If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Integrating the new kitties
I'm finding myself calling Burt "Buster", for some reason.
I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on integrating these two. They didn't seem to be fighting, but when they meet, what usually happens is that Dot will hiss and growl, Buster will try to get a little closer and lie down, and eventually there will be a commotion with Dot running to a hiding spot, and Buster chasing her. After Dot finds her new hiding spot, Buster will lose interest, and Dot will just stay there all big eyed and unhappy. Dot is such a social and needy cat, it really pains me to see her hiding! So I finally decided to separate them, based on what I've seen so far, and some advice I got from Megan (zuzu). Dot is in my downstairs den/bedroom, and Buster has the run of most of the rest of the downstairs, including the living room and kitchen. Most of the other rooms are closed off. I'm planning on switching them periodically. But obviously I don't want to keep them completely separated forever, as then there won't be any progress, and I so want them to at least tolerate each other! I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. By the way, here's a video clip of Burt/Buster/whatever-his-name-is at the shelter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmhdr0xR2Qc I feel so neglectful of him right now, because I'm sitting here with Dot! I'm trying to balance their needs - Dot is more dependant on hoomin reassurance, whereas Buster seems to have a better developed sense of entitlement. |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Integrating the new kitties
Takayuki wrote:
I'm finding myself calling Burt "Buster", for some reason. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on integrating these two. They didn't seem to be fighting, but when they meet, what usually happens is that Dot will hiss and growl, Buster will try to get a little closer and lie down, and eventually there will be a commotion with Dot running to a hiding spot, and Buster chasing her. After Dot finds her new hiding spot, Buster will lose interest, and Dot will just stay there all big eyed and unhappy. Dot is such a social and needy cat, it really pains me to see her hiding! They'll work it out, Tak. Take a deep breath and try to relax. They are new to you, new to your home, new to each other. They'll be just fine. They aren't trying to kill each other so just let them work it out over the course of the next week or so. Jill |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Integrating the new kitties
On 2007-06-15 23:17:53 -0500, Takayuki said:
I'm finding myself calling Burt "Buster", for some reason. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on integrating these two. They didn't seem to be fighting, but when they meet, what usually happens is that Dot will hiss and growl, Buster will try to get a little closer and lie down, and eventually there will be a commotion with Dot running to a hiding spot, and Buster chasing her. After Dot finds her new hiding spot, Buster will lose interest, and Dot will just stay there all big eyed and unhappy. Dot is such a social and needy cat, it really pains me to see her hiding! So I finally decided to separate them, based on what I've seen so far, and some advice I got from Megan (zuzu). Dot is in my downstairs den/bedroom, and Buster has the run of most of the rest of the downstairs, including the living room and kitchen. Most of the other rooms are closed off. I'm planning on switching them periodically. But obviously I don't want to keep them completely separated forever, as then there won't be any progress, and I so want them to at least tolerate each other! I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. By the way, here's a video clip of Burt/Buster/whatever-his-name-is at the shelter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmhdr0xR2Qc I feel so neglectful of him right now, because I'm sitting here with Dot! I'm trying to balance their needs - Dot is more dependant on hoomin reassurance, whereas Buster seems to have a better developed sense of entitlement. Yes, if they are doing that separation is good. Swap them around. You need to allow some time actually introducing them. I'm certain zuzu gave you some pretty detailed advice and she is good. I think you will get a "feel" for what is the right time for things. As far as feeling neglectful, well, just remember, you are not! If it makes you feel better, you can time it , but the cats don't have clocks. About the cheeky thing, well, Dot has had many years elsewhere. With the desk situation, I had to put a little short tree on either side of my desk so each had a spot. These days, I am mostly on the laptop on my lap and Sugar and Pearl do not have the same need as Pearl and Grant did. But back then, a short tree on either side of the desk really helped. Postitive, repetetive reinforcement can teach even a 7 year old cat new tricks. Heck, I taught Pearl to get up on her "testing" tree for blood tests before my surgery so I didn't have to lift her for a while. You are all new at this!! It won't happen tonight, but it will happen. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Oh AND ( Integrating the new kitties)
Takayuki wrote:
I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. A spray bottle will work wonders for the kitchen counter thing. Obviously wherever they lived before they were allowed to do that (or they could just be testing you!). Jill |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Integrating the new kitties
On Jun 15, 11:17 pm, Takayuki wrote:
I'm finding myself calling Burt "Buster", for some reason. I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on integrating these two. They didn't seem to be fighting, but when they meet, what usually happens is that Dot will hiss and growl, Buster will try to get a little closer and lie down, and eventually there will be a commotion with Dot running to a hiding spot, and Buster chasing her. After Dot finds her new hiding spot, Buster will lose interest, and Dot will just stay there all big eyed and unhappy. Dot is such a social and needy cat, it really pains me to see her hiding! So I finally decided to separate them, based on what I've seen so far, and some advice I got from Megan (zuzu). Dot is in my downstairs den/bedroom, and Buster has the run of most of the rest of the downstairs, including the living room and kitchen. Most of the other rooms are closed off. I'm planning on switching them periodically. But obviously I don't want to keep them completely separated forever, as then there won't be any progress, and I so want them to at least tolerate each other! I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. Don't worry about them--they'll adjust to each other. I think separating them now is good, simply because Buster is chasing Dot. You don't want her to feel terrorized. Just remember internet "advice" is good--but you're *there*, and you have a much better feel how things are going between them. There is no timeline--cats are all different. Dot will learn to tolerate Buster better, and stop running, and then he'll stop chasing her! :-) You already have a very definite analyisis of their personalities! You'll know when they're ready to be friends. Sherry |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Oh AND ( Integrating the new kitties)
On Jun 15, 11:38 pm, "jmcquown" wrote:
Takayuki wrote: I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. A spray bottle will work wonders for the kitchen counter thing. Obviously wherever they lived before they were allowed to do that (or they could just be testing you!). Jill Jill, I seriously wouldn't spray them. That seems so mean, considering they are in a brand-new environment. Sherry |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Oh AND ( Integrating the new kitties)
Sherry wrote:
On Jun 15, 11:38 pm, "jmcquown" wrote: Takayuki wrote: I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. A spray bottle will work wonders for the kitchen counter thing. Obviously wherever they lived before they were allowed to do that (or they could just be testing you!). Jill Jill, I seriously wouldn't spray them. That seems so mean, considering they are in a brand-new environment. Sherry Perhaps, but if the behavior isn't curbed I seriously doubt it will just go away in time. Then again, Persia has never shown the slightest interest in jumping up on kitchen counters, desktops, tabletops. The only counter she ever jumped up on was in the bathroom and that's because the running water attracted her. I guess I was just lucky that way. So what would you suggest? Jill |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Oh AND ( Integrating the new kitties)
On 2007-06-15 23:42:33 -0500, Sherry said:
On Jun 15, 11:38 pm, "jmcquown" wrote: Takayuki wrote: I also notice that these two are much cheekier than Betty was. They both want to be on my desk when I'm on the computer, and on the counter when I'm in the kitchen. I hope that's just a phase. A spray bottle will work wonders for the kitchen counter thing. Obviously wherever they lived before they were allowed to do that (or they could just be testing you!). Jill Jill, I seriously wouldn't spray them. That seems so mean, considering they are in a brand-new environment. Sherry I have found putting them down everytime works pretty well. They get the idea. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Integrating the new kitties
"Takayuki" wrote | I'm finding myself calling Burt "Buster", for some reason. You've picked up intuitively that kitty names need to be at least two syllables to help them recognize their own names when called. |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Integrating the new kitties
On Jun 16, 12:17 am, Takayuki wrote:
I'm finding myself calling Burt "Buster", for some reason. Because Buster has "told" you his name. Obviously Burt was not his name I wonder if anyone has any thoughts on integrating these two. They didn't seem to be fighting, but when they meet, what usually happens is that Dot will hiss and growl, Buster will try to get a little closer and lie down, and eventually there will be a commotion with Dot running to a hiding spot, and Buster chasing her. After Dot finds her new hiding spot, Buster will lose interest, and Dot will just stay there all big eyed and unhappy. Dot is such a social and needy cat, it really pains me to see her hiding! It sounds like Buster is trying to make friends, the fact that he's trying to get close and then lying down is a non-aggressive posture and a cat's way of saying, "I'm not a threat to you, I want to be friends". They're probably making eye contact which makes Dot nervous and she runs, which to a young cat like Buster is an invitation to play. He thinks she wants to play chase! Are you sure Dot is unhappy or are *you* assuming she is unhappy? How long does she stay in her hiding place? I see this type of behavior frequently between Lacey and Barnabus. Usually Barnabus will jump on Lacey, roll her over and then Lacey will growl and hiss and take off running. Barnabus chases her until she finds a hiding place. Then a little later I'll see Barnabus running through the house with Lacey chasing him. With Sam and Hobbes they put on the appearance of truly hating each other. Usually Sam is the aggressor but I've watched Hobbes start a fight as well. Just yesterday, Hobbes was at my feet with his back to the room and Sam came around the corner, saw Hobbes' back and ran...literally, he ran and jumped onto Hobbes' back and bit him. They don't draw blood but they attack each other like this at least once or twice a week. They growl at each other on a daily basis. But when I feed them, they'll eat right next to each other and sometimes I'll go back to the bedroom and find them asleep, 6 inches away from each other, almost touching paws. I realize that Megan has a lot of experience with a lot of different cats and I respect that, but I'm not sure totally separating them is such a good idea. You're giving Buster a chance to establish his own territory in the main part of the house and Dot is going to have only one room. I wouldn't leave them together alone but right now you have two cats who are in a new environment without their own territory. They have a chance to set boundries together. Unless they are literally fighting and hurting each other, give them a chance. Watch their body language. Are their ears pointed forward or back, are their tails up or are the slinking around with their tails to the ground? You are concerned about them, you are tense and over protective. They're going to pick up on that and react. Go to bed and see what happens. You might end up with two cats in bed with you and wake up with two cats curled up next to each other. I'm going to tell you what I was told when I brought Selena home....go slowly, expect occasional hissing and spitting. Give them "time-out" periods if it gets really nasty but try to let them work it out on their own. Remember that Buster is really still a kitten and is going to want to play harder than Dot. Do you have a laser light or any other type of interactive toy? A cat-chaser or whatever the fishing pole toy is called? Even a piece of string. Something they can both concentrate on and play with that will give them an opportunity to interact with each other and with you at the same time. Hand out treats at the same time so they're eating near each other. These are just some of my ideas and opinions. I realize I've only integrated five cats, not as many as others in this group but I have been successful and we all live in relative peace and everyone seems happy. Good luck, take your time and RELAX! Hugs and headbutts, Julie, Hobbes, Lacey, Sam and Barnabus ps: Barnabus wants to know what is wrong with being on the counter? How else is an inquisitive boy cat supposed to learn what his slave is doing? (Seriously, when Barnabus jumps onto the counter I gently push him off so that he has to jump down and at the same time telling him he's not supposed to be on the counter. Over time this has worked. He will occasionally still jump up onto the counter but jumps right back down when I turn to look at him.) |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Gotta love kitties, even big kitties! | [email protected] | Cat health & behaviour | 1 | July 5th 06 12:22 PM |
Still integrating | kilikini | Cat anecdotes | 9 | February 28th 06 01:58 PM |
New here, seeking info on integrating new cat | D_Lilly | Cat health & behaviour | 2 | July 14th 05 03:38 AM |
Integrating Raki with Bandit & Snowball | Exocat | Cat anecdotes | 9 | April 17th 05 11:09 PM |
Help! Need to know about integrating new cats | Karen Chuplis | Cat health & behaviour | 5 | September 4th 03 02:05 PM |