Introducing adult neutered males

[Charley]

*sigh of relief*

I've never had two cats at the same time that I can remember - it's all new to me. There was one cry from Jengo and it ended with a "Stop It!" from me.

I'm guessing they are at a point where they need to learn each other's play style and boundaries? They haven't known each other long and Wigs came from having 8 cats to play with to shy, giant Jengo.

In the event of a fight or overly aggressive play, what should I do?

 

[Chris Elliott]

If the play gets out of control, use water. A spray, or more, if necessary. Don't get in the middle. Cat bites get infected most of the time and can be very serious.

If possible, let them figure it out. A couple of yelps are ok. As you said, they're figuring out boundaries.

I think they are at the verge of a breakthrough!

 

[Rafiki]

Yeah....if there wasn't a lot of really loud noises, I would think that this was very rowdy play that may have gotten out of hand a bit. Stay close with a spray bottle but let them continue to work it out.

 

[Patti]

The scene you described doesn't sound terrible at all - it sounds to me like they were wrestling and perhaps someone took it up a notch too far... but if they broke it up as soon as you yelled at them this was not a true fight. I would not separate them, obviously they have both forgotten the incident if they are already eating side by side without a problem.

There are times when one cat's energy is just too much for the other cat and they do need to be separated, but I don't think this is what you're witnessing here. I think Jengo is still hesitant and lacks confidence, but the more he interacts with Wiggles and figures out that he's okay, the more confident and happy he'll be.

 

[Pam Flachs]

All good advice. I might add trying to divert any mock fighting or squabbling with a wand toy...that works well here

I have made my own wand toy with an 8 foot fly fishing pole salvaged from the garage. I attached a sparkly crinkly cat toy at the end with some duct tape. The result is not pretty, but it works! I have used this extra long wand toy to break up quarreling...the extra length helps in that the cats don't notice I am holding it, and helps them focus on getting their attention on the toy and not each other...

 

[Charley]

Hahahaha Pam - we did so,etching similar! So funny! We rigged up a wand toy at the end of a 6 ft extra piece of round we had from when we did our floors because they exhaust us with the wand hahahahaha. They love it. Going to get some fishing twine now make a cat fishing pole!

Thanks for the advice everyone! Patti - Jengo has never been a confident cat so I'm sure I just over reacted. It's been stressful for him but he's doing well.

Last night we left both bedroom doors open, Wigs really thinks the guest room is his room, he went right into his bed for sleep and Jengo slept with us. Around 8:30 Wigs woke up and chased him out of the master and begged for food all morning.

Jengo still doesn't like to be in any of the bedrooms with him as there is only one outlet. Open space downstairs is fine. They are okay to be left out and alone too, for a little while.

All in all, I think we've had it easy. I'm so thankful for his forum. Thank you everyone who has shared stories and advice. It's immensely helpful to be able to take practical knowledge and understand how to apply it. I had read and eras but until you are there and things go awry...you really have to adapt and make good decisions for both kitties.

Lastly, my bf officially named Wiggles! He will be Plisken after Snake Plisken. I got to name Jengo so it was only fair.

 

[Charley]

Sleepy babies.

 

[John Campbell]

Sleepy babies.

Very niice looking kitties.

 

[Patti]

If they are sleeping in such close proximity, that is real progress. I'll bet by winter they'll be cuddling up with each other for warmth

 

[Charley]

Tomorrow marks 5 weeks. I can't believe the progress! I am so proud of my Jengo. He has really taken to Biz - he's so happy to have a buddy even if he was skeptical at first. He's a different cat. He is sitting with visitors now, curious to smell the, if they approach and even takes treats and head pats from others! He wasn't like this before. At best he'd stand behind a corner and meow at me or do lovey eyes and lure me away from friends. He might sit but would run away if anyone approached. He's not outgoing but he's not afraid so much anymore. We are working through his jealousy issues, his special alone time seems to be something he looks forward to every day.

Jengo was getting really lethargic before Biz arrived. The vet seemed to believe it was emotional and he definitely gets separation anxiety. Today he plays like a kitten, lots of jumping and excitement. He has been renewed. He's a new kitty. I never thought I'd see him like this. He's so full of energy, he's happy, he's much less skittish than he was, he doesn't have to live in the fear he was for so long. I think Biz has really rounded out our family in ways we didn't know we needed. My bf loves, loves, loves Biz. He finally has a kitty to play with and pet too. Kitties for everyone is our new motto!