Is it to soon??

[Pam and Will]

Hi folks!

Well, Leto has been here for going on 8 weeks now and has been a blessing. Full of energy, especially after a meal, and curiosity. We still cannot touch Leto, but had a meeting with Marilyn 'The Cat Coach' yesterday and got a LOT of information. We wondered if we were approaching Leto wrong, we were, and maybe not responding correctly when he made efforts. We really feel were on a good track now.

Anyway, the purpose of this posting. I have a very good opportunity for a 5 month old snow female F2 or some younger, 12 weeks currently, snow males. But is it to soon? Would Leto feel rejected or conflicted to have someone to share the attention with? Or would it be better for him, a playmate and friend? The breeder I spoke with is 'getting out of the business' and admits that she is older and not able to pay enough attention to the younger kittens. So I worry about socialization, would it be better to pick up our new boy or girl right away? The 5 month old female on the other hand is socialized and sleeps with her and such. The kittens still being with their mother have not had as much interaction. Though I'm sure this can be overcome.

Throwing it out there for input.. thoughts... experience.. you know!

Thanks and HAPPY FALL! (I weep as I see summer go)

 

[admin]

It's hard to say, will! On one hand, I think Leto would benefit from another companion, but on the other, I'm not sure...have you spoken to Cynthia?

 

[Pam and Will]

Hi Paige,
Not yet, but I will email her now. Good idea.

I've asked Leto, and he just opens his little eyes with that.. "Can't you see I'm napping.." look.

 

[John Popp]

From my perspective, feeling a strong bond between the human and kitten should be the guide. While Leto will certainly enjoy his new friend he will also have some animosity that this new friend is competing for time with his human friends. As a guideline, I was once told a year, but the reality I faced was getting a new kitten sooner to help Chongo rehabilitate his broken hip.

While the recovery for Chongo's hip was brisk after being crated for 2 months, he certainly had some issues to contend with as to why he was locked up for so long. I stayed right on top of him through that period and we were very well bonded and certainly a kitten entering the picture wouldn't have been appropriate.

As our bond strengthened after his release from the crate his demands on me became greater. With greater demands being placed on me as a "litter mate", it was definitely time for a buddy. Getting that buddy took longer than expected, and when he did arrive they were certainly best of friends. To the contrary he's still having a hard time that he has to split time with the kitten and his old best friend.

If anything, I guess I've learned that there isn't a roadmap or timetable. You are going to be left with personalities to contend with and bruised egos, be it yours or your cats. No question you can sort through them, but they are likely to be as unique as the cat and kitten offering the challenge.

 

[Brigitte Cowell]

Given you've just consulted Marilyn, did you ask her opinion on this? If she's giving you good advice on working with Leto it would seem a great idea to listen to her about this matter too

 

[AThompson2203]

I've noticed from getting my savannah from the breeder as not a kitten, that the more stress etc that you'll have to help the new cat deal with being relocated. I think mine came to me way different than what he was like at the breeders. When I got another cat, I got a kitten and they now adore each other. It gave my older savannah a płaymate and companionship. I think it's so important for them to have company. I've noticed it's helped him come out of his shell more. They are so tight now and so much of a joy to watch. It does vary personality wise but it's worth the time getting a pal, IMO. You'll just have to introduce slowly and keep them seperate, then have slow intros until they like each other. I thought mine would never like each other. My older one spit and hissed until he realized that he was a new toy! Lol. Something that really helped me was taking newer cat/kitten out for the day to do whatever and let your older cat smell the room he was in and his toys etc. good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Pam and Will]

Thanks everyone! (By the way cbain Cody has absolutely striking eyes!)
Spoke with the cat coach and she recommended we wait till Leto is full settled with us. He's a FANTASTIC cat, no problems. Just taking time to settle in. We will certainly be getting a 2nd, but now isn't the right time. Hoping maybe spring time frame.

Thanks again!

 

[SV Dad]

Thanks everyone! (By the way cbain Cody has absolutely striking eyes!)
Thanks again!

Totally agree! WoW! Holly and Dale have an interesting lineage there!

 

[Louie'sDad]

Please refresh my poor memory about Leto, How old was he when you got him, and how old is he now.
If you got him from Holly and Dale as a young kitten, they do an outstanding job of socializing them.
My F1 loves everybody, surprisingly (except one neighbor of mine).

 

[Pam and Will]

Please refresh my poor memory about Leto, How old was he when you got him, and how old is he now.
If you got him from Holly and Dale as a young kitten, they do an outstanding job of socializing them.
My F1 loves everybody, surprisingly (except one neighbor of mine).

Leto was 15 months when he got 'home' and is 17 months now. Tomorrow is 8 weeks in total. He was well socialize, but I think is just a slow truster. The catch coach told us to use our index finger only extended when reaching out to Leto instead of the whole hand.. and WOW! The last two days he approaches for a sniff without ears back and paw raised. He follows us around and plays like there is no tomorrow with us, but petting is still off limits. I was unsure if a new furry buddy would easy the transition or worsen it. For now thought the 'deal' was to good to be true. And experience and advice says to wait for Leto to be be 100% trusting with us before introducing a new pal.