Hi all - I'm new to this forum, but would really like some advice and/or comfort about my introduction situation. We got Liev, our nine month old Siberian kitten in August, and he's got the most amazing personality. He's super affectionate, chatty, and always giving us kisses and cuddles. He also really seems to enjoy the company of other animals, so we decided to get another Siberian. We got Yuri, a five month old kittten, three weeks ago. We did a transition room and the guys seemed to be doing great on day two with brief 5 minute introductions - just sniffing and a bit of playing. By day 5 they were fully integrated, which may seemed quick, but they were DYING to be together! The transition went very well - sometimes they wrestle a bit intensely, but mainly they just follow each other around, and in the evening they generally cuddle together with us, and Liev vigorously grooms Yuri (almost in a dominance sort of way).
The problem is that Liev seems almost to be a different cat. I'm not sure if it's jealousy or resentment or what, but while he is awesome with Yuri, he doesn't seem terribly playful himself (just sort of monitors the younger kitten) and other than laying on our laps at night (where we're just sort of vehicles for sleeping - ha), he doesn't really cuddle with us, and definitely no kisses. I know this may sound strange, but he even LOOKS at us differently - sort of a guarded, narrow gaze. He's also taken to sitting by himself (we say sulking) in the laundry room for period of time, and barely purrs anymore. The funny thing is that we just had a houseguest for a couple of days, and he was climbing all over her, licking and cuddling! Is it possible that he's mad at us for bringing Yuri home, even though he likes Yuri? Will he snap out of it? We've been trying to give him a TON of attention, but most of the time he just walks away from us or struggles to be put down.
In my heart, I think this is just a phase, but I'm crushed to think that my happy go lucky cuddly boy has become a sort of moody and removed cat - it seems like he's 'aged' so much since Yuri is here - he's the stoic, responsible one!
Anyway, any advice or similar experiences are much appreciated!
And of course, here are some pictures of my boys:
Liev
Yuri
Cuddly Liev Pre-Yuri!
Boys in Tub
Cuddles
Grooming
The problem is that Liev seems almost to be a different cat. I'm not sure if it's jealousy or resentment or what, but while he is awesome with Yuri, he doesn't seem terribly playful himself (just sort of monitors the younger kitten) and other than laying on our laps at night (where we're just sort of vehicles for sleeping - ha), he doesn't really cuddle with us, and definitely no kisses. I know this may sound strange, but he even LOOKS at us differently - sort of a guarded, narrow gaze. He's also taken to sitting by himself (we say sulking) in the laundry room for period of time, and barely purrs anymore. The funny thing is that we just had a houseguest for a couple of days, and he was climbing all over her, licking and cuddling! Is it possible that he's mad at us for bringing Yuri home, even though he likes Yuri? Will he snap out of it? We've been trying to give him a TON of attention, but most of the time he just walks away from us or struggles to be put down.
In my heart, I think this is just a phase, but I'm crushed to think that my happy go lucky cuddly boy has become a sort of moody and removed cat - it seems like he's 'aged' so much since Yuri is here - he's the stoic, responsible one!
Anyway, any advice or similar experiences are much appreciated!
And of course, here are some pictures of my boys:
Liev
Yuri
Cuddly Liev Pre-Yuri!
Boys in Tub
Cuddles
Grooming
