry on. They clean near each other and fall asleep close to each other. I don't think there's much stress. They just need to stop acting all tough!! :)
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...spoke too soon. They literally touched noses but then Bebe hissed and hit Bruno on the face. No claws. Just a heavy whack.
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That's fine - she's just trying to teach him some respect for his elder. He can take a bit of rough and tumble.
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That's fine - she's just trying to teach him some respect for his elder. He can take a bit of rough and tumble.
Oh okay, that's good. I don't want either of them getting hurt. Give me two grumpy dogs any day. I understand that haha but cats, they are a whole other ball game...but it's all learning :)
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Good for Bebe! :evillaugh:
Mosi was the same in that he was the most dominant one in his litter and I was warned he might turn out to be a bit of a handful!
I would just let them sort it out, keeping an eye on them to make sure no-one gets hurt. Mosi used to want to play and Jaffa was happy to chase him but being so much bigger he always won of course and would pin Mosi to the ground. He never physically hurt him though - he was just asserting his position as boss cat so I let him (ok, I actively encouraged him! :naughty:).
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I think it's safe to say Bruno is most certainly a confident handful. He's literally spending the whole morning finding different things to Chuck himself off of. And then running around at a million miles an hour. Bebe is watching him from the comfort of her sofa laying in the sun wondering what all the excitement is about :)
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Because he already has my heart.... :)
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That little nose is just too cute. :Luv:
Glad that Bebe is letting him run around and exhausting himself - he's much more likely to give her some peace then when he's snoozing. ;)
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Another, sorry ..... Fast asleep :Luv2: :Luv:
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:evillaugh: :evillaugh: Such innocence......
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Okay, one more for today....
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That's a happy little cat. :Luv:
Sending a gentle ear rub for Bebe too. :)
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Bruno is a total sweetheart! It sounds as if things are actually going really well, we've had Cleo for nearly a year and she and Alfs don't get on that well yet!
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Bruno is a total sweetheart! It sounds as if things are actually going really well, we've had Cleo for nearly a year and she and Alfs don't get on that well yet!
If you remove 'sweetheart' and replace with cheeky monkey you'd have it spot on hehe :) they will quite happily sit near each other and groom and snooze so that's a good sign. Bruno is getting brave bcos now he will tap Bebe with this paw before getting hissed at :)
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It took almost 3 weeks for Moray to stealthily wangle himself to touching distance with his new big Bruvver. :)
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:) well we had progress again. They have both eaten and Bebe was stretching out with her claws on the sofa and Bruno came flying in and jumped at the sofa and Bebe didnt hiss or swipe at him in a mean way, just playful. Then she ran and Bruno chased and then they hissed slightly. Now Bruno is following her around like a shadow.....yay
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:) :) :) This is all sounding very encouraging. Feeling a bit more relaxed? :hug:
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Okay, one more for today....
Awww :Luv: That is one very relaxed kitty. From what I have heard and read for a cat to look so happy and relaxed (he's practically smiling) they have to feel really secure and trust you.
You are sooooo getting there x
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Well Bebe is rather taken with little Bruno this evening. She is being very playful, chatting away and trying to get closer to him but Bruno is still hissing more often then not? Why is he doing that? You can tell Bebe isn't being threatening or aggressive....Just playful. Do you think it could be because Bruno is use to playing with kittens and not adult cats?
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Well have just been woken by the little man running out from under the duvet and giving one loud meow before exploding poo all over the duvet and himself :( it was a lot of liquid poo!!! Poor little man. So Hes had a bath much to his dislike. He seems fine in himself. I think he may of had some of Bebes food....this could be the cause? I think he was still asleep when he pooed. Guessing chicken and rice for a day or two??
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oh bless. Are you feeding him the same as he was on before he came to you? I think sometimes a new environment can cause a bit of an upset tummy so hopefully it will settle down. A bland diet until he's done a normal poo sounds like a good idea.
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Yes we are feeding him the same but he's taken to bebes kibble and meat so trying to stop him eating that. (Currently they are chasing each other around :) ) he's been a little sick this morning too with another two very soft poos. I think a trip to the vet maybe in order......poor little mite
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If you can make sure he is getting lots to drink as kittens can get dehydrated quicker than adult cats if they have the runs and sickness. Hugs to Bruno
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That's the thing, I've not seen him drink since being here. I popped some kibble in some water and he licked that but otherwise Hes not drinking. He kind of looks like he doesn't know how. He shoved his head in too far and scares himself or doesn't seem to realise the water is for drinking.
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I have another question....sorry...
Any ideas why Bebe isn't eating? She loves her food normally but since getting Bruno she really hasn't eaten much.
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For only 4 days I think things are going well.......
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...and another
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And last one cos it's so cute.... This is do you think I'm cute pose..
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I wonder if he isn't drinking because he's been used to getting milk from his Mum so hasn't really needed to drink water. They will carry on getting milk from their Mum for months if they can. Maybe try him with some cat milk.
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Oh yes, he's cute alright. ;)
As long as he has a ready supply of fresh water then the chances are, he'll drink when he's ready. You could try moving his water away from the food dishes, as sometimes cats prefer their water to be sited elsewhere. You could also let him explore a gently running tap, under supervision, to see if he likes that.
I know we hardly ever see Tinks or Moray drink (and when we do its inevitably out of the pond, and not the wonderful cat fountain we bought them :evillaugh:) Has the tummy situation calmed down? You can check to see if he's dehydrated by pinching the skin gently at the scruff of his neck and looking to see how quickly or slowly it subsides. If they're dehydrated, skin takes longer to return to normal. It's possible if he has an upset tum that he needs some water, but the cat milk suggestion is a good one, and if his poo problem has eased, I would just keep an eye on the situation to make sure it doesnt recur.
It's easy to forget that whilst we're having so much fun watching our new cat and existing cat interact, it's an enormous change for new cat - change of home, change of food, change of care-giver, change of cat companions. As kittens they tend to take much of it in their stride with the right encouragement, and I think you're very good at keeping an eye on things and offering that encouragement, so keep up the good work.
Bebe's such a lovely cat, isn't she? She seems to be taking Bruno very much as she finds him, and is interested in him, as a new companion. ;D
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Awww lovely pics. Looks like it's going really well ;D
He will drink when he's ready. Sorry I've forgotten what you are feeding him - does he have wet food? You could add a bit of water to that if you're concerned he's not getting enough water but unless he's dehydrated I wouldn't worry.
Are you feeding Bebe near Bruno? Perhaps a few special treats for her when he's not looking?
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Yes sadly Bruno still has an upset tummy. His no2's are almost water and very gray in colour. He seems totally fine in himself though. I fed him chicken and rice yesterday but hasn't seemed to have made any difference. As for Bebe she's still not eating. I've tried feeding her in a different room, tried closing the door and letting her eat in her normal spot. I've tried warming her food, tried adding her fav treats but nothing. She does all the "I'm hungry please feed me" signs but as soon as the food is put down she sniffs it and walks off.
On a separate note, that had a brilliant time playing yesterday evening. She likes Bruno chasing her and then she chases him...bops him on his head a few times then hides behind the sofa. She seems totally unphased by it all apart from not eating. We are a bit worried :(
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Did you take Bruno to the vet and if so what did he say?
How old is Bebe?
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Hi
Yes I did take him to the vet (I have posted about it in another thread) but as a short update....basically vet said she couldn't see any crystals in his wee but all the signs are there that he could have a slight urinary infection so he's got some antibiotics to take for 6 days which he is. I've got him on RC sensitive meat now and his no2's seem a lot better. The vet said he hasn't put on as much weight but he's a big boy for his age anyways so she wasn't overly concerned.
Bebe is 2 (we think), we rehomed her from a girl who didn't want her anymore. They are getting on great now. We are nearly settled on the food situation. She's eating more then she was. One thing we have noticed is that is Bruno has food in his mouth and you go to stroke him, he growls. He will also growl and Bebe if she comes too close whilst he's eating. Hes never done it to me, just my otherhalf and Bebe. I am hoping it's something he just grows out of.
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maybe its me but thought you said he had diahrea sp? What did the vet say about that? ThaTS WHAT NEEDS TO BE SORTED OUT ASAP...........sorry caps lock came on..........sigh
If Bebe is 2ish then would let her sort out her feeding, she will eat when she is hungry and would let them eat together.
4 days is nothing and seems they like each other.
Has he been wormed? Sorry dontg know if its too young.
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Aw - cant see the piccie on me work poota for some reason, but glad to hear that the vet visit went relatively uneventfully and hoping that he's improving all round
Seems like he's quite protective of his food, although to be honest, I tend to give ours their food and leave them in peace to eat it, as many cats dont like to be fussed whilst they're eating. Thinking about it, I guess I don't much either :evillaugh:
If the aggression towards Bebe persists or gets worse, you could try taking them back to eating either side of a closed door to see if that eases the situation, then gradually leaving the door a little ajar - maybe give it a week or so to see how it goes. If that doesnt work, then either feed them separately, or put them at either side of the room.
Am pleased bebe seems to be eating more again. :)
Aside from his tummy trouble (which I hope can be sorted very soon) and the slightly anti-social food situation, they do seem to be getting on very well.
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I've got him on RC sensitive meat now and his no2's seem a lot better.
That's great to hear :) Always a worry with young uns ....
Beautiful pic :Luv2: :Luv2: :Luv2:
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maybe its me but thought you said he had diahrea sp? What did the vet say about that? ThaTS WHAT NEEDS TO BE SORTED OUT ASAP...........sorry caps lock came on..........sigh
If Bebe is 2ish then would let her sort out her feeding, she will eat when she is hungry and would let them eat together.
4 days is nothing and seems they like each other.
Has he been wormed? Sorry dontg know if its too young.
Yeah that's all much better. It was all part of his infection. So as I said with the meds and the new food he's doing good :)
Sue - they are getting on so well. Bebe is very good with him. I agree, I think he just doesn't like being bothered when he's eating which I don't blame him for. He just loves his food. One question though, how often does the little man need worming? Hes 9 weeks on Friday. :)
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This might be of interest ...
http://www.vets4pets.com/pet-advice/cat-advice/kitten-advice/worming-your-kitten/
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Worming advice varies depending on the cat's age, lifestyle and the product you choose, and generally worming for indoor cats is less frequent than for outdoor cats.
We do ours (roughly) every 3 months, but they have full outdoor access and do catch rodents. At the moment we use Drontal or Panacur and have used another, the name of which escapes me but which we got from the vet when we had Ross.
I could see the piccie this time! :wow: Bebe has very rich tabby markings, hasn't she. So lovely to see her and young Bruno enjoying each other's company :)
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Things are looking up then ;D
Mine are outdoor/indoor cats and they just get wormed once a year at annual check. Misa gets a mini pill and the other two spot ons...........Lupin is like rottweiller and Sasa is still a terrified semi feral.
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Yes Bebe is beautiful. She is such a lovely patient cat. Not once has she bitten or used her claws. She just meows when she's had enough of being picked up :) other than the first 3 days of hissing at Bruno she has taken him in her stride. She even tried cleaning him this morning.
Bruno I think was wormed at 2 and 7 weeks old using Panacur cream. I will check with the vet and see if we need to do it again now.
Got another hurdle coming up, we are moving home. Hopefully they both just again take it in their stride but will wait and see.
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I suspect that no further worming is needed then.
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How soon will it be for your move, do you know yet? How exciting! :)
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What a lovely photo! Bebe looks very relaxed ;D
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We move at the start of July. The cats will have more room as its a bigger place. and yeah Bebe is relaxed about most things apart from having her claws trimmed :)
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Here are some more photos of Bebe. They were a lot bigger but due to the size limit I can upload I've cut them down. She's so pretty :)
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She's a real stunner, isn't she? I love the nuances of colour in her coat, especially where the sun shines on them. She's a very photogenic cat. :Luv2:
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Yeah she is and has the personality to match. The only thing is she doesn't like sitting on your lap or next to you. She's rather independent little girl. ....but still lovely.
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That's never been a problem in my book - Tinks isn't a great lap cat, and hates being picked up, but he's nontheless very affectionate in his own way. The Padster was very similar - liked to sit next to you, but you had to be still, and not make too much of a fuss. :shy: Mac and Ross were, and Moray is, all shameless snoozlers, and I love that too - their terms are just fine by me. :Luv:
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Yeah we don't mind either. Like you say affectionate in their own was :) I have a feeling Mr Bruno will always be a under duvet snuggler!! :) he likes his comfort too much
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I think if they learn young to be lap cats or snugglers it stays with them..............I dont have any now although Misa has come back to being a lying in bed next to me and demands strokes. When he thinks I have dozed off he leaves.
Bebe is beuatiful ;D ;D
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How are Bruno and Bebe this morning?
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How are Bruno and Bebe this morning?
They are very well. Bruno slept under the duvet all night. Woke to him nibbling my ankle and Bebe slept in her bed. Think they both want feeding now tho :) fav time of the time for them. Bebe is eating quite happily again now which is great.
One thing we've noticed is that Bruno so wants to play with Bebe. He follows her, hides and jumps out at her, wiggles at her but Bebe just doesn't respond. Poor Bruno, feel sorry for him :) sometimes Bebe will take part in some chasing but that's it. She tends to just bop him on the head a few times. I guess maybe they are still bonding and Bebe is quite a solitary cat I think anyway.
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Oh they'll definitely still be bonding - I would say that it took Moray and Tinks around 4 months in total, and for now Bruno will still be very "full on" whereas, being an adult cat, Bebe will be less so - however, the fact that she engages in play with Bruno - including the bopping onna head bit - is very much a sign of her acceptance of him. :)
Remember to give them both shared playtime too, and it's more likely that Bebe will join in. Our two still love time with the Flying Frenzy toy, although they dont ask for it in the way they did when Moray was only three or four months old. When they stop asking, we still have to remember to offer it - cats love that you think of them, and think of ways to enrich their lives. :)
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Yeah I think she is okay with him being here. It's very cute when they touch noses :) Bruno is a top kitten and Bebe is such a lovely girl so I'm glad they are getting a long for the most part. I just hope they are okay when we move. That's the next big hurdle.
Is there anyway of stopping Bruno biting? He loves playing with hands and chewing on fingers and picks that over playing with toys. It was ok when he first arrived but now it's getting harder. Also...he chases his tail a lot...Bebe just looks at him like Hes crazy :)
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they grow out of the biting don't worry
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they grow out of the biting don't worry
Yup, they do. You can discourage it by gently pushing his face away, or by disengaging his claws and removing your hand, offering him the toy instead.
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Sounds as if things are going well ;D
Alfie (who is 2.5) would so love Cleo to play but, being older (around 12), she is just not interested. She is very 'people orientated' and simply doesn't want a cat friend. Poor Alfie!
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Question.....generally Bebe and Bruno live fairly happily together considering they've only been together two weeks or so. But last night and this evening we heard hissing and when we checked Bruno was lying on his back, belly up and paws apart and Bebe was swiping at him even though he was no threat. Brunos ears were back and he look scared. Was Bebe being aggressive? Was Bruno giving off subtle signs to provoke Bebe??
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Because he's so handsome...
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He is ;D ;D
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Butter wouldn't melt...... :Luv2:
NikNakNoo - relax. They're still setting groundrules and tolerances between themselves. Am quite sure Bruno is more than capable of sticking up for himself, and probably did something quite cheeky in comparison that you didnt see.
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I hope so. Bebe and Bruno were having great fun this morning running round like loons :) I wanted to share some photos of the little man, this is the face which greeted me when I woke this morning.....
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Now that little face could greet me any day of the week! :Luv: There's something about the sight of a little pink nose just waiting to be kissed..... :)
Is so good to hear that they've been having a daft half hour together, as it sounds like Bruno's tummy troubles are settling down, and Bebe is not wanting for lack of food (or company :evillaugh:)
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Nope Bebe most def has her love of food back...little miss piggy :)
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Nope Bebe most def has her love of food back...little miss piggy :)
;D ;D
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How lovely to wake up to that gawjus little lad!
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Awwwww - nuff said :Luv:
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...I thought I'd carry on with this thread as its all Bruno behaviour related. What I was wondering was as kittens get older do they change levels and ways of showing affection?? Their ability to show affection, does it change with age??
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As they get older they do like a little more independence but have to say my boys are still coming for Mummy cuddles and to sit on my knee ranging from 13 down to the Bengallys at 7 months and I have my limpets in Sergai and the Boris
Even some of my ferals come for cuddles and to sit on my knee and purr up a storm in fact mine have me on a rota basis I have my daytime and my night time kids then theres the come to bed crew
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One of the things I noticed with mine is how quickly they get their personalities. They do change a bit but Buffy always loved a cuddle. She'd be happy cuddling you all day. Xander was never that keen, he's friendly and likes being stroked but has never really liked being picked up. They were like this a 6 weeks old and are the same at 3 years. Buffy still comes on the bed and pesters me but not quite as much as when she was a kitten.
I remember my old cat used to come and tap me on the nose the the morning when she was a kitten and that stopped as she got older which I was always sad about.
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Well Bruno , at just over 11 weeks, has decided to at around 5am/6am come up to my face and tap me with his paw. This usually then accompanies very very loud purring. This doesn't normally wake me so it proceeds to lick my eye lashes. This is followed by licking my nose and a little nibble too. Then he goes all for it, he pushes his head under my chin and pats my face with his paws. He then purrs even louder and starts wiping his mouth and gums along my mouth. The other morning I made the mistake of doing the same back to him so rubbing my cheek on his and cuddling into him. I think now he thinks it is what we do at such an ungodly hour .....but my God he's so cute I can't get angry :Luv2: I hope he never changes. Hes such a loving mummys boy and I want him to stay that way. :Luv:
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Ha, ha that sounds just like Buffy. She doesn't gum me now thank goodness but she wakes me up every morning with loud purrs, tapping and nosing. Sometimes she tries to dig me out of the bed, she also meows and squeaks. She usually does it at different times maybe it's sunrise. She's a right pain sometimes and my OH says just ignore her and push her off but she's so cute I just can't. :Luv2: I think if you don't discourage him he will just carry on.