Well, Boo, my 11 month old tabby, was just welcome by my adoption of a 12-week old diluted tortie, Bella. I did what I think is the right introduction, separate rooms and slowly bringing them together. Bella is a joy - purrs constantly, very loving and very playful. The two of them play alot, mostly Boo chasing Bella and sometimes the reverse. When they are "biting" each other, how do I know if it's in play or if Boo is actually trying to hurt? Also, Boo is not as affectionate with me right now - it's like she is mad at me for bringing in a new kitten. I am giving her more attention than Bella but it doesn't seem to help. For example, when I lay on the sofa to take my nap, Boo use to hop on top of me and sleep, she is not doing that any more. HELP!!!
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Second kitten arrived-how do I know when playing is too rough?
- Thread starter lisa1124
- Start Date
My older cat acts the same way towards me/us since we brought home the new little guy, about a month ago. I am hoping over time he will 'come back around'. He rarely even purrs -- makes me sad! I often wonder how rough is too rough, too, but so far they haven't injured each other!
When Snowball was a newly adopted kitten, we also had a four-year-old resident cat named Midnight.
I can't remember how long it lasted, but after we brought Snowball into our home, Midnight also went through a period of being unaffectionate and unresponsive. I continued giving Midnight a lot of attention, and she did come around again.
Snowball was active and was sometimes demanding when he was a kitten, and I think Midnight was overwhelmed by him at first and just needed some time to adjust.
I can't remember how long it lasted, but after we brought Snowball into our home, Midnight also went through a period of being unaffectionate and unresponsive. I continued giving Midnight a lot of attention, and she did come around again.
Snowball was active and was sometimes demanding when he was a kitten, and I think Midnight was overwhelmed by him at first and just needed some time to adjust.
Mine always end up getting back to normal after a newcomer finds their place in the pecking order. They make a lot of noise, and sound like they hate each other, but soon are cuddling together and grooming like they are old freinds.
If one or both are screaming (literally) and there are wads of fur flying, it is a real attack rather than play. What you described sounds like play to me.
This is normal. Once Boo is more used to having Bella around, I'm sure he will return to being his old affectionate self once again.
Bravo to you for doing such a great introduction of your two kitties!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #6
Thanks for the advice everyone. Little Bella does cry out occasionally when Boo is either biting her or pouncing on her, but Boo usually stops when she does. They did have me up at 4:30 in the morning playing quite rough on top of my bed and on top of me - this lasted for nearly 2 hours. I finally gave them a timeout and put Bella in a separate room. Boo laid right by the door rolling back and forth on her back and trying to put her paws under the door. I let Bella out and they played more gently and fell asleep until 1:00 in the afternoon. This is very exhausting for me - I had no idea how much work this would be and how much sleep I would lose. lol.
