Tuesday, October 27, 2020

The New Normal

Truth be told, the driving reason behind my checking Theo’s vet visit status was I completed the adoption application process for Theo’s new siblings to join him.  I needed to provide proof he is up to date on his shots. The application process is now complete and approved. I had hoped to bring Theo’s new brother and sister home this week. Unfortunately, one of them developed an infection around the stitches following THE surgery. As a result, she won’t be ready to come home for 10-14 days.

I decided to keep them together and not bring the boy home alone because I’ve been planning the introduction process. And it involves leaving them in another room at night for the first few nights so as to acclimate them to the smells and sights of their new home while not disrupting Theo’s new normal routine too much. I’m posting this because I know those of you who read this blog probably can offer some advice about introducing cats into a new home with a cat who has lived here a long long time (16 years... I can’t believe it...) I don’t think Theo will need too much time adapting to his new siblings given he’s lived his whole life with other cats and he clearly struggled after Thompson died and now losing Diego-San too. But I’m not fooling myself there will be a period of adjustment for all of us...

 

at

6 comments:

  1. Summer at sparklecat.com2:29 AM

    Of course there will be an adjustment period, and Theo, being a senior, is set in his ways. But I remember coming home in 2014, when Binga was 14 and Boodie was 13. They were a little annoyed with me (well, Binga was always annoyed!), but they adjusted to me pretty quickly. But all cat families are different. Maybe it will help having two youngsters to keep each other busy and not pester Theo with too much youthful energy.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mickey's Musings3:10 AM

    Some cats are more accepting of new pals than others.
    Maybe Theo will be happy with new pals. That would make adjustments easier.

    Purrs, Julie

    ReplyDelete
  3. Timmy Tomcat10:09 AM

    We think Theo will be good with his new family members. He sounds like a relaxed friendly fellow. Letting them get used to the house and then scent swapping is a good idea. Just get two towels, one for Theo to lay on and one for the new kitties. Then swap them after a day. Do this a few times and it will help. Cats use scent rather than sight to identify others. Have you ever seen a cat be fine until they sniff another and then the big Hiss. That is a regular happenstance here with certain pushy cats right Rumpy

    ReplyDelete
  4. catladymac2:46 PM

    We send purrayers and Power of the Paw for Theo and his two new mates - and hope the little girl gets well soon ! Timmy's advice about towel swapping is great ! Purrs to all

    ReplyDelete
  5. The Island Cats8:08 PM

    This is exciting news! The best advice we can give is go slow with the introduction. Keeping the newbies in their own room is a great idea. Timmy’s idea about swapping towels or blankets is a good one. We bet Theo will love having some new playmates.

    ReplyDelete
  6. da tabbies o trout towne10:16 AM

    theo...how total lee kewl iz thiz !!! a new brother and sisturr will be awesum
    N we look for werd ta meetin them both ♥♥♥♥♥

    when mackerull stopped bye trout towne; him was trapped feral sew de add vize
    we can give iz prob ablee knot gonna werk; but petfinder haza good article that
    mite offer sum tipz

    https://www.petfinder.com/cats/bringing-a-cat-home/cat-to-cat-introductions/

    hope thiz helpz :) ♥♥

    ReplyDelete