Settling in
The two new cats Sinatra and Guinevere are settling in upstairs. It is an uneasy time for the group, as both older cats are quite aggressive when noses are pushed against the screen. Matuse is of course, my biggest bully and has to climb the two screen doors at least five times a day to establish that HE is Alpha. Neither Guin or Sinatra are amused though, and there is a lot of rushing to the door (on Sinatra’s part) and growling and hissing and swatting. Thankfully, the pet screen truly is claw proof.
Guin just wants to be left alone by the group and covets instead our company. When we go into the room, she will slowly come out of her established hiding place, under the pet stairs and demand to have a lap and cuddle time.
Mike and I were talking about how different it is to have cats that run to you, instead of fleeing. It is quite gratifying, though there are still obstacles. Both cats display tendencies that they are love-starved and will chase our hands for pets and attention. Sinatra is eating, just not as much as I would like him to, although we are now in a hot spell and are breaking records across the state in regards to heat.
I have 5 fans on upstairs, last I looked it was 85 degrees up there and 93 degrees outside.
I am glad I didn’t say no when I look at these two cats. It will take some time, but soon both of them will be acclimated to their new home.
June 27th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
Hi there. Just wanted to say I’ve learned a lot by reading your blog. I give you a lot of credit for taking care of so many kitties! I have a group of ferals who frequent my backyard. I’ve caught one and had her spayed, and caught her kittens and sent them off for adoption. Now apparently the word is out that my house is safe and I have 4 new adults and 6 kittens! I’m just trying to keep them all safe and will eventually try to get them all neutered. Thanks for all the tips and keep up the good work!
Nancy