Kitten update & question

[huskerlaw]

I asked a question a few months ago about how to entertain a very bored only cat and many of you suggested that I get him a playmate...so I did! I got a 5 month old boy on Tuesday night. His picture has been circulating around the lounge, but in case you missed it, here is Spencer...



Initially Spencer and Riley (the older cat) didn't get along too well. Spencer pranced around the apartment like he owned it and Riley was at first curious and then, after Spencer stole Riley's favorite sleeping spot, Riley was really annoyed. Exhibit A:



They spent Tuesday night and Wednesday establishing boundaries and seem to be on the road towards getting along. However, Spencer developed that cold-type thing that's common in cats from animal shelters, so he has been really lethargic and instead of prancing around and being playful, he spends most of the day hiding under the couch.

Spencer also doesn't like to be picked up. He'll run every time I try to grab him, which I try not to do very often, but have to at least twice a day to give him medication (which he hates, and probably isn't helping the distrust). But once I do pick him up, he seems happy to be held and often purrs if I pet him while holding him.

Oh, and then there's the litter box issue. I have 2 boxes in the same bathroom (I only have a 1 bedroom apartment, so that's pretty much the only option). Spencer seems to be doing fine, but Riley (the older one) has pooped outside of the box twice since Tuesday night. One time on the tile floor beside his old box and once on the mat just outside the box. Other times he has used the box. I suspect it's his way of showing his frustration/anger/annoyance.

So my question is...how am I doing? Am I doing anything wrong? Not doing something I should be? Any suggestions? Also, how long does the cold-thing last? Spencer's been on antibiotics since Wednesday and doesn't really seem to be getting any better.

Geesh, I'm as bad as a first time mom. Thanks for your help!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Sounds like you are doing everything right.

I don't know how long it should take for Spencer's cold to clear up -- guess you'll have to check with the vet - but the two of them seem to be adjusting pretty quickly. I read somewhere that when cats poop outside their boxes or leave their poop uncovered, they are staking out their territory: "This is MY litter box!" Not sure what can be done if you don't have anywhere else to put a box; maybe he'll just adjust and get over it.

My new kitty and my "old" kitty are good pals now; they act like they've been together all their lives -- and it took less than a month. I bet that in a few weeks yours will get along fine.

[huskerlaw]

6. Thank you

Spencer's cold still isn't much better...and now Riley is sneezing too, so I'll be calling the vet tomorrow morning.

Good to know about the uncovered poop...they're both doing that at the moment and it's totally nasty! I just have to be ultra-vigilant about the state of the litter boxes, I guess.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. Poop wars! Eeew!

So now the kitties are trying to establish their alpha status with poo. But if you think like a cat, it makes sense. Cats cover their excretions to hide their presence from competitors and predators. Conversely, if you want somebody to know you're around, you leave a pile out where it can be seen (and smelled).

"I'm HERE. Behold my poo."

"Oh, yeah? Well, so am I. Behold MY poo."

We do hope they don't escalate this into some sort of Feline Missile Crisis, with mutual assured excretion as the result.

[huskerlaw]

10. ...

:rofl:

OMG...Feline Missile Crisis. :spray:

But yes, from a cat perspective it does make sense. It still reeks though. ;)

[NV Whino]

2. Sounds like you are doing fine.

Just be sure to give Riley lots of love.

[huskerlaw]

7. Thanks!

I'm trying...he's not very receptive at the moment, but I'm sure he'll come around.

[japple]

3. You're doing it right, Cat Mother. It will just take time.

Ditto the previous suggestion about paying lots of attention to Riley. I remember Carol Wilbourn, former cat psychologist from Cat Fancy, used to say that you should refer to the newcomer as the senior cat's kitten. So, in your case, you would talk to Riley and refer to Spencer as Riley's kitten or Riley's little brother. About pooping outside the box, I don't know. Hope he stops soon, as I know it's annoying, but I do think it's a dominance or territorial thing. You have two litter boxes and that's enough. Good luck. Seems like if they're not hissing and spitting at each other, they'll come around.

[huskerlaw]

8. Thanks for the advice

I have been calling him both "spencer" and "riley's kitty," which is probably more confusing than anything, but oh well.

Spencer seems far more eager to establish a relationship than Riley does. He keeps trying to lay beside Riley when he's sleeping...Riley gets up and walks away. But you're right, at least they're not hissing and spitting. :)

[demnan]

4. Is it possible to move a litter box into the bedroom

or other place? This might help the pooping situation.

[huskerlaw]

5. Possible...

yes, but I really don't want a litter box in my bedroom if I can avoid it.

Besides, if I move a litter box into the bedroom, doesn't that teach them it's ok to poop in the bedroom? I mean, at least at this point he's keeping the poop in the room where the box is located.

It's a thought, I'm just not sure I want to go there. :scared:

[demnan]

11. Well, yes they do pollute it

but I think your older cat is looking for a sanctuary for pooping and inside the box is so preferable.

[huskerlaw]

13. It's gotten better

he has decided to go ahead and poop in the box. That's the good news. The not-as-good news is that he is now refusing to cover the poop up...though he is making sure that the kitten's poop is covered under a heap of litter.

It's better than the steaming pile on the bathroom floor though. ;)

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

12. No litter box wars at our house!

I thought I'd seen everything... but this morning I walked into the bathroom and found both of my cats squatting together in the litter box, shoulder to shoulder, doing their business -- something I've never seen any of my cats do before. I guess I can safely assume my boyz have resolved all of their litter box territory issues. Just sayin', poo wars don't last forever.

[huskerlaw]

14. It's better!

No more poop incidents. Now he's settling for making sure his stinks worse. He's not covering his, but is taking the time to ensure that Spencer's poop is totally covered. ;)

[jschurchin]

15. Get a Dog.

He/She will eat all the cat poop, no more poop problem.

[huskerlaw]

16. Ewwww!

:puke:

Although that would take care of the problem, wouldn't it? But still... :puke: