Normal for recently introduced cats?

I just adopted two sibling kittens (6 months old), but they were apart for about 3 weeks. When I adopted the brother, the sister was not available. Her pending adoption fell through and I was able to take her! When I brought her home I kept her separated in her own room and every once in awhile I would switch the cats (him in her room and let her explore the house for about an hour or so). I also put his food next to her door and he was perfectly fine eating there. I used a towel to let them smell each other. I've now let them come together and I can't tell if what I'm seeing is normal and OK, or if I need to take a step back and slow the introduction. - The brother (Carter) keeps chasing his sister (Layla). She puffs up and runs into my bedroom. He doesn't follow her all the way in there and will walk away, but once he leaves she wiggles her butt and runs out past him. She approaches him anytime he isn't chasing her, so she doesn't seem afraid. Some of the time when he does catch up with her he will hold onto the back of her neck with his mouth and she will just lay there and wait. Some of the time he walks away on his own, other times she finally turns around and grabs his head and they tussle for a moment, then they separate, but she always goes back. I did find them drinking from the same water bowl at the same time earlier, and that was pretty adorable. They also have moments where they will ignore each other and just lay down separately. They will take treats next to each other and play with wand toys next to each other. There has been no hissing at all. Both cats are fixed as well.

What do you think? Going ok? Not ok? I appreciate any insight! Thank you!

It sounds to me that they are still working out who is going to be dominate. In my experience, this is completely normal in male-female relationships. I have a few brother/sister sibling pairs and a few that are not actual litter mates, but were raised together from the time they were 2 and 3/4 weeks old.

I would say that so long as there isn't any growling/hissing and no one is getting hurt, that you can leave them alone. If Carter starts to constantly stalk Layla or attack her more or if Layla starts retreating to the bedroom more, then I would separate them.

Also, if there are instances where Carter is getting too rough or just won't leave Layla alone, put him in the extra room to calm down for a bit. Have a good play session with him before letting him out so that hopefully he is too tired to bother Layla.

Congrats on the new furbabies!

@LaylaCarter -- my understanding is that "if there's no fur flying and no scratches/cuts/injuries/etc, then they're dong fine". i will say that although i've read quite a lot about cat integrations, i've never done one. well, i'm in  the process of doing my first one. i'm sure others with experience with integrations will be along shortly, and they'll have better answers for you.

your layla and carter are young, so they have such high energy levels. and it sounds like they're engaging in a game of chase together. you would see one cat hiding from the other or hissing/swatting if one was scared of the other.

i think they're doing fine together.

I have a brother/sister pair I've had since they were three months old.  They're five now and STILL have episodes like the ones you describe.  I used to keep a close eye to make sure it didn't get too rough but I don't worry about it now.  They also have moments where they sleep together, groom each other, etc.

I agree with previous posters--as long as there's no actual biting or fur flying, they're probably okay.  

How cool that you got to take in the sister, too!  

Thank you guys! I feel a lot more relaxed now. After I posted this they fell asleep together on top of the cat tree! Awww. I didn't snap a photo before my son woke them up coming in from outside. Ever since then the chasing and "fighting" has stopped. They seem totally fine with each other. I did find Carter going in Layla's litter box and was worried it was a territorial thing maybe? But her box is where his use to be so I'm sure it was nothing.

betsygee said:

I have a brother/sister pair I've had since they were three months old.  They're five now and STILL have episodes like the ones you describe.  I used to keep a close eye to make sure it didn't get too rough but I don't worry about it now.  They also have moments where they sleep together, groom each other, etc.

I agree with previous posters--as long as there's no actual biting or fur flying, they're probably okay.  

How cool that you got to take in the sister, too!  

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Yes! I was so excited when the shelter told me she was available again and I put in my application immediately. So glad I did! She is wonderful and I am so happy they can stay together.

Oh! One thing I am curious about though.. Is it normal for the resident cat to avoid his people once a new cat comes into the house? Carter isn't nearly as cuddly as he was before Layla arrived. He will walk over to the couch and look at me, but instead of jumping up like he use to he will just walk away and find somewhere else to sleep. He just did it now and retreated under the dining room table to nap. I hope he comes around soon. I loved cuddling with that guy. He HAS been sleeping in bed with me still, so that's a good sign I guess.

They can definitely go through changes--even if there's no other new cat in the house, cats change as they grow and get older.  And if there's a new kid on the block, it's not a surprise at all.  My kitties have gone through phases of being more and less cuddly--but in general, they come back around to their affectionate little selves.