Tomorrow's the big day! Joni's coming home! - Page 2

Thanks everyone! and sorry for saying sorry...........

Things are going pretty well. Joni is not as easy as her brothers were (I realize now I was so lucky!) so I'm even more determined to see this through and win her respect and love. I think it's a woman thing.

She met the boys briefly a few hours after she got home from the vet's office. They were friendly and curious, Simon's tail puffed a little bit but they did not and do not seem concerned, and have not hissed or growled - and Garfunkel hasn't gotten ruffled at all, really. She is hissing and growling when they get too close. She watched us play with da bird for a few minutes and looked like she wanted to join in but didn't. After about 20 minutes I put her back in the saferoom and we played with da bird together without the boys.

I can't tell if that early meeting was a mistake or not. She seems happy and content in the room. I took a nap earlier for nearly three hours and she either sat or napped by my head the whole time. So I think she's pretty comfortable with me, just not happy about the two older kittens. And I think it's intimidating for there to be two of them, anyway, and only one of her.

Right now I'm working on scent exchanges, I took the same pillowcase that I used yesterday and did a more dedicated rubdown of the boys - Simon tolerated it well and Garfunkel thought it was a toy, of course! - for about 20 minutes and then put it under her food bowl. I gave her some wet food but in the 10 or so minutes I stayed watching her, she didn't eat any. I did try to give her some off my finger but she didn't want it then either. I stuck some kibble in it since she really seemed to like the Simply Nourish, but it didn't work right away either. It's her first time having wet food ever, so I don't know if it's a sign that she doesn't like it or just isn't used to eating it.

I'm more glad than ever that I took today off. They probably won't be ready by Monday to be together - she may end up staying in the safe room for several weeks if things don't progress, which is absolutely fine of course! - but they'll be farther along than if I had picked her up Saturday morning as originally planned.

Oh - and everyone's getting flea treatments today! I forgot to take it when I picked her up yesterday.

I brought her out again..... I don't know if I'm doing this too quickly or not! I'm getting mixed signals.

She still growls low if the boys get within a foot or two of her. Yet she was sitting on top of the table, Simon hopped up on a chair and started sniffing her tail - she turned around to look and saw him, growled but did not move, and then turned her back on him and continued exploring the tabletop.

Simon and Garfunkel too have turned their backs on her - which seems like a good sign, but I can't tell! Garfunkel actually rolled over and showed her his belly and groomed his paws while she was sitting on the couch and he was a few feet away on the floor.

I'm getting ready to go out soon so she'll be back in the safe room, but what are your honest opinions about how things are going? Am I moving too quickly and should just keep them out of sight of each other for another several days, exchanging scents? Or since there have been no attacks on Joni's part, and what seem like conciliatory gestures on the part of my sweet, sweet boys, is it going well and I should continue supervised visits? Please - I won't take offense if you think I should give it more time. Let me know!

The articles have definitely been helpful, by the way - I'm combing through a google site search on the subject. The only thing is they all seem to be introducing kittens or cats to older cats who've been around for years - or they focus on the resident cat and how to prevent hostility on his part, when for us it seems to be the other way around. So while the articles have great info in them, I'm finding it difficult to apply some of the principles.

Thanks everyone!

I went out to eat with my brother and his girlfriend and they came back to the house afterwards and we had a da bird session... with all three kittens!! Joni did really well - I agree with some of you who have said she may end up ruling the roost... She is a fierce, confident young lady! She was watching us play from the side of the couch and then jumped out to join and immediately took possession of the little toy. The boys backed off a bit to let her play and then they all played together for awhile, but then Joni & Simon jumped for it at the same time and sort of crashed into each other. That really upset Joni and she swatted at Simon who finally hissed back (the first time either of the boys has hissed) and he ran off to observe from a dining chair.

After that Joni seemed to be on edge, and kept swatting and hissing if Garfunkel tried to play (not sure if she was possessive of her "kill" or still upset about unwanted physical contact with Simon), so I ended up putting her away. But still! It was about half an hour of playtime between the three of them in very close proximity. I'm really excited about tomorrow. Hopefully she'll let me sleep tonight

p.s. I know you are as hungry for pictures as I am!! I will try my best to get some tomorrow, but for now - here are some "alternate takes" of her in the carrier last night.

Pretty eyes:





Oh - I did get one fuzzy one today. Here she's sitting on top of the cardboard junction under the bar - that's Garfunkel in the foreground with his back to her. She's observing from above

Pete!!!!!!!!!!! Pete Seeger will definitely be the next boy kitten who joins the family (a long time from now, I hope, in a much bigger apartment or house! !!). I love Pete as a cat's name: strong, monosyllabic, long vowel sound. Joan Baez is another favorite of mine, but too much like Joni. I'm also considering Mavis, after Mavis Staples, and I hadn't thought about Odetta but I love her too!

Now... the ultimate in metaphysical cat-naming: How about.... Cat! (After Cat Stevens )

Other boys I'd consider would be Buddy for Buddy Holly and Ringo for Ringo Starr (even though he's not my favorite Beatle, but to represent the Beatles without having to choose John, Paul, or George as cat names, none of which I particularly care for for cats, except maybe George). I wouldn't name a cat Bob but I'd consider Dylan. Hmmm... I better stop talking about this before I call the local shelters and ask for more kittens!

Good morning! Thanks all for the reminders to relax! I'm not too worked up since she's home from the vet and healthy, just wanting to do the right thing and ensure that everyone will be happy! I have a good feeling about today and hope that we'll make some breakthroughs.

I think I'm going to take all of the above advice and after feeding time, let her out into the house and just sit & watch, and let her hide if she wants or play if she wants.

Though, the one remark I have is that that stinking growl works as nature intended! It is very scary to hear and makes me stop cold. I'm glad Joni does not consider me her prey!!!

She is so easy to enjoy. I actually slept through the night with her which I could never manage when the boys were still in the safe room (which is my bedroom). She woke me up with purrs and kisses... best feeling in the world.