Friday, July 14, 2017

Friday Felines

It's always interesting to see how the dynamic changes when you bring a new cat into a household. Part of the reason I wanted a third cat was for Rupert. He's still very young, not even two. And while Peno does play with him, she's 14 and doesn't play for very long - usually two minutes tops.

And while Rupert is pretty good with her, he's still a young male, and likes to get rough and tumble - which she hates. She quickly puts him in his place when he gets out of hand - but I figured another, younger cat would give her a break, and give Rupert a better outlet for his crazies.

And I was right. The first night I brought Burton home, Rupert was wary, and hung out mostly under the couch - only emerging occasionally to give me a dirty look. But by morning they were playing together.  Since then, they've played every morning, with Rupert progressively getting more and more confident. His favourite game is to trap Burton in their tent and sit on him. But don't worry - little Burt gives as good as he gets. His favourite toy is Rupert's tail.

It's taken Rupert a little longer to forgive me. Before Burt came along, Rupert had started to seek out snuggle time. For some reason, it was always between 4 and 7 p.m. He'd come and sit and stare at me until I made a lap for him to climb in. It was most inconvenient for me, because it was usually around the time that I had to get up to make dinner. Since he wasn't much of a lap cat, I took full advantage and we ate a lot more late dinners.

But then along came Burt and lap time was over. I'd try to seek him out and let him know he was still loved just as much, but he mostly ran under the futon and gave me stink-eye. But slowly, over the last few days, he's been looking for loving again.
You can tell by the look on his face that he's still making it plain that despite play-time, he does not approve of the interloper.
But I don't think it will be too much longer before he forgives me entirely.

10 comments:

Araignee said...

I can hear that lap purr from here!

Vera said...

So cute! I'm glad Rupert and Burt are playing together. Peno can finally rest!!

Bridget said...

Kitties can be so ridiculous! But pretty soon, the pecking order will be established, and your lap will be restored to its proper place. ;-)

The Well Fed Wheel said...

It's good to see them all getting along so well....as we all know that doesn't always happen with our feline friends. ;-)

kathy b said...

I believe in my cat heart, that they all adjust given enough time. Time is very important for cats. since Rupert is back on your lap he is showing , in my opinoin, that he's relaxing again. Too dah loo

Eastside Cats said...

Glad the 'boys' are beginning to enjoy each other, and feel settled!

Anonymous said...

He just HAS to let you know that even though he LIKES Burt, this was NOT his idea and YOU did not ask permission first.

Therefore, you MUST be punished by the withholding of lovin'.

Delighted Hands said...

Cats are like most people, they like change when they initiate it; all other changes are bad!
They are beautiful boys!

chrisknits said...

Aw, little brother rocked the boat. Our oldest did not appreciate the younger's appearance, but now they are thick as thieves.

bittenbyknittin said...

It took a long time for my two cats to get along, not because older and wiser Finn was reluctant but because little Beau is such a spitfire, literally. I have never seen a cat hiss as much as he does. They still are not friends but tolerate each other. Now I have a dog as well, much to the cats' disgust. Finn has adjusted, but Beau complains bitterly.